Dwayne Nix, The All-American Javelina Who Became a Marine Colonel

On October 10, 1946, Gerald Dwayne Nix was born in Kingsville, Texas, and went on to become one of the most decorated players in the history of his hometown team, the Texas A&I Javelinas (now Texas A&M-Kingsville). Playing for the Javelinas from 1965 to 1968, Nix established himself as a dominant presence at wide receiver (though sometimes listed as a tight end).

Dwayne Nix holds the rare distinction of being named to the Associated Press Little All-America first team for three consecutive seasons (1966, 1967, and 1968), becoming only the second collegiate player ever to achieve that feat. His remarkable consistency also earned him two All-Lone Star Conference selections and a spot on the LSC Team of the Decade for the 1960s. He served as a captain in 1968 and, by the end of his career, held most of the school’s receiving records.

Nix’s era was one of immense team success for the Javelinas, who compiled an impressive 30-10-0 record during his time. The 1967 team went 9-0, achieving the school’s first-ever undefeated and untied season, and Nix captained the 1968 squad that reached the NAIA national championship game.

His legendary college career opened doors far beyond football. After graduating in 1969, Nix entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving on active duty as a helicopter gunship pilot, including a tour in Vietnam. He continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves for 23 years, during which he was activated for Operation Desert Storm and retired in 2003 with the rank of Colonel.

For his gridiron achievements, Dwayne Nix was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1979 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. His life exemplifies the highest levels of achievement in both American football and military service.

Accolades and Accomplishments:

• Three-Time Associated Press Little All-America First Team: (1966, 1967, 1968)
• All-Lone Star Conference (2x): (1966, 1967)
• All-Texas College First Team: (1966, 1967)
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2003
• Javelina Hall of Fame Inductee: 1979
• Lone Star Conference Team of the Decade (1960s)
• Texas A&I (TAMUK) 50th Anniversary Team Member: (Selected in 1975)
• College Team Success: Led the Javelinas to two Lone Star Conference titles and the NAIA national championship game (1968).
• Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps Colonel (Ret.), served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and was activated for Operation Desert Storm.