After a stellar collegiate career at USC, Ron Mix was an obvious first-round talent in the 1960 professional drafts. The NFL's Baltimore Colts selected the Los Angeles native tenth overall, but Mix preferred to remain on the West Coast close to home. Though the Boston Patriots originally held his AFL rights, a trade sent him to the newly formed Los Angeles Chargers, instantly establishing him as the cornerstone of the franchise's offensive line.

The move proved transformative for both player and franchise, as Mix built a case as the greatest offensive lineman in American Football League history. Primarily lining up at right tackle, Mix was named a First-Team All-AFL selection in each of his first nine professional seasons (1960–1968) and earned eight AFL All-Star nods. Renowned for his technique, mobility, and leverage, Mix protected his quarterbacks and opened running lanes with unmatched discipline—famously being penalized for holding only twice across his decade in San Diego.

Mix’s impact extended beyond his elite play on the field into the broader cultural landscape of the era. Prior to the 1965 AFL All-Star Game scheduled for New Orleans, he became the first white player to join Black teammates in a boycott of the host city, standing in firm solidarity against civil rights abuses, systemic discrimination, and segregation. His principled leadership helped force the AFL to relocate the game to Houston, marking a landmark moment in professional sports history.

After struggling through an injury-plagued 1969 campaign—his only subpar year in a Chargers uniform—Mix initially announced his retirement from football. He subsequently returned for one final professional season in 1971 with the rival Oakland Raiders, bringing his decorated 11-year playing career to a close after appearing in 12 games for Oakland.

Recognized as a top blocking force of his generation, Mix was named to the AFL All-Time Team and inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1978. In 1979, he reached gridiron immortality by being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, becoming the second player mainly linked to the AFL to be inducted.