Ball attended Saint Martin de Porres High School in Detroit, Michigan, where he was a member of the football team that won the state title in 2001. He ended with 15 interceptions, including six in his senior year and six more in the postseason. After graduating from high school early, Ball went on to play college football at Penn State University. After playing one season for the Nittany Lions, Ball entered the 2002 NFL Draft. He was selected second overall by the Miami Dolphins. During his time with the Dolphins, Ball helped them reach the 2003 AFC Championship Game before losing to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. In 2004, he started all 16 games for the first time in his career and led the league in interceptions with 17. The Dolphins made it to the 2005 AFC Championship Game but lost to the Steelers 24-7. In 2006, Ball started 13 games for the first time since 2004 and had 105 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He also returned five kicks for 39 yards and one touchdown. The Dolphins finished the season with a 9-7 record and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2003. After one season with the Dolphins, Ball joined the New York Jets as their new defensive coordinator under Herm Edwards. In 2008, he helped guide their defense to the third best total in NFL history.