A perplexing legacy

Ball never will escape his pass on fourth down later that season against Georgia, a pass thrown intentionally out of bounds as Ball escaped heavy pressure by running out of the pocket. He’ll never live down his interceptions in key moments, such as on Tech’s final play on offense in each of Ball’s final two games against Georgia, both decided by a touchdown or less. In the game that Tech fans want to win most every season, Ball never captured the moment in the chances he received.

He had two wins against Clemson, two wins against Miami — including a massive upset when the Hurricanes were ranked No. 3 in the country — and two wins in two tries over Auburn. But fair or not, he’s still mainly remembered for those games against the Bulldogs.

“I was fresh to the pressure of it all,” Ball said. “I had no idea. All I saw was college football and the NFL on TV, and I said, ‘Hey, I want to hear the crowds roar. I want to be the guy that throws the winning TD. I want to be that guy. I want the camera to follow me. I want Keith Jackson to say my name. I want to be the focal point. I want to lead my team and be great.’ But the stuff that comes along with it, the criticism that comes along with it, it’s tough for a young kid.”

Ball’s playing career never reached the heights he imagined. Many Tech fans still grumble about him and fans of a key rival remember him fondly. But within that narrative lies something more poignant. For a brief time, one young, dying fan reveled in watching Reggie Ball play football, leaving Ball to revel in their one simple game of catch.