Longhorn Legends: The Retired Numbers of Texas Football
Honoring Gridiron Greats
Texas Football has a rich history filled with outstanding players who have left an indelible mark on the program. The University of Texas honors its greatest Longhorns by retiring their jersey numbers, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come. The Longhorns have retired a total of six numbers in their football program's history, recognizing the exceptional contributions of these legendary athletes.
These retired numbers represent more than just statistical achievements; they embody the spirit, dedication, and excellence that define Texas Football. From Tommy Nobis' iconic #60 to Earl Campbell's #20, each retired jersey tells a story of athletic prowess and leadership on and off the field. These Longhorn legends not only excelled during their time at the University of Texas but also went on to have successful professional careers, further cementing their status as all-time greats.
By retiring these jersey numbers, Texas Football preserves the memory of its most outstanding players and inspires current and future Longhorns to strive for greatness. The retired numbers serve as a constant reminder of the program's storied past and the high standards set by these exceptional athletes who wore the burnt orange with pride.
Origins of Honor
The University of Texas football program has a long-standing tradition of honoring its greatest players. This practice began as a way to recognize exceptional athletes who made significant contributions to the team's success and legacy.
Tradition of Excellence
Texas Longhorns football has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The program's commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous conference championships, national titles, and individual player accolades. Over the years, certain players have stood out for their extraordinary performances and impact on the field.
These exceptional athletes became the foundation for the jersey retirement tradition. Their achievements set the standard for future generations of Longhorns players and helped establish Texas as a powerhouse in college football.
Criteria for Jersey Retirement
The University of Texas has strict criteria for retiring a player's jersey number. This honor is reserved for those who have made an indelible mark on the program's history. Factors considered include:
Individual awards (e.g. Heisman Trophy)
All-American selections
Conference and national championships
Statistical records
Impact on team success
Character and leadership
To date, Texas has retired six jersey numbers. These belong to players who not only excelled on the field but also embodied the values and spirit of Longhorn football. The retired numbers serve as a permanent tribute to these legends and inspire current and future players to strive for greatness.
Legendary Figures
Texas Football has honored six exceptional players by retiring their jersey numbers. These athletes left an indelible mark on the program through their outstanding performances, leadership, and impact both on and off the field.
Bobby Layne: A Pivotal Pioneer
Bobby Layne's #22 was the first number retired by Texas Football. A quarterback from 1944 to 1947, Layne set 39 school records during his time at Texas. He earned All-American honors in 1947 and finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Layne's impact extended beyond college. He enjoyed a successful 15-year NFL career, primarily with the Detroit Lions. His professional achievements include four Pro Bowl selections and three NFL championships.
In 1968, Layne was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a Longhorn legend.
Tommy Nobis: The Tenacious Linebacker
Tommy Nobis, known as "Mr. Linebacker," wore #60 for the Longhorns from 1963 to 1965. He was a two-time All-American and recipient of the Outland Trophy and Maxwell Award in 1965.
Nobis played a crucial role in Texas' 1963 national championship team. His most memorable play came in the 1965 Orange Bowl when he stopped Alabama's Joe Namath at the goal line on fourth down.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Nobis first overall in the 1966 NFL Draft. He went on to earn five Pro Bowl selections during his 11-year NFL career.
Earl Campbell: The Tyler Rose
Earl Campbell, nicknamed "The Tyler Rose," donned #20 for Texas from 1974 to 1977. He capped his college career by winning the 1977 Heisman Trophy.
Campbell's punishing running style and impressive stats - 4,443 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns - made him a fan favorite. He earned All-American honors twice and was the first player selected in the 1978 NFL Draft.
In the NFL, Campbell continued to excel. He won the NFL MVP award and was a three-time First-Team All-Pro with the Houston Oilers. His professional success led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Ricky Williams: Record-Breaking Running Back
Ricky Williams wore #34 for Texas from 1995 to 1998. He left Austin as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher with 6,279 yards.
Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 1998, setting 20 NCAA records in the process. He surpassed Tony Dorsett's career rushing record in dramatic fashion, scoring on a 60-yard touchdown run against Texas A&M.
The New Orleans Saints traded their entire draft to select Williams fifth overall in 1999. He played 11 seasons in the NFL, earning one Pro Bowl selection.
Vince Young: The National Champion
Vince Young's #10 jersey was retired after his legendary performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl. He led Texas to a national championship, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds left.
Young's dual-threat abilities made him a nightmare for defenses. He finished his Texas career with 6,040 passing yards, 3,127 rushing yards, and 81 total touchdowns.
The Tennessee Titans selected Young third overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He earned two Pro Bowl selections during his six-year NFL career.
