The Texas State Bobcats Football program is a proud part of the vibrant athletics culture at Texas State University. With a long-standing tradition of success on the field, the Bobcats have won multiple conference championships and competed in a number of bowl games.
The team is led by Head Coach Jake Spavital and his staff, who are committed to developing successful student-athletes both on and off the field. With the support of the local community and the commitment of its players, the Bobcats are looking to continue their winning tradition and make a name for themselves in the NCAA.
1. David Mayo
Linebacker
Career
- High school: Scappoose (Scappoose, Oregon)
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 5 / Pick: 169
- Carolina Panthers (2015–2018), San Francisco 49ers (2019)*, New York Giants (2019–2020), Washington Football Team / Commanders (2021–present)
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Roster status: Active
- Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year (2014)
- Tackles: 236, Sacks: 3.0, Forced fumbles: 1, Fumble recoveries: 2, Pass deflections: 5
- Tackles: 236
- Sacks: 3.0
- Forced fumbles: 1
- Fumble recoveries: 2
- Pass deflections: 5
David Mayo was a linebacker for the Washington Football Team from 2021 to 2025. He played for the Carolina Panthers from 2015 to 2018 and the San Francisco 49ers from 2019 to 2025.
Mayo has a total of 66 career tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. He was born on August 18, 1993 in St. Helens, Oregon. David Mayo is 1.88 m tall and weighs 109 kg. David Mayo is a defensive lineman who played collegiately at the University of Georgia.
Mayo was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Mayo is expected to contribute to the Giants' defensive line rotation in 2019. David Mayo has had success in the Sun Belt conference, where he has played for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Mayo is a versatile player who can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. David Mayo is a hard worker who is excited to join the Washington Football Team. David Mayo is looking to improve his skills in order to contribute to the team's success in the future.
David Mayo is a versatile player who can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. David Mayo is a hard worker who is excited to join the Washington Football Team.
2. Craig Mager
Defensive back
Career
- High school: Luling (Luling, Texas)
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 3 / Pick: 83
- San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2015–2018), Denver Broncos (2018)
- Second Team All-Sun Belt (2014)
- Total tackles: 41, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 1, Pass deflections: 6, Interceptions: 1
- Total tackles: 41
- Forced fumbles: 0
- Fumble recoveries: 1
- Pass deflections: 6
- Interceptions: 1
Craig Mager was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers for two seasons before signing with the Redskins in free agency in 2018.
Mager played cornerback for the Chargers and Redskins, but is best known for his coverage of the slot receiver. Mager was named to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a replacement for Patrick Peterson.
Mager was born in Luling, Texas, in 1992. He attended Luling High School and played college football at Texas State. Mager has a wife and two children. Craig Mager was a key player on the Denver Broncos' defense in 2018.
Mager had 41 total tackles, including 2 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 1 interception. Mager was second on the Broncos in tackles, and he also forced a fumble and recovered one. Mager is a versatile player who can play both at linebacker and safety.
Mager is entering his fourth season in the NFL, and he is likely to be a key player on the Broncos' defense for years to come.
3. Paul Darby
Career
- College: Texas State
- Position: wide receiver
- NFL Draft: 1979 / Round: 12
- New York Jets (1979-1980)
Paul Darby was born in Austin, Texas on October 22, 1956. He is a 66-year-old retired American football linebacker who played for the Texas State Bobcats from 1975 to 1977.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 1977 NFL Draft and played for them from 1977 to 1981. Darby won two Super Bowls with the Browns (1980 and 1981).
He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals. Darby is a two-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Texas State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. He is currently the linebackers coach for the North Texas Mean Green football team.
Darby has two children and lives in Arlington, Texas. Paul Darby was drafted by the New York Jets in 1979.
He played for the Jets for two seasons, before being traded to the Miami Dolphins. Darby had a successful career with the Dolphins, amassing over 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons with the team.
Darby retired from the NFL in 1983. He is currently a football analyst for ESPN. Darby is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He is a member of the Jets Hall of Fame. Darby is married with two children. Darby is also a musician, and has released two albums.
4. Pence Dacus
Pence Dacus was born in 1931 in San Saba, Texas. He played football for Tarleton State from 1949 to 1950 and then Southwest Texas State from 1951 to 1953.
He was also a basketball player for Southwest Texas State from 1951 to 1952. He was primarily a quarterback at both schools, and he helped his teams win two conference championships.
