Buck Lansford

Lansford played high school football at Carrizo Springs High School.^[1] After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Austin and played as a tackle for them starting in 1951.^[2] His older brother, James "Longhorn Jim" Lansford, also played for the University of Texas.^[1][3] In 1952, Lansford played in the left tackle position.^[4] In 1953 he was nominated for the College Football All-America Team but was not ultimately selected.^[5][6] Lansford was made one of three team captains for the Texas Longhorns in 1954.^[7] That year, he was described as the "leed Steer" of Texas' offense and was again unsuccessfully nominated for the All-America team.^[6][8][9]

Lansford was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1955 NFL draft.^[10] He re-signed with the Eagles in 1956.^[11] That same year, he was selected to the 1956 Pro Bowl.^[12] In 1957 he was named an All-Pro player. The Eagles would not have another All-Pro offensive lineman until Jermane Mayberry in 2002.^[13] In 1958 Lansford and Jimmy Harris were traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Norm Van Brocklin.^[14] Lansford was made a captain on the Rams and played for the team through the 1960 season but quit the team partway through training camp in 1961 after a dispute over being made backup.^[15] As he was still under contract with the Rams, they attempted to arrange for him to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys but no deal was ultimately made.^[16][17] After three years absence from professional football, Lansford was signed to the Houston Oilers in August 1965.^[18] At the end of the month, Lansford announced his intention to formally retire and returned home to Lampasas, Texas.^[19]