HOUSTON – Ole Miss and Texas Tech have accepted bids to play in the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl, the bowl organizing committee announced today. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with national radio on ESPN Radio and a local radio broadcast available on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets and suites are now available for purchase www.taxacttexasbowl.com. 

“We are excited to announce the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Ole Miss Rebels and Texas Tech Red Raiders, two great institutions from the SEC and Big 12, respectively,” remarked TaxAct Texas Bowl Executive Director, David Fletcher. “The Bowl is one of the largest annual events in our community and we’re thrilled to welcome Ole Miss and Texas Tech back to Houston. We look forward to hosting these teams and their fan bases for a festive bowl week of Texas-themed events that will culminate in a primetime showdown at NRG Stadium on December 28.” 

Ole Miss will represent the Southeastern Conference, while Texas Tech will represent the Big 12 Conference. The two programs have met six times before, with Ole Miss most recently earning a 47-27 victory against Texas Tech on September 1, 2018, at the Texas Kickoff in Houston. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark Ole Miss’ first appearance in the bowl. Texas Tech will make its third appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and first since December 29, 2015, when the Red Raiders were defeated by No. 22 LSU 56-27.  

“Ole Miss and Texas Tech are two programs with tremendous fans and traditions. We look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements this season at the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said TaxAct President Curtis Campbell. 

Ole Miss (8-4, 4-4 SEC) comes to Houston following a campaign that had an explosive start in 2022. Lane Kiffin’s offensive prowess facilitated a rushing attack that led the SEC and ranked third in the FBS in rushing offense. The Rebels came in second in the SEC and seventh nationally in total offense. True freshman sensation RB Quinshon Judkins led the conference in rushing yards with 1,476. Judkins ranks sixth in the nation for rushing touchdowns (16), and ninth in rushing yards per game (123.0). The Rebels defense has caused problems for opposing offenses as they lead the SEC in team tackles (922) and sack yards with 253 on 33.0 sacks. 

“We look forward to making our first appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and continuing our rich bowl tradition,” said Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter. “Houston is one of our largest and most passionate alumni bases, and this game presents an excellent opportunity to join the Ole Miss family in the Lone Star state. We are grateful for this national platform, and we expect Rebel Nation to be well represented.” 

Texas Tech enters the game 7-5 (5-4 Big 12), winning their last three in a row against Kansas, Iowa State, and Oklahoma to finish fourth in the Big 12. The Red Raiders celebrated early season upsets against No. 25 Houston and No. 22 Texas in Lubbock. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game, averaging over 327. The offense effectively moved the ball, ranking third in the nation for first downs. The Red Raider defense recorded a conference-high 29.0 sacks this season. Run-stuffing LB Krishon Merriweather finished second in the Big 12 for total tackles with 91. Texas Tech was staunch in the red zone, ranking ninth in the nation in defensive red zone efficiency.  

“Texas Tech is honored to accept an invitation to play in the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. “We cannot wait to showcase our football program in one of the largest alumni bases of Red Raiders in the state of Texas. We look forward to painting the city of Houston and NRG Stadium scarlet and black for an exciting matchup with Ole Miss.”  

“On behalf of our entire program, we are excited for the opportunity to play in one of the premier bowl games this state has to offer in the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. “Wherever the Red Raiders go, so does the most passionate fan base in all of college football. We can’t wait to see a sea of Red Raiders take over NRG Stadium as we face a talented Ole Miss team.” 

The 2022 edition of the TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark the event’s ninth year of affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. The 2021 game featured Kansas State and LSU with the Wildcats emerging victorious 42-20. Kansas State senior QB Skylar Thompson was recognized with MVP honors following a three-touchdown performance. 

Entering its 17th year, the TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since 2016, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has the fifth-highest attendance among all college football bowls, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange bowls. The TaxAct Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have combined to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2.1 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support for DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary. 

For more information about the game and affiliated Bowl Week activities, fans can visit www.taxacttexasbowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

About TaxAct 

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct’s products enable all users – regardless of profession, tax bracket or complexity of their return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibility. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives. 

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com. 

About ESPN Events  

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages. 

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment 

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. 

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the TaxAct Texas Bowl proudly announce the 25 semifinalists for the Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year Award presented by Kroger. 

This year, Kroger is teaming up with Mr. Texas Football as the award’s presenting partner.  Kroger is a longtime partner of the TaxAct Texas Bowl and a proud supporter of Texas high school football. 

Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. Each week, fans are given a chance to vote for the player of the week on TexasFootball.com. In December, 10 finalists will be announced and fans can then cast their votes as to who should be named Mr. Texas Football. The winner of the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Kroger will be announced prior to the TaxAct Texas Bowl, which will be played at NRG Stadium on December 28, 2022. 

Previous recipients of the award include 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick QB Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014, Allen), 2012 Heisman Trophy winner QB Johnny Manziel (2010, Kerrville Tivy), former Texas Longhorns RB Johnathan Gray (2011, Aledo), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jacquizz Rodgers (2007, Lamar Consolidated), current Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders (2017, Denton Ryan) and former Dallas Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert (2008, Lake Travis). Former China Spring quarterback and current Lamar University RB Major Bowden took home the award in 2021.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl will continue its annual tradition of pinning the Big 12 against the SEC, with teams slated to be announced on Dec. 4, 2022.

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Kroger, visit TaxActTexasBowl.com or TexasFootball.com.

2022 Mr. Texas Football Semifinalists

QB Austin Novosad, Dripping Springs

QB Cash McCollum, China Spring

QB Evan Bullock, Anna

QB Jackson Arnold, Denton Guyer

QB Kanon Gibson, Wink

RB Bryson Washington, Franklin

RB Dalton Brooks, Shiner

RB Dawson Pendergrass, Mineola

RB Makenzie McGill, Mount Vernon

RB Owen Allen, Southlake Carroll

RB Re’shaun Sanford, Killeen Harker Heights

RB Reuben Owens, El Campo

RB Shastin Golden, San Antonio Davenport

RB Tate Maruska, Stephenville

RB Taylor Tatum, Longview

RB Tyvonn Byars, Montgomery Lake Creek

WR Dre’lon Miller, Silsbee

WR Johntay Cook, DeSoto

WR Lonnie Adkism, Corpus Christi Miller

WR Miles Coleman, Austin Vandegrift

DB Malik Muhammad, South Oak Cliff

DB Peyton Bowen, Denton Guyer

DE Colten Vasek, Austin Westlake

ATH David Amador, Galena Park North Shore

ATH Terry Bussey, Timpson

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl annually showcases teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier athletic conferences. Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014 the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The bowl has also generated an average of $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For more than 62 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

HOUSTON – Houston businessman and philanthropist Larry Catuzzi has been selected as a member of the 2022 Bowl Season Leadership Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of college football, Bowl Season and the TaxAct Texas Bowl announced today.  Catuzzi will be honored in Houston in recognition of this achievement at NRG Stadium, home of the TaxAct Texas Bowl, during the Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans game this Sunday. 

"We're excited to honor some longtime valued contributors to bowl games and college football," said Bowl Season Executive Director Nick Carparelli. "Celebrating friends like Larry who have given so much back to the game is always a thrill. He is most deserving, and we thank him for his dedication and service."

“Coach” Catuzzi is one of college football’s true gentlemen, devoting over 50 years to the good of the sport and over 30 years to growing the business of post season college football.  Following his time playing quarterback at the University of Delaware from 1955-1957, Catuzzi launched a decade plus career in coaching with stops at the University of Dayton, Indiana University and as a member of Woody Hayes’ staff at the Ohio State University before becoming the head coach at Williams College from 1968-1970.  

After a successful career in investment banking, Catuzzi returned to college football as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bluebonnet Bowl Association, serving as President throughout the early 1980s.  The Bluebonnet Bowl proudly served college football fans and charities through the Houston community as a mainstay on the Bowl Season calendar from 1959 until 1987.  During Coach Catuzzi’s time as a member of the leadership of the event, the Bluebonnet Bowl featured teams from the Big 10, Pac-10, Southwest Conference, Big 8 and SEC and included legendary matchups between coaching greats like Bo Schembechler, Jimmy Johnson, John Robinson, Bill Yeoman, Grant Teaff, Johnny Majors, Lou Holtz, Terry Donahue and many others.

Catuzzi also served as Vice Chairman of the Harris-County Houston Sports Authority and was instrumental in paving the road for NRG Stadium to be built in 2002 and bringing big time college football back to Houston.  He was a founding member of the TaxAct Texas Bowl Board of Directors upon its launch in 2006 and part of the group that forged the sale of the event to ESPN in 2009.  He continues to still serve on the TaxAct Texas Bowl and HCHSA today as the longest serving member of both organizations.  

