| Date of birth: | August 26, 1943 |
| Place of birth: | Portland, Oregon |
| Career information | |
|---|---|
| Position(s): | Defensive tackle |
| College: | Montana State |
| Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 1967-1970 1971-1973 1974-1975 1976 1977 |
Dallas Cowboys San Diego Chargers Cleveland Browns Atlanta Falcons Seattle Seahawks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Awards: | All Big Sky Defensive Lineman |
| Honors: | MSU Athletic Hall of Fame |
| Playing stats at NFL.com | |
Ronald Allan East (born August 26, 1943 in Portland, Oregon) is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League from 1967 to 1977. He played for Oregon State University and Montana State University in college following his completion of service to the United States Marine Corps.
Ron East was the fifth defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys from 1967-1971. Ron was a backup for defensive tackles Bob Lilly and Jethro Pugh. Some thought he won the starting job in 1970 however they gave the job to Jethro Pugh who had a 2” height advantage. Ron Asked for a trade after the conclusion of the 1970 season and it was granted. He and two other players went to the San Diego Chargers for Lance Alworth in 1971. Tom Landry later said "Ron East was the most aggressive player he ever coached". Ron went on to be a Defensive standout for the San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks. He was noted for solidifying the legacy of Earl Morrall when Ron and Deacon Jones sacked Bob Griese in game 5 of the 1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season. Bob Griese went down with a broken leg and dislocated ankle.
Ron East's wife gave birth to Ron's son on January 17, 1971 while he was playing in Super Bowl V.
East also played for one season with The Hawaiians of the World Football League in 1974.
East was inducted into the Montana State University Hall of Fame in 1999. He has been a Real Estate developer in Seattle, Washington since his retirement from the NFL in 1977.