Colt McCoy: The Prolific Passer
Colt McCoy wore #12 for Texas from 2006 to 2009. He left as the most accurate passer in NCAA history with a 70.3% completion rate.
McCoy led Texas to the 2009 BCS National Championship Game. He finished his career with 13,253 passing yards, 112 touchdowns, and a 45-8 record as a starter.
The Cleveland Browns selected McCoy in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has enjoyed a long NFL career as a backup quarterback, playing for several teams.
More Honored Longhorns
While only six numbers have been retired, many other Longhorns have received significant honors. Players like Hub Bechtol, the first three-time All-American in Southwest Conference history, have left lasting impacts on the program.
Texas has produced two Outland Trophy winners, four Maxwell Award recipients, and six Heisman Trophy finalists. The Longhorns' rich football tradition extends far beyond the retired numbers, with numerous players enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Accolades and Achievements
Texas football has produced numerous players who have earned prestigious honors and accolades at both the collegiate and professional levels. The Longhorns' legacy of excellence is reflected in their impressive list of award winners and record-holders.
Consensus All-Americans
The University of Texas has a rich tradition of producing Consensus All-Americans. This elite group includes players recognized by multiple selectors as the best at their positions. Earl Campbell, Tommy Nobis, and Ricky Williams are among the most notable Longhorns to achieve this distinction.
Texas has had 62 Consensus All-American selections since 1903. The 1960s and 1970s were particularly successful decades, with players like Scott Appleton and Jerry Sisemore earning multiple All-American honors. More recently, linebacker Derrick Johnson and safety Michael Huff continued this tradition in the early 2000s.
Heisman Trophy Winners
The Longhorns boast two Heisman Trophy winners, college football's most coveted individual award. Earl Campbell, known as the "Tyler Rose," claimed the honor in 1977 after a dominant senior season. Ricky Williams followed suit in 1998, breaking the NCAA career rushing record in the process.
Campbell rushed for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns in his Heisman-winning campaign. Williams amassed 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns in his record-breaking senior year. Both players had their jersey numbers retired by Texas and went on to successful NFL careers.
Prestigious Award Recipients
Texas players have garnered numerous other national awards throughout the program's history. The Maxwell Award, given to the best all-around player in college football, has been won by Longhorns Tommy Nobis (1965) and Ricky Williams (1998).
The Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, has been claimed by Texas players Scott Appleton (1963) and Brad Shearer (1977). Quarterback Vince Young won the Davey O'Brien Award as the country's best quarterback in 2005, the same year he led Texas to a national championship.
Several Longhorns have also been named National Player of the Year by various organizations, further cementing the program's status as a powerhouse in college football.
Cultural Impact
The retired numbers of Texas football legends have left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless athletes. These honored jerseys represent more than just statistical achievements - they embody the spirit and tradition of Longhorn football.
Inspiring Future Generations
Young athletes dream of following in the footsteps of Texas greats like Earl Campbell and Vince Young. The sight of retired numbers displayed prominently at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium serves as a constant reminder of the program's rich history.
High school players across Texas set their sights on donning the burnt orange, motivated by the legacy of excellence established by Longhorn legends. The retired numbers create a tangible link between past and present, connecting current players to the storied tradition they now represent.
Influence on College and Pro Football
Texas football's retired numbers have impacted the game far beyond Austin. Many honorees went on to illustrious NFL careers, cementing the Longhorns' reputation as a pipeline for pro talent.
Earl Campbell's bruising running style revolutionized the tailback position in both college and the pros. His number 20 hangs in both the Longhorns' and Tennessee Titans' rafters. Tommy Nobis, whose number 60 was retired, is considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
The success of Texas legends at the next level has elevated the program's national profile, helping attract top recruits and maintain the Longhorns' status as a perennial power in college football.
Retired Numbers
The University of Texas Football program has honored six exceptional players by retiring their jersey numbers. This rare distinction recognizes their extraordinary contributions and lasting impact on Longhorn football.
The Significance of the Honor
Jersey number retirement is the highest individual honor a Texas football player can receive. It permanently removes that number from future use, ensuring the player's legacy lives on. This prestigious recognition is reserved for athletes who have demonstrated unparalleled skill, leadership, and character during their time as Longhorns. These players not only excelled on the field but also left an indelible mark on the program's history and culture.
The retired numbers serve as a constant reminder of greatness for current and future players. They inspire new generations of Longhorns to strive for excellence and uphold the program's storied traditions.
