He was selected in the 1960 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, the 86th overall pick, where he played for five years. On April 13, 1965, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for linebacker Dan Currie. The speedy Dale was a very important contribution for the Packers' historic run of three consecutive NFL championships, which included Super Bowls I and II. He played eight seasons in Green Bay, and after a year with the Minnesota Vikings, he retired from the NFL after the 1973 season, having amassed 438 receptions for 8,277 yards and 52 touchdowns and four rushes for 30 yards.