Joe Nicely Explained

Number:55
Position:Offensive guard
Birth Date:26 November 1934
Birth Place:Trout, West Virginia
Death Place:Glendale, Arizona
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:230
High School:Rupert (WV)
College:West Virginia
Draftyear:1958
Draftround:3
Draftpick:35
Pastteams:
Highlights:

Joseph Burel Nicely (November 26, 1934 – September 24, 2010) was an American football offensive guard in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes. He also was a member of the Washington Redskins in the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia University.

Early years

Nicely attended Rupert High School.[1] To play football, he had to walk 6 to 8 miles home after each practice.[2]

He accepted a football scholarship from West Virginia University, where he became a starter at offensive guard offense and a middle guard on defense.[2] As a senior, he missed three games with a broken bone in his hand. He participated in the Blue–Gray Football Classic, Senior Bowl and Chicago College All-Star Game.[3]

Professional career

Nicely was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the third round (35th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft.[4] He was waived before the start of the season on September 9.[5]

On September 12, 1958, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.[6] He appeared in 5 games as a backup at offensive guard and offensive tackle. He was released on October 14.[7]

On January 28, 1959, he signed with the Washington Redskins, where he was tried at center.[8] On September 15, he was placed on the team's reserve list with an injury and was later signed to the taxi squad.[9]

In 1960, Nicely was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the expansion draft. He suffered from a blood infection that turned out to be Hepatitis C and did not make the team.[10]

Personal life

Nicely had three fingers cut off from his right hand in an accident he had during his youth.[2] He died on September 24, 2008.[11]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Joe Nicely . February 27, 2020.
  2. Web site: WVU s Nicely was one of greats on offensive line . October 8, 2010 . Fox Sports . February 27, 2020.
  3. News: Grid All-Stars slay inept Detroit Lions . Milwaukee Journal . Johnson . Chuck . August 16, 1958 . 12 . February 27, 2020 .
  4. Web site: 1958 NFL Draft . . February 27, 2020.
  5. Web site: Colts Place Joe Nicely On Waivers . 10 September 1958 . February 27, 2020.
  6. Web site: Ex-Redskins castoff, may join the Walker A Lift? . 13 September 1958 . February 27, 2020.
  7. Web site: Big Four Teams Declare Selections of Imports . February 27, 2020.
  8. Web site: Redskins Sign WVU's Nicely . 29 January 1959 . February 27, 2020.
  9. Web site: Redskins Sign WVU's Nicely . 16 September 1959 . February 27, 2020.
  10. Web site: Dallas Loses Guard . 24 August 1960 . February 27, 2020.
  11. Web site: Burel J. Nicely Obituary . . February 27, 2020.