Foley was a three-year starter playing college football at offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes under head coach Woody Hayes. Foley stated that he did not intend to come to Ohio State but was won over by charisma of coach Hayes and by seeing The Ohio State University Marching Band performing in Ohio Stadium. Foley played right tackle in 1966 and 1967, and moved to left tackle in 1968. Prior to his senior year, he was named a team co-captain, along with linebacker Dirk Worden. That year the Buckeyes finished the season undefeated and were voted consensus national champions after defeating the University of Southern California in the 1969 Rose Bowl.
Foley was selected in the first round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft by the New York Jets. After two years with the Jets he was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played for the remainder of his professional career. A Pro Bowl selection in 1973, he was the starting right tackle with the Bills' Electric Company.[1]