By Darin How do you measure the impact of a legend? For Roosevelt Leaks, the answer lies in the University of Texas’s history books. Born on January 31, 1953, in Brenham, Texas, Leaks became a transformative figure for the Longhorns, breaking racial barriers as the program’s first African American All-American. With a punishing running style and a career defined by statistical dominance, he didn’t just earn yards—he earned a permanent place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
January 31, 1953 – Brenham, Texas – Roosevelt Leaks, the running back from Texas University, was born. Leakes was the first African American Texas Longhorns player to earn All-America honors, according to the NFF. Roosevelt Leaks finished his collegiate career with 2,923 yards and 26 touchdowns in just three seasons and was recognized as a consensus All-America selection in 1973. The National Football Foundation selected Roosevelt Leaks to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
Conclusion
Roosevelt Leaks is much more than a footnote in Texas football history; he is a foundational pillar. By combining elite athletic prowess with the courage to be a “first” in a storied program, he paved the way for future generations of Longhorns. His 1973 season remains one of the greatest individual performances in Big Eight history, and his 2006 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame serves as the ultimate validation of a career that changed the game both on and off the field.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006.
- Consensus All-American: Earned First-team honors in 1973.
- Trailblazer Status: The first African American player in University of Texas history to be named an All-American.
- Career Rushing Yards: Accumulated 2,923 yards over three collegiate seasons.
- Career Touchdowns: Scored 26 touchdowns for the Longhorns.
- SWC Player of the Year: Recognized as the Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1973.
- Heisman Candidate: Finished 3rd in the 1973 Heisman Trophy voting.