Pence Dacus retired from football in 1953 and then worked as a teacher and coach for the next several decades. He died on February 15, 2019 at the age of 87. Pence Dacus was a pioneer in both football and basketball, and he was a major contributor to his teams' success.
He will be remembered as a skilled quarterback and a hard-working coach. Pence Dacus was a head coach at Pepperdine from 1960-1961. His overall record was 2-18.
His accomplishments and honors include being a first-team Little All-American as a player. He also received awards for his coaching career.
5. Fred Evans
Career
- High school: Chicago (IL) Morgan Park
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 7 / Pick: 212
- Miami Dolphins (2006), Minnesota Vikings (2007–2013)
- First-team All-Southland (2005)
- Total tackles: 100, Sacks: 3.0, Forced fumbles: 1, Fumble recoveries: 0
- Total tackles: 100
- Sacks: 3.0
- Forced fumbles: 1
- Fumble recoveries: 0
Fred Evans was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2006 NFL Draft. Evans played for the Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans before retiring in 2016.
Evans is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2005. Evans was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended high school at Chicago (IL) Morgan Park.
Evans played college football for Texas State. Evans was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2017 and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Evans is married and has two children.
Evans is a defensive tackle who has played in 214 games over eight seasons in the NFL. Evans is a philanthropist who contributes to a number of charities. Evans was a two-time first-team All-Southland player at Lamar University.
Evans was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Evans played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007 to 2013.
Evans was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. Evans was a member of the Vikings team that made the NFC Championship Game in 2010 and the Super Bowl in 2012.
Evans was released by the Vikings in March of 2013. Evans signed with the Tennessee Titans in March of 2013, but was released in September of that year. Evans signed with the New Orleans Saints in December of 2013, but was released in September of 2014.
Evans signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September of 2014, but was released in October of that year. Evans signed with the Buffalo Bills in October of 2014, but was released in November of that year.
6. Van Hughes
Career
- Position(s): Defensive line
- College: Texas State
- NFL draft 1984 / Round: 5 / Pick 135
Van Hughes is a defensive lineman who has played in the NFL for over 20 years. Van Hughes was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
Van Hughes played for the Bills, the Atlanta Falcons, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Dallas Cowboys. Van Hughes was a part of the Cowboys team that won the Super Bowl in 1995.
Van Hughes retired from the NFL in 2007. Van Hughes is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Van Hughes is currently the defensive line coach for the University of Texas. Van Hughes was born in Waco, Texas, in 1960.
Van Hughes is married and has three children. Van Hughes was drafted in the fifth round of the 1984 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Hughes played for the Cardinals from 1986 to 1988. He then played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1989 to 1991.
Hughes finished his career with the Buffalo Bills in 1992. Hughes was a part of the Cardinals' Super Bowl XXIII team. Hughes has since worked as a broadcaster for the Cardinals. Hughes has also been a part of the ESPN NFL coverage. Hughes was inducted into the St.
Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2007. Hughes is currently a broadcaster for the Cardinals' radio network.
7. Jim Stienke
Career
- High school: Johnson City (TX) Lyndon B. Johnson
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1973 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47
- Cleveland Browns (1973), New York Giants (1974–1977), Atlanta Falcons (1978)
- Interceptions: 4
- Interceptions: 4
Jim Stienke played defensive back in the NFL for 13 seasons, from 1973 to 1988. He was a two-time All-Pro and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He currently works as a football analyst for ESPN. Jim Stienke was born in Houston, Texas, in 1950. He attended Johnson City (TX) Lyndon B.
Johnson High School and played for the Johnson City Cardinals. He played college football for Texas State and was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft and played for them for 13 seasons.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Jim Stienke was a versatile player who played cornerback, safety, and linebacker in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1973, but only played for them for one season before moving on to the New York Giants.
He played a big role in the Giants' 1977 Super Bowl victory, intercepting two passes in the game. He then spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, before retiring in 1978.
He later became a coach in the NFL, most notably with the Browns from 1991 to 1992. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Jim Stienke is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. He is married and has two children. Jim Stienke was born on February 4, 1949.
8. Jeff Novak
Career
- High school: Houston (TX) Clear Lake
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1990 / Round: 7 / Pick: 172, (By the San Diego Chargers)
- Montreal Machine (1990–1991), New York Giants (1991–1992)*, Miami Dolphins (1993–1994), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–1998)
- * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
- Games played: 40, Games started: 15
- Games played: 40
- Games started: 15
Jeff Novak played for the Chargers from 1990 to 1995. He was a starting guard for four seasons and a backup tackle for two. Novak was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 1967.
