Jim Swink Texas Football Legend

Jim Swink was born on March 14, 1936, in Sacul, Texas. His electrifying performances on the football field at Texas Christian University (TCU) cemented his place in college football history.

College Career

Swink's college career at TCU was nothing short of spectacular. As a halfback, he became a legend, renowned for his elusive running style that earned him nicknames like "Ol' Swivel Hips" and "The Rusk Rambler." Under coach Abe Martin, Swink played a crucial role in TCU's success, leading the Horned Frogs to a Southwest Conference (SWC) championship in 1955 and consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances in 1956 and 1957. His performance against the University of Texas in 1955, where he rushed for 235 yards and scored 26 points, is particularly memorable, and it's where the famous "Hook 'em, Horns" slogan originated.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

While Swink's college achievements were extraordinary, his professional football career was limited. He did not play in the NFL. Swink's legacy is firmly rooted in his collegiate achievements.

✦ Football Legacy

Jim Swink's legacy is deeply intertwined with TCU football and the lore of the SWC. He is remembered as one of the most dynamic halfbacks in the conference's history. His impact extends beyond statistics, as he inspired the iconic "Hook 'em, Horns" slogan, a testament to the fear and respect he commanded on the field.

Swink also is remembered for being the subject of the famous University of Texas expression, “Hook ’em, Horns.” Before a November 12, 1955 game where TCU, ranked 8th in the nation were set to battle with the Longhorns, Texas students fearing Jim Swink’s elusive running style came up with the inspirational slogan to motivate and illustrate their desire for their defense.

“They had a guy in their student body that knew our team and spread the word that they needed to stop me from running,” Swink told the TCU magazine in a 2006 interview. “The Texas players obviously had heard about how strong a team we had, too. So they came up with ‘hook him’ because they wanted to catch me, trip me up, slow me down. And that game was the first time they used that.”

Other than the legacy that the team slogan still carries, it was all for not in the case of the 1955 game against the Horned Frogs though. Jim Swink had one of his best games of his collegiate career, as he pounded the turf for 235 yards on 15 carries for a 15.7-yard average and scored a school-record 26 points. TCU dominated Texas on that Saturday by a score of 47-20.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Two-time All-America selection.

✦ 1955 Heisman Trophy runner-up.

✦ Led the nation in scoring and was second in rushing yards in 1955.

✦ Set a TCU record with 1,283 rushing yards in 1955.

✦ Scored a school-record 26 points in a single game against Texas.

✦ 125 points scored during his 1955 junior season.

✦ Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

✦ Led TCU to a SWC crown in 1955.

✦ Helped TCU reach back-to-back Cotton Bowl appearances.

Jim was a two-time All-America selection and ended up second to Howard Cassady of Ohio State in the Heisman Trophy voting in '55. Jim Swink received the great honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.