Neal Petties

Cornelius Neal Petties (September 16, 1940 – June 6, 2023) was an American football end. He played for the Baltimore Colts from 1964 to 1966. Cornelius “Neal” Petties was born September 16, 1940, in San Diego, California to Leon Clinton Petties, Sr. and Lillian Parker Petties. He was the fourth of six children born to this union. His five siblings Leon Jr., Jacqueline, Martel, Lawrence and George predeceased him. Neal was affectionately known as “Pop, “Daddy-O” “Tall, Tan & Terrific” and Dad by his family and friends. After his football career, he worked for the City of San Diego for 25 years in the Park and Recreation Department as Director of Mountain View Park. While working for the City, Neal implemented numerous programs to benefit neighborhood youth. He brought live entertainment, organized trips to amusement parks for the kids, and was instrumental in getting a lot of people in the community jobs with the City. While employed with the City, he also worked part-time security for the Palisade Skating Rink. Everyone knew “Big Neal”. 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.