List of Retired Numbers
Texas Football has retired six jersey numbers:
#20 - Earl Campbell (1974-1977)
#22 - Bobby Layne (1944-1947)
#60 - Tommy Nobis (1963-1965)
#34 - Ricky Williams (1995-1998)
#10 - Vince Young (2003-2005)
#12 - Colt McCoy (2006-2009)
Earl Campbell, known as the "Tyler Rose," rushed for 4,443 yards and 40 touchdowns during his Texas career. He won the 1977 Heisman Trophy.
Tommy Nobis, a linebacker and guard, was a two-time All-American. His #60 was also the first number retired by the Atlanta Falcons.
Ricky Williams set numerous rushing records and claimed the 1998 Heisman Trophy. He finished his Texas career with 6,279 rushing yards.
Beyond the Gridiron
The impact of Texas football extends far beyond the university's hallowed field. Longhorn legends have left an indelible mark on professional football and Texas culture at large.
Successful Alumni in the NFL
Earl Campbell's NFL career exemplified the Longhorn spirit. The first overall pick in the 1978 draft, Campbell dominated as a Houston Oiler. He earned NFL MVP honors and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Tom Landry, a Longhorn quarterback in the late 1940s, became an NFL icon. As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 seasons, Landry led the team to five Super Bowl appearances and two championships.
Ricky Williams, whose number 34 is retired at Texas, had a successful NFL career. He rushed for over 10,000 yards and made the Pro Bowl, leaving his mark on the professional game.
Legacy in Texas Culture
Texas football has become deeply ingrained in the state's cultural fabric. The Longhorns' burnt orange is instantly recognizable across Texas and beyond.
Game days in Austin are major events, drawing fans from all corners of the state. The team's success has inspired generations of young athletes to dream of donning the Longhorn jersey.
Texas football traditions, like the "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign, have spread far beyond the university. These symbols unite Texans and serve as a source of state pride.
The retired numbers at Texas represent more than just on-field achievements. They embody the values of excellence, determination, and teamwork that resonate throughout Texas culture.
Contemporary Recognition
Texas football continues to honor its legendary players through various forms of recognition. The program's greatest stars are immortalized in halls of fame and celebrated by new generations of fans.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Earl Campbell entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. The "Tyler Rose" rushed for 4,443 yards and 40 touchdowns during his Longhorn career. In 2000, Campbell joined Ricky Williams on the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-Century Team.
Tommy Nobis earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981. His fierce linebacker play helped Texas capture the 1963 National Championship. Nobis later became the first player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1966.
Ricky Williams entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. He left Texas as the NCAA's all-time leading rusher with 6,592 yards. Williams won the 1998 Heisman Trophy in record-breaking fashion.
Modern-Day Legends
Vince Young led Texas to the 2005 National Championship with an epic performance against USC. His No. 10 jersey was retired in 2008. Young won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback in 2005.
Colt McCoy finished his career as the winningest quarterback in NCAA history. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2008 and 2009. McCoy earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors twice.
Jordan Shipley set numerous Texas receiving records from 2006-2009. He was a consensus All-American in 2009. Shipley's 13 touchdown catches in 2008 remain a single-season school record.
The Longhorn Legacy
The University of Texas football program has built a rich legacy spanning decades. This legacy encompasses time-honored traditions, fierce rivalries, and a bright future for the Longhorns.
Maintaining Traditions
Texas football thrives on its cherished traditions. The iconic "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign unites fans worldwide. Bevo, the live longhorn mascot, has been a sideline fixture since 1916. The team's pregame ritual of touching the Longhorn logo before taking the field energizes players and fans alike.
The singing of "The Eyes of Texas" after games reinforces the bond between the team and its supporters. These traditions create a unique gameday atmosphere at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, fostering a sense of community and pride among Longhorn faithful.
Rivalries and Their Importance
Rivalries fuel the passion of Texas football. The Red River Showdown against Oklahoma remains one of college football's most intense matchups. This annual clash in Dallas draws national attention and often carries conference title implications.
The Longhorns' in-state rivalry with Texas A&M, though currently dormant, holds historical significance. These heated contests have shaped the program's identity and motivated players to reach new heights. Emerging rivalries with Big 12 opponents like TCU and Baylor add fresh excitement to each season's schedule.
Future of Texas Football
Texas football looks ahead to a promising future. The program's commitment to top-tier facilities and coaching talent aims to attract elite recruits. The Longhorn Network provides unparalleled exposure, showcasing the team to a wide audience.
Recent success in the Manning Award, given to the nation's top quarterback, highlights the program's ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. As college football evolves, Texas remains poised to adapt and compete at the highest level. The Longhorns' storied history serves as a foundation for continued success in the years to come.