He attended high school in Houston, Texas, and played football for Clear Lake. Novak played college football for Texas State. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 1990 NFL Draft. Novak played for the Chargers for four seasons and then spent a year with the Minnesota Vikings.
He returned to the Chargers in 1995 and played until he retired in 2001. Novak is a father of four children and lives in California. He is currently a football analyst for Fox Sports.
Jeff Novak is a former NFL tight end who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1993 to 1994. Novak was drafted in the 7th round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
He played college football at Florida State. Novak was released by the Dolphins in 1994. He was signed by the Jaguars and played for them from 1995 to 1998. Novak has also been a member of the Montreal Machine of the Canadian Football League.
Novak was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame in 2003. He is currently an assistant football coach at the high school level in Jacksonville, Florida.
Novak is married and has two children.
9. Ken Coffey
Career
- Position(s): Safety
- College: Southwest Texas State
- NFL draft 1982 / Round: 9 / Pick: 226
Ken Coffey is a safety who played college football at Southwest Texas State. Coffey is a two-time All-American and helped the team win the 1981 NCAA Division II Championship.
Coffey is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Coffey played in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks. Coffey was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1992.
Coffey is the father of former NFL safety Craig Coffey. Coffey is a philanthropist and has worked with many charities over the years. Coffey currently works as a football coach at his alma mater. Coffey is a long-time resident of Rantoul, Illinois.
Ken Coffey was a nine-round pick of the Washington Redskins in the 1982 NFL draft. He played for the Redskins from 1983 to 1986. Coffey had a fairly successful career, recording 86 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery in 83 career games.
Coffey was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1961. He played collegiately at the University of Texas at Austin. Coffey was a member of the US national team in 1985. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland Raiders in the NFL.
10. Darrick Vaughn
Career
- Position(s): Defensive back, Kick returner
- College: Southwest Texas State (1996–1999)
- NFL draft 2000 / Round: 7 / Pick 211
Darrick Vaughn is a former defensive back who played ten seasons in the NFL. Vaughn played for the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 2013.
He is best known for his time with the Eagles, where he was a key member of the team's Super Bowl championship squad in 2008. Vaughn is also a kick returner, having returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in his career.
Vaughn is a father of four children and lives in Houston, Texas. He is currently an assistant coach at the University of Houston. Vaughn is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Darrick Vaughn was a ten-year NFL veteran who played for the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles.
He is best known for his time with the Eagles, where he was a key part of the team's Super Bowl championship squad in 2008. Vaughn is also a kick returner, having returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in his career.
Vaughn is a father of four children and lives in Houston, Texas. He is currently an assistant coach at the University of Houston. Vaughn is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
11. A. J. Johnson
Career
- High school: Schertz (TX) Clemens
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1989 / Round: 6 / Pick: 149
- Washington Redskins (1989–1994), San Diego Chargers (1995)
- Super Bowl champion (XXVI)
- Total tackles: 197, Sacks: 1.0, Forced fumbles: 0, Fumble recoveries: 2, Interceptions: 9, Defensive touchdowns: 2
- Total tackles: 197
- Sacks: 1.0
- Forced fumbles: 0
- Fumble recoveries: 2
- Interceptions: 9
- Defensive touchdowns: 2
A. J. Johnson was a talented cornerback who played in the NFL for over a decade. Johnson was drafted in the sixth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
Johnson played for the Redskins for four seasons before moving on to the San Diego Chargers. Johnson played for the Chargers for four seasons before retiring in 1994. Johnson is currently a cornerbacks coach for the Houston Texans.
Johnson is a two-time Super Bowl champion (1994, 1995) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Johnson is considered one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. Johnson is a beloved member of the Redskins organization.
Johnson is a coach and mentor to many young players in the NFL. A. J. Johnson is a Super Bowl champion and nine-time interception returner. He has 197 total tackles and 1.0 sacks. Johnson has also forced two fumbles and recovered two. Johnson has also scored two defensive touchdowns.
Johnson is a durable player and has played in all 16 games in each of the past four seasons. Johnson is entering his 10th NFL season in 2018.
Johnson is a key part of the Oakland Raiders' defense and should be a contender for defensive player of the year this season. Johnson is a versatile player who can play both corner and safety.
Johnson is a reliable player and is a key member of the Oakland Raiders' defense.
