National Football Foundation

A Houston native, Joe Ince won letters in 1961 and 1962, and he was Navy’s punting specialist in those years with an average of 36.5 yards in 51 kicks. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy as the valedictorian of Lamar High School (Texas) and the most valuable player on the football team.

The vice president of his senior class at Navy, Ince held the position of Brigade Commander, the highest position to which a midshipman can aspire. He was chosen on the basis of academic excellence, aptitude for the service and conduct. He was a member of the class honor committee, and he coordinated exchange visits with the West Point cadets.

The 1963 Navy football team finished 9-2 after losing to No. 1 Texas in the Cotton Bowl. After graduation, Ince served as a submarine officer for six years before going to Harvard to earn his MBA in 1972. He has worked in business development for nearly 30 years, and he last served as the Director of Public Affairs for Christian Union in 2010.