Since 2001, following the tragedies of 9/11 that took his daughter Lauren’s life, Larry has also served as a director of the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation, which provided numerous scholarships to young women around the country entering college and, in addition, in conjunction with the City of Houston, built Lauren’s Garden at Market Square Park, honoring Lauren and all the victims of 9/11.  He also served on the Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission, championing efforts to develop, fundraise for and finance the Flight 93 National Museum that opened in Shanksville, PA in 2011. 

Coach Catuzzi joins five other new members into the Leadership Hall of Fame class for 2022 including Richard Giannini from the Bahamas Bowl, Mickey Holmes from the Sugar Bowl, Tom Mickle from the Citrus Bowl, Jimmy Rogers from the Sun Bowl and Ellie Ziegler from the Fiesta Bowl.

HOUSTON – The TaxAct Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2022 Class of Gridiron Legends, the committee announced today. The honorees will be inducted at a special pregame ceremony during the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Dec. 28.

The 2022 class features Greater Houston High School Coaches Association Nominee Todd Dodge, consensus first-team All-American (1991) and Super Bowl XXXI champion Santana Dotson, Rio Hondo, native and former Chicago Bear and Atlanta Falcon Roberto Garza, two-time Pro Bowler and New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton, former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Pro Football Hall of Fame member Warren Moon, former University of Houston and College Football Hall of Fame member Elmo Wright. 

Todd Dodge

Todd Dodge recently retired as the head football coach at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas and is a former quarterback for the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns. Following his college graduation, Dodge began his coaching career at the high school level. He landed his first head coach title at C.H. Yoe High School and would go on to coach successful high school football teams for 10 years. In 2006, Dodge shifted to college football and was hired as head coach for the North Texas Mean Green until returning to the high school level and coaching for Austin Westlake High School in 2014. In his last three seasons as head coach before retiring in 2021, the team went 45-1 and won three consecutive 6A state championships. This achievement made Dodge the first Texas high school football coach to win three-straight championships with two different schools, after doing so for Southlake Carroll (2004-2007) and Austin Westlake (2019-2021).

Santana Dotson 

Santana Dotson was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round (132nd overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, finishing second in the NFL Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Dotson played in 152 games (129 starts) over a 10-year NFL career with the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. He registered 49.0 career sacks which included 13 tackles for loss, six fumble recoveries and 460 total tackles. In his first season with the Green Bay Packers in 1996, Dotson helped the team to a Super Bowl XXXI victory, a 35-21 triumph over the New England Patriots. Dotson was a three-year starter at Baylor, finishing his career with 193 tackles, 18.0 sacks and four forced fumbles. He was a three-time all-conference pick and a consensus first-team All-American as a senior in 1991, when he had 60 tackles, 4.0 sacks and two blocked kicks. Dotson attended Yates High School in Houston where he was part of the 1985 5A state championship team.

Roberto Garza 

Garza, born in Rio Hondo, Texas, was a fourth-round pick (99th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft. After four years in Atlanta, Garza joined the Chicago Bears, playing with the team from 2005-2014. While with the Bears, Garza helped block for 1,000-yard rushers in six campaigns and started at both center and guard. He played in 206 games during his NFL career, appearing in all 16 games 10 times (2001, 2004-09, 2011-13). Garza played in eight postseason contests, starting every game. Garza attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, playing three seasons with the team. He earned three straight all-conference nods while starting 30 of the team’s 40 games during that time. In addition to his football success, Garza found success in track & field, finishing third in the shot put at the 1999 NCAA Championships and winning the NCAA title in 2000. Since his retirement he has also served as a sideline reporter for the Fox Deportes’ broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones 

Ed “Too Tall” Jones played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in 224 games and starting 203 of those contests. He was three-time Pro Bowl selection, earned a spot on the 1982 Associated Press All-Pro team and helped Dallas to a 1977 Super Bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos. “Too Tall” registered 106.0 career sacks, which ranks top 50 in the NFL’s all-time sack leader ranks. His most productive season rushing the passer came in 1985, when he started all 16 games and recorded a career-best 13.0 sacks, which ranked as the eight-most that season. Jones retired at the end of the 1989 season, playing the most games by any Cowboys players (232) in franchise history. After signing with Tennessee State to play basketball, Jones shifted focus after two years at the school to concentrate on football. Jones became a two-time All-American and won the Black College Football National Championship in 1971 and 1973. He ranks third in school sacks in a season (12.0) and fifth in career sacks (38.0). From there, he was the first overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft, becoming the first football player from a historically black college to go that high in the NFL draft. 

