University of South Dakota Athletics

Ordell Braase was one of the standout two-sport athletes at South Dakota. Braase, originally of Mitchell, came to USD on a basketball scholarship but became better known on the football field. He earned all-North Central Conference honors in both 1953 and 1954. Nicknamed "Big Brace," he was an all-state basketball player in Mitchell, SD. After his standout career at USD, Braase was picked in the 14th round of the National Football League draft by the Baltimore Colts. He helped lead the Colts to league championships in 1957, 1958, and 1968 before retiring. Braase earned Pro Bowl honors in 1966 and 1967 and served as president of the NFL Players Association. In 1969, he was named to the South Dakota all-time high school and all-time collegiate football teams. Braase played basketball for the Coyotes in 1953-54, leading South Dakota in scoring at 12.4 per game while grabbing 11 rebounds a game. He also earned all-NCC honors that season. His best basketball game was a 20-point, 22-rebound performance vs. Iowa Teachers College. He resides in Owings Mills, MD, where he is an executive with Frostie-Dixie Cola Sales.