Selected in the second round of the 1965 NFL Draft from Oklahoma, Ralph Neely quickly established himself on the Dallas Cowboys’ line, helping to shape the team's initial era of success. As a consensus All-American for the Sooners, Neely combined agility, excellent footwork, and a fierce attitude in Tom Landry's scheme, securing the starting right tackle position as a rookie and earning recognition on the NFL All-Rookie team.

Neely quickly rose to prominence as one of the top blocking tackles in pro football, anchoring the right side during the era of the "Doomsday" defense. His prime years were from 1967 to 1969, when he earned three straight First-Team All-Pro selections and consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 1967 and 1968. Neely had the necessary strength to push defenders back in the run game for players like Don Perkins and Calvin Hill, as well as the agility to stay lateral against edge rushers and protect quarterback Don Meredith.

When Rayfield Wright secured his position on the right side, Landry moved Neely to left tackle, where he transitioned smoothly while safeguarding the blind side for Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Neely began at left tackle in Super Bowl VI, paving the way for Dallas's dominant 24–3 victory over the Miami Dolphins and earning the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy.

Despite breaking his leg in an off-field motorcycle crash that sidelined him during part of the 1971 season, Neely fought to stay a key part of the offense throughout the 1970s. He offered veteran leadership to a changing roster and ended his playing career by starting at left tackle in Super Bowl XII, where Dallas beat the Denver Broncos 27–10 to earn his second championship ring. He retired after the 1977 season, having spent all 13 years with the Cowboys.

Neely, who spent 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (1965–1977), played 172 regular-season games, starting 168, and appeared in 21 postseason contests and four Super Bowls. A three-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, and NFL 1960s All-Decade Team member, he is one of the most decorated and durable offensive tackles in franchise history.