Neiron's Story

Neiron Arrod Ball was a student in the Butts County School system where his favorite teacher was Mrs. Claire Zant. Mrs. Zant was pivotal in helping Neiron and his family during the difficult time when he lost both parents by the age of 9 years old.

Neiron was an honor student and member of the BETA Club throughout his educational career. He was a three-sport athlete at Jackson High School where he ran track, played basketball, and excelled at football. Neiron graduated from Jackson High School in 2010. He received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Florida (UF) and graduated early from Jackson High School as he enrolled at UF in January 2010.

Neiron attended the University of Florida where he was a linebacker on the football team from 2010–2015. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from UF and entered the 2015 National Football League Draft. He was drafted in the 5th Round (#161) by the Oakland Raiders and played for the Raiders from 2015–2017.

Despite these athletic accolades, his greatest accomplishment was his character and courage. He wore a smile on his face and was a caring individual. Neiron was honored with two prestigious awards during his college career at UF: the Chris Patrick Courage Award and the Forest K. Ferguson Award.

The Chris Patrick Courage Award is given to the player who, after injury, demonstrates outstanding commitment and dedication in the athletic training room in an effort to return to activity with the team. Neiron Ball is synonymous with the word courage. He suffered from an AVM in 2012 and was sidelined with this injury for one season. During his time with the Gators, he was able to get back on the field and be a productive linebacker. Neiron was the recipient of the Chris Patrick Courage Award in 2013.

The Forest K. Ferguson Award is presented annually in memory of one of the University of Florida’s greatest athletes. The award is given in the form of a trophy, which remains in permanent possession of the school. The recipient is the Gators’ senior football player who displays outstanding leadership, character, and courage and is selected by the Florida Gators coaching staff. Neiron was the recipient of this award in 2014.

Neiron made his transition to be with the Lord on September 10, 2019, as a result of suffering a brain aneurysm on September 16, 2018. He fought hard to overcome the obstacles of the illness while he was hospitalized.

Dr. Natalie Ball-Myricks established the NB Legacy Scholarship in honor of her baby brother to be a beacon of hope for student athletes who struggle against all odds in their life. Despite all obstacles, Neiron smiled in the face of God. It is the foundation’s hope that the recipient(s) of this scholarship will help continue Neiron’s legacy by working hard and defying the odds while they pursue their degree.

The Neiron Ball Legacy Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Jackson High School student athlete who encompasses the qualities of both awards that Neiron received at the University of Florida. The recipient(s) of this award will be announced at the Jackson High School graduation by a member of the NB Scholarship Committee.

To find out more about the Neiron Ball Legacy Foundation, please visit

​Dr. Natalie Ball, Neiron’s sister, is a professor at Mercer University. She has over 23 years of experience in public education. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and obtained her PhD in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. She wrote her first children’s book based on her brother Neiron’s life as a professional football player in the NFL. 

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