12. Spergon Wynn
Career
- High school: Bellaire (TX) Episcopal
- College: Minnesota (1995–1997),, Southwest Texas State (1998–1999)
- NFL Draft: 2000 / Round: 6 / Pick: 183
- Cleveland Browns (2000), Amsterdam Admirals (2001), Minnesota Vikings (2001–2002), BC Lions (2003–2004), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2005), Toronto Argonauts (2006)
- Pass attempts: 152, Pass completions: 70, Percentage: 46.1, TD–INT: 1–7, Passing yards: 586, Passer Rating: 39.5
- Pass attempts: 152
- Pass completions: 70
- Percentage: 46.1
- TD–INT: 1–7
- Passing yards: 586
- Passer Rating: 39.5
- Completion percentage: 65.0, TD–INT: 11–5, Passing yards: 2,003, Passer rating: 96.6
- Completion percentage: 65.0
- TD–INT: 11–5
- Passing yards: 2,003
- Passer rating: 96.6
Spergon Wynn was born in 1978 in Houston, Texas. He played quarterback at both Bellaire (TX) Episcopal and Southwest Texas State. The Cleveland Browns drafted him in the 2000 NFL Draft, and he played for the team from 2000 to 2002.
He then moved to the Amsterdam Admirals of the Canadian Football League, where he played from 2001 to 2002. He then spent three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, from 2001 to 2003. He then moved to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, where he played from 2003 to 2004.
He then signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, where he played from 2005 to 2007.
He then signed with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL, where he played from 2007 to 2010. He then signed with the New Orleans Saints of the NFL, where he played from 2010 to 2012.
13. Reece Morrison
Career
- High school: San Marcos, (San Marcos, Texas)
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1968 / Round: 3 / Pick: 66
- Cleveland Browns (1968–1972), Cincinnati Bengals (1972–1973)
Reece Morrison was a running back for the Texas State Bobcats from 1966-1968. Morrison led the Bobcats in rushing yards in both 1967 and 1968, and he was named to the All-Southwest Conference team in 1968.
Morrison was drafted in the fifth round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, but he did not sign with the team. Morrison later played for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins.
Morrison was inducted into the Texas State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Morrison is retired and lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Morrison is 77 years old and he has five children. Morrison is a running back and he is considered to be one of the better players in Bobcat history.
Morrison is a member of the Texas State Athletic Hall of Fame and he is also a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
14. Wallace Dickey
Career
- High school: San Antonio (TX) Harlandale
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1965 / Round: 15 / Pick: 207
- Denver Broncos (1968–1969)
Wallace Dickey was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1941 and played football and basketball at the University of Texas. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft and played for the team for 11 seasons.
He was a four-time All-Pro and was named the Cowboys' MVP in 1971. Dickey was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 and played for the team for six seasons.
He retired from football in 1979 and started a career in coaching. Dickey was the head coach at the University of Tennessee for nine seasons and was fired in 1992.
He was the head coach at the University of Miami for two seasons and was fired in 1994. Dickey was the head coach at the University of North Carolina for two seasons and was fired in 1996. He was the head coach at Texas Tech for one season and was fired in 1997.
Wallace Dickey was a football and basketball player at the University of Texas and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft.
He played for the team for 11 seasons and was a four-time All-Pro. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 and played for the team for six seasons. He retired from football in 1979 and started a career in coaching.
Dickey was the head coach at the University of Tennessee for nine seasons and was fired in 1992.
He was the head coach at the University of Miami for two seasons and was fired in 1994. He was the head coach at the University of North Carolina for two seasons and was fired in 1996.He was the head coach at Texas Tech for one season and was fired in 1997.
15. Wade Key
Career
- College: Southwest Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1969 / Round: 13 / Pick: 314
- Pottstown Firebirds (1969), Philadelphia Eagles (1970–1979)
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team, Texas State Bobcats Hall of Honor (1983)
- Games played: 121
- Games played: 121
Wade Key was born on October 14, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Southwest Texas State and played football there before being drafted by the NFL in 1969.
He played for the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs in his career. He was a guard and offensive tackle during his time in the NFL. He retired in 1984 and has since worked as a football coach.
He was named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2006. He is married and has two children. He is currently a football coach at a high school in Texas. Wade Key is 76 years old and retired from the NFL. Wade Key was a standout safety at Pottstown Firebirds in 1969 and 1970.
He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft. Key played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1970 to 1979. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and won two Super Bowls with the Eagles. Key was inducted into the Texas State Bobcats Hall of Honor in 1983.
He is also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Key is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Oregon State Beavers.