Rodney Hampton 

Rodney Hampton, a Houston native, played in 104 games (85 starts) during his NFL career all with the New York Giants. During his career, Hampton garnered two Pro Bowl appearances and rushed for 6,897 yards and scored 49 rushing touchdowns. His 6,897 rushing yards were the most in franchise history until he was surpassed by Tiki Barber in 2004. During his best season in 1992, Hampton rushed for 1,141 yards, 14 scores while averaging 71.3 yards on the ground per game. During Hampton’s rookie season, he helped the Giants claim Super Bowl XXV, a 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Kashmere High School alum attended the University of Georgia, where he was a first round pick (24th overall) in the 1990 NFL Draft. While in Athens, Georgia, Hampton posted 2,668 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns and averaged 5.7 yards per rush. 

Warren Moon

Warren Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 for his career performance over 17 seasons in the NFL. After six years in the CFL, Moon joined the Houston Oilers in 1984 and set a new club record with 3,338 passing yards in his first season. He found the most success in the 1990 NFL season when he led the league in passing yards (4,689), attempts (584), completions (362) and touchdowns (33). Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year and joined Dan Marino and Dan Fouts as the only quarterbacks to post back-to-back 4,000-passing yards seasons. He would later spend time with the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks, before ending his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the span of his NFL career, Moon recorded four 4,000-yard passing seasons, 49,325 passing yards, nine Pro Bowls and 291 touchdowns. Moon was born in Los Angeles, California and attended West Los Angeles College for two years before joining the football team at University of Washington. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame marked the first time a black quarterback and the first time an undrafted quarter earned this honor. He’s also the only player in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. 

Elmo Wright

Elmo Wright was a star wide receiver at the University of Houston and earned himself a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Wright is most notably remembered for being the first football player to ever perform an end zone dance, as he would high-step into the endzone after a long touchdown reception for Houston. To this day, he still owns school records in all-purpose career average yards per play (21.0), yards per reception in a season (27.9 in 1968), career yards per reception (21.9), 200-yard receiving games in a season (2 in 1968 and 1969) and 200-yard career receiving games (4). Following his collegiate career, Wright was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft where he would play for four seasons. He returned to Houston in 1975 when he briefly spent time with the Houston Oilers and the New England Patriots. Wright was born in Brazoria, Texas and won two-consecutive high school state championships (1965 and 1966). He still resides in Houston, Texas and volunteers with the local YMCA Chapter. He’s also a member of the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. 

For tickets and more information regarding the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl, visit https://www.taxacttexasbowl.com/ 

PR CONTACTS:

Tim Wiemann (tim.wiemann@houstontexans.com) 

Rachel Richards (rachel.richards@houstontexans.com)

Jack Holmes (jack.holmes@houstontexans.com)  

TaxAct, a leading provider of affordable digital and downloadable tax preparation solutions, will continue as the title sponsor of the Texas Bowl as part of a multi-event, multi-year college football agreement with ESPN Events. TaxAct will be featured throughout 2022 and 2023 ESPN Events bowl telecasts across ESPN networks.

“TaxAct again will have a significant presence across our ESPN Events bowl portfolio throughout the college football postseason as a result of this renewed, unique and comprehensive agreement, including title sponsorship of the Texas Bowl,” said Clint Overby, vice president, ESPN Events. “We are delighted to have TaxAct’s continued support and look forward to working with them, along with our local event organizers, in preparation for these upcoming events.”

 “We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our sponsorship of this prominent bowl game and continue connecting with football fans nationwide,” added TaxAct President Curtis Campbell. “Being a part of Bowl Season last year provided an exciting opportunity for us to support the college football community and bring all consumers affordable tax filing products that allow them to file with confidence and celebrate maximizing their refunds. We look forward to seeing the competition and excitement play out on the field this year as well.”

 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl

The Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played Wednesday, Dec. 28 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas and will air at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Entering its 17th year, the Texas Bowl features teams from the Big 12 Conference and the SEC.

