1990–1992
A Bulldog. In every sense.
At Fresno State, Lorenzo rushed for 2,405 career yards and scored 27 rushing touchdowns. A 1992 football All-American and Freedom Bowl MVP, he also earned All-America honors in wrestling that year.
MEMORY LANE · THE LORENZO NEAL ARCHIVE
LORENZO NEAL
A life in the game.
A legacy beyond it.
16NFL SEASONS
4PRO BOWL SELECTIONS
3ALL-PRO HONORS
22JERSEY RETIRED · FRESNO STATE
THROUGH THE YEARS
EVERY CHAPTER.
ALWAYS IN ACTION.
From the Valley to football’s biggest stages, and from the field to the community. The moments that shaped Lorenzo’s journey.
1993
The NFL chapter begins.
The New Orleans Saints selected Lorenzo in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. It was the beginning of a 16-season playing career built on toughness, preparation, and making the players around him better.
Fresno State Athletics2002–2007
The fullback who led the way.
Four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors recognized one of football’s great blocking fullbacks. With the Chargers, Lorenzo helped clear the way for LaDainian Tomlinson and a remarkable era of rushing football.
2012
Showing up for the next generation.
After his playing days, Lorenzo continued to give back. Village News documented his support for Fallbrook’s young athletes through a celebrity golf event benefiting Pop Warner football.
Village News · July 19, 20122017
A friendship worthy of Canton.
LaDainian Tomlinson chose his former fullback to present him for his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement. In the Chargers’ interview, Lorenzo called it “the greatest honor of my career.”
Chargers · August 3, 20172019
A familiar voice in the Bay.
Radio Ink covered Lorenzo’s contract extension with 95.7 The Game, where he co-hosted Joe, Lo & Dibs. He had joined the station as an on-air personality in 2014, bringing his experience and personality to the sports conversation.
2021
No. 22. A lasting Valley legacy.
Fresno State honored Lorenzo with the retirement of his No. 22 jersey at its October 23 homecoming game. The university celebrated both his collegiate accomplishments and his distinguished professional career.
Fresno State · Jersey retirement announcement2025
Recognition that keeps growing.
In October 2025, the Titans reported that Lorenzo advanced among 52 modern-era candidates under consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This was a nomination-stage honor, not an announcement of induction.
Tennessee Titans · October 22, 2025BEYOND THE GAME
Still a player in action.
The next chapter brings broadcasting, community, and Players In Action together—carrying a lifetime of teamwork into new opportunities beyond the field.
TEAMMATES. BROTHERS. LEGENDS.
THE PHOTO GALLERY.
Moments shared with the players who lined up beside him.
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IN PRINT. ON AIR. IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE MEDIA ALBUM.
News, interviews, honors, and stories from the people who have followed the journey.
8 stories
Fresno State to retire #22 jersey
The university’s tribute to a Bulldog All-American and four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection.
Read the storyLorenzo advances in Class of 2026 Hall of Fame consideration
The official report on the 52 modern-era players advancing in the selection process.
Read the storyMankins and Neal named Modern-Era nominees
Fresno State celebrates its alumni’s nominations for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Read the storyLorenzo opens up about presenting LT in Canton
An interview about friendship, gratitude, and the legacy of LaDainian Tomlinson.
Read the story“Absolutely amazing” against the Raiders
Lorenzo and Marcellus Wiley share their memories in this team podcast retrospective.
Read the storyEntercom locks down Neal
Industry coverage of Lorenzo’s contract extension at Bay Area sports station 95.7 The Game.
Read the storyCelebrity supports Fallbrook kids
A local news story about Lorenzo’s support for youth sports after the NFL.
Read the storyThe story continues, in Lorenzo’s own words.
Follow Lorenzo’s identified Instagram account for moments beyond the game.
Visit InstagramHistorical summaries reflect the linked coverage and its publication date. Hall of Fame nominations are not inductions. Archival photos remain the property of their respective rights holders; source and photographer credits appear with each image.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE.
Be part of something bigger. Be part of the action.