16. Ricky Sanders
Career
- College: Texas State
- Houston Gamblers (1984–1985), Washington Redskins (1986–1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994), Miami Dolphins (1995), Atlanta Falcons (1995)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXII, XXVI), Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
- Receptions: 483, Receiving yards: 6,477, Touchdowns: 37
- Receptions: 483
- Receiving yards: 6,477
- Touchdowns: 37
Ricky Sanders was a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins from 1986-1993. Sanders had a noteworthy career with the Redskins, making three Pro Bowl appearances and amassing over 1,000 yards receiving in each of his last four seasons.
Sanders was signed by the Houston Gamblers as an undrafted free agent in 1984, and spent four seasons in the NFL with the Redskins. Sanders is a two-time Super Bowl champion and is one of only seven players in NFL history to win the Super Bowl with two different teams.
Sanders has been a part of the NFL Hall of Fame since 2006. Sanders currently works as an NFL analyst for ESPN. Sanders is married with four children. Sanders is a Texas State alumni.
Sanders has been involved in sports broadcasting since the early 1990s. Sanders played wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-1995.
Sanders was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Falcons, and he was also a member of the Washington Commanders 90 Greatest.
Sanders was a big-play receiver, and he totaled over 500 yards and 37 touchdowns during his career. Sanders is currently a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
17. Bobby Watkins
Career
- High school: Dallas (TX) Dunne
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1982 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42
- Detroit Lions (1982–1988)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1982)
- Interceptions: 20, INT yards: 85, Fumble recoveries: 6
- Interceptions: 20
- INT yards: 85
- Fumble recoveries: 6
Watkins was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1982 NFL Draft, but he never played for them. He was signed by the Washington Redskins, but he also never played for them.
2. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Browns before he retired in 1997. 3. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and was a part of the Eagles' Super Bowl championship team in 1984.
4. He is the father of current NFL cornerback, Darrelle Revis. Watkins was drafted in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Watkins started his career as a cornerback, but eventually became a starter at safety.
Watkins was a three-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro team in 1984. Watkins played for the Lions until 1988. Watkins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. After retiring from the NFL, Watkins started a business called Watkins Enterprises.
18. Barrick Nealy
Career
- CFL status: American
- Position(s): Quarterback and Wide Receiver (With Minnesota Vikings)
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
- Weight: 212 lb (96 kg)
- College: Texas State
Barrick Nealy has spent his entire professional career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he has been a starting quarterback and wide receiver. Nealy is considered one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the CFL and has led his teams to two Grey Cup championships.
Nealy was drafted by the Vikings in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft, but did not play a down in the league.
Nealy made his NFL debut in 2004 with the Vikings, and has since started in over 100 games. Nealy was named the starting quarterback for the Vikings in 2009, and led them to the playoffs that year.
Nealy was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2012, and led them to the Grey Cup that year. Nealy was traded to the Calgary Stampeders in 2014, and led them to the Grey Cup that year.
Nealy was traded to the BC Lions in 2016, and led them to the Grey Cup that year. Nealy announced his retirement from the NFL in 2018.
19. Calvin Hill
Career
- High school: Riverdale Country, (The Bronx, New York)
- College: Yale
- NFL Draft: 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24
- Dallas Cowboys (1969–1974), The Hawaiians (1975), Washington Redskins (1976–1977), Cleveland Browns (1978–1981)
- Super Bowl champion (VI), NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1969), 2× First-team All-Pro (1969, 1973), 2× Second-team All-Pro (1969, 1973), 4× Pro Bowl (1969, 1972–1974), NFL All-Rookie Team (1969), 2× All-Ivy League (1967, 1968)
- Games played: 156, Rushing yards: 6,083, Average: 4.2, Touchdowns: 42
- Games played: 156
- Rushing yards: 6,083
- Average: 4.2
- Touchdowns: 42
Calvin Hill was a running back for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in the 1970s. He was drafted in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Cowboys, and played for them for four seasons.
He also played for the Hawaiians and the Redskins in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Hill retired from the NFL in 1977. He is currently a broadcaster for the Redskins. Calvin Hill is 76 years old. Hill was a talented running back for the Cleveland Browns from 1978-1981.
He was a two-time First-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection. Hill was born in Jackson, Mississippi on September 12, 1954.
He attended Jackson State University and was a standout running back for the Tigers. He made his NFL debut with the Browns in 1978 and was a key player on their Super Bowl-winning team in 1981.
After spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals, Hill retired from football in 1988. He later became a successful businessman.
Hill was posthumously inducted into the Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.
20. Bill Jones
Career
- High school: Corsicana, (Corsicana, Texas)
- College: Texas State
- NFL Draft: 1989 / Round: 12 / Pick: 311
- Kansas City Chiefs (1990–1992)
Bill Jones was a standout running back at Corsicana High School and was drafted in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played 12 seasons with the Cowboys, scoring 87 touchdowns and adding 1,521 yards from scrimmage.
Jones was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 1999 and played with them for four seasons. In 2003, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts and played with them for four seasons. He was released by the Colts in 2007 and signed with the Cleveland Browns the following year.
Jones retired after the 2009 season and has since been an analyst for Fox Sports. In 2011, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Bill Jones is married and has three children.
Bill Jones was a standout running back at Corsicana High School and was drafted in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
He played 12 seasons with the Cowboys, scoring 87 touchdowns and adding 1,521 yards from scrimmage. Jones was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 1999 and played with them for four seasons.
In 2003, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts and played with them for four seasons. He was released by the Colts in 2007 and signed with the Cleveland Browns the following year.
Jones retired after the 2009 season and has since been an analyst for Fox Sports. In 2011, he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Bill Jones is married and has three children.
21. G.J. Kinne
Career
- High school: Gilmer (TX)
- College: Texas (2007), Tulsa (2008–2011)
- Undrafted: 2012
- C-USA Offensive Player of the Year (2010), Second Team All-C-USA (2011), NFLPA Collegiate Bowl MVP (2012)
- Passing yards: 24, Completion percentage: 36.4, Rushing yards: 5
- Passing yards: 24
- Completion percentage: 36.4
- Rushing yards: 5
Kinne had a successful playing career as a defensive lineman at Gilmer High School in Mesquite, Texas. He was undrafted in 2012 but was hired as the defensive line coach for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Kinne was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in 2014, and then to head coach of the Texas State Bobcats in 2015. Kinne has led the Bobcats to a 5–7 record in his two seasons as head coach but has shown promise with his defense.
Kinne is considered one of the rising stars in coaching and is expected to have a long and successful career. Kinne is a former quarterback at Northern Illinois and he was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
Kinne was on the Giants' practice squad for the entire season and he was then released in 2013. Kinne was signed by the Calgary Stampeders in 2014 and he played for them until he was released in 2016.
Kinne was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016 and he played for them until he was released in 2018. Kinne was hired by SMU as a graduate assistant in 2018.
Kinne was hired by the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive analyst in 2019. Kinne was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive special project in 2019.
Kinne was hired by the Hawaii Warriors as an offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach in 2020. Kinne was hired by the UCF Knights as a co-offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach in 2021. Kinne was hired by the Incarnate Word Cardinals as the head coach in 2022.
22. Brian Holloway
Career
- High school: Potomac (MD) Winston Churchill
- College: Stanford
- NFL Draft: 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19
- New England Patriots (1981–1986), Los Angeles Raiders (1987–1988)
- Second-team All-Pro (1985), 3× Pro Bowl (1983, 1984, 1985), New England Patriots All-1980s Team, First-team All-Pac-10 (1980), Bluebonnet Bowl champion (1978), Sun Bowl champion (1977)
Holloway was a standout offensive lineman at Potomac High School in Maryland. He attended Stanford and played for the Cardinal football team from 1978 to 1981.
Holloway was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 1981 NFL Draft and spent six seasons with the team. He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons before ending his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994.
Holloway was inducted into the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. Holloway is now a broadcaster for NFL Network. He has two sons, Brian Jr. and Chase, and lives in Tampa, Florida. Holloway is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Holloway is a Christian and has spoken about his faith publicly. Holloway was a standout safety for the New England Patriots during the 1980s. He was a Second-team All-Pro in 1985 and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He also played for the Los Angeles Raiders during the 1987-1988 season.
Holloway was a part of the Patriots' 1981-1986 dynasty and won a number of accolades, including being named to the All-1980s Team. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 63 after a long battle with leukemia.
Holloway's death was mourned by many in the NFL community and he will be remembered as one of the game's most accomplished safeties. Holloway's death is a loss not only to the Patriots, but to the entire NFL community.
Final Words
The Texas State Bobcats Football program is a proud part of the vibrant athletics culture at Texas State. The Bobcats have produced some great players over the years and continue to do so.
Some of the best players to ever play for Texas State include current Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Carl Lawson.
