 After graduating high school, Key played college football for Southwest Texas State University as a starting tight end. In track and field, he placed first in the shot put during the Lone Star Conference finals with 54 feet 3.25 inches (16.54 metres) in May 1967. He finished fourth in the discus in the finals. In the Texas Relays in April 1968, Key placed third in the shot put with 55 feet 9.5 inches (17.01 metres). He was inducted into the Texas State Bobcats Hall of Honor in 1983.
