Neal Petties

Cornelius "Neal" Petties was an American professional football end. He played for the Baltimore Colts from 1964 to 1966.

College career

Petties played wide receiver for the Don Coryell's San Diego State Aztecs from 1961-63. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards all three seasons and amassing 63 catches for 1,274 yards and 13 touchdowns. Pettis was a three-time all-California Collegiate Athletic Association honoree and as senior was a third-team little college Associated Press All-American. Petties played defense for the Aztecs, as well, recording seven interceptions. In 2006, Petties was inducted into the San Diego State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Petties was selected in the 14th round by the Baltimore Colts in the 1963 NFL draft and in the 21st round by the Oakland Raiders in 1963 [American Football League draft|1963 AFL draft]. He played three seasons with the Colts from 1964-66, mainly on football positions#Special teams|special teams]. As a rookie, in 1964, he caught his only two NFL passes, including a touchdown reception from Tom Matte in the fourth quarter of the Colts 45-17 victory over the Washington Redskins.
Petties was selected in the 1966 [NFL expansion draft] by the Atlanta Falcons, but an injury led to Atlanta letting his go and he rejoined the Colts for the 1966 season.
In 1968, Petties played a season in Continental Football League for the Las Vegas Cowboys.

After football

Following his football career worked for the city of San Diego for 25 years in the Park and Recreation Department as Director of Mountain View Park and part-time security for the Palisade Skating Rink. After retiring from the city, Neal went on to work for the San Diego Port District, and later as a job coach for the mentally challenged.
Petties died on June 6, 2023, at the age of 82. In July 2023, the city of San Diego renamed Mountain View Park as Neal Petties Mountain View Community Park.