Ray played for Vanderbilt University for three seasons, 1935-1937. He was a stand-out at both offensive and defensive tackle, due in part to his tremendous size. Ray stood 6' 6" and weighed over 280 pounds, much larger than nearly all college football players of the day.[3] In his final season with the Commodores, Ray was named a co-captain.[4]
Ray also competed in the shot put while at Vanderbilt.[5]
Professional career
Ray was not selected in the 1938 NFL Draft, and became the subject of a free agent bidding war between George Halas of the Chicago Bears and Curly Lambeau of the Packers.[6] Ray signed with Green Bay, playing the entirety of his 11-year NFL career with the Packers.
Early in his career, Ray shed upwards of 25 pounds from his college playing weight,[6] helping to improve his mobility. Throughout his pro career, Ray typically played at 250-255 pounds.[7]
After retiring as a player, Ray returned to Vanderbilt as an assistant coach under head coachBill Edwards.[8] He later became the university's first full-time football recruiter[2] and also served as the head of the physical education department.[8] Following his tenure at Vanderbilt, he rejoined the Packers organization as a scout.[3]