About TaxAct

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct enables all users – regardless of their profession, tax bracket or complexity of return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes, all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibilities. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve, but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc.® (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About Blucora®

Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR) is a provider of data and technology-driven solutions that empower people to improve their financial wellness. Blucora operates in two segments (i) wealth management, through its Avantax Wealth Management and Avantax Planning Partners brands, with a collective $86 billion in total client assets as of March 31, 2022 and (ii) tax software, through its TaxAct business, a market leader in tax software with over 3 million consumer users and approximately 24,500 professional users in 2021. With integrated tax-focused software and wealth management, Blucora is uniquely positioned to assist our customers in achieving better long-term outcomes via holistic, tax-advantaged solutions. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

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Media Contacts:

TaxAct: Amy Roepke – pr@taxact.com

ESPN Events: Bill Hofheimer – bill.hofheimer@espn.com

Houston – The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 in primetime at NRG Stadium in Houston. Entering its 17th year, the game will air at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN and ESPN Radio, with a local radio broadcast on Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) and will feature a matchup of Big 12 and SEC schools for the ninth consecutive year.

Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014, the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The Bowl has also generated an average of over $30 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl matched the Kansas State Wildcats against the LSU Tigers in the eighth year of the Bowl’s partnership with the Big 12 and the SEC. Kansas State jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and rolled to a 42-20 win in the 15th installment of the Bowl game. Former Kansas State and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson was named the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl MVP after finishing 21-for-28 for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

TaxAct^®, a leading provider of affordable digital and downloadable tax preparation solutions, will continue as the title sponsor of the Texas Bowl as part of a multi-event, multi-year college football agreement with ESPN Events. TaxAct will be featured throughout 2022 and 2023 ESPN Events bowl telecasts across ESPN networks.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.  To be the first to get ticket updates and for more information around the game, fans can sign up for the TaxAct Texas Bowl wait list at www.taxacttexasbowl.com.

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing major annual college football events like the TaxAct Texas Bowl and other leading entertainment properties, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

About ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

About TaxAct

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct enables all users – regardless of their profession, tax bracket or complexity of return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes, all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibilities. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve, but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit https://www.taxact.com/or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About Blucora^®

Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR) is a provider of data and technology-driven solutions that empower people to improve their financial wellness. Blucora operates in two segments (i) wealth management, through its Avantax Wealth Management and Avantax Planning Partners brands, with a collective $86 billion in total client assets as of March 31, 2022 and (ii) tax software, through its TaxAct business, a market leader in tax software with over 3 million consumer users and approximately 24,500 professional users in 2021. With integrated tax-focused software and wealth management, Blucora is uniquely positioned to assist our customers in achieving better long-term outcomes via holistic, tax-advantaged solutions. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

Media Contacts:

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment: Jackson Riebel – jackson.riebel@houstontexans.com

TaxAct: Amy Roepke – pr@taxact.com

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the TaxAct Texas Bowl are proud to announce China Spring quarterback Major Bowden as the recipient of the 2021 Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year. Bowden will be honored on the field at the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Tuesday, January 4th at NRG Stadium in Houston, where the Kansas State Wildcats will face the LSU Tigers. 

Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. 

Bowden, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound quarterback, emerged as perhaps the most valuable player in Texas high school football as a senior, running for 1,866 yards and 23 touchdowns — averaging 8.4 yards per carry — while completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,432 yards and 27 scores. His herculean efforts led China Spring to previously unreached heights: the fourth undefeated regular season in program history, the first 16-0 season in school history and China Spring’s first state championship since 1978, where Bowden earned Offensive MVP honors. The driving force behind the Cougars’ meteoric rise, Bowden led China Spring to wins over heavyweights Carthage, West Orange-Stark, Cuero and Gilmer in the final push for the 4A Division II title. Bowden’s remarkable toughness and incredible play make him a worthy recipient of the 2021 Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year award.

Former winners of the award include 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick QB Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014 winner, Allen), 2012 Heisman Trophy winner QB Johnny Manziel (2010 winner, Kerrville Tivy), former Texas Longhorns RB Johnathan Gray (2011 winner, Aledo), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jacquizz Rodgers (2007 winner, Lamar Consolidated), current Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders (2017 winner, Denton Ryan) and former Dallas Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert (2008 winner, Lake Travis). Hallettsville and Texas Longhorns RB Jonathon Brooks took home the award in 2020.

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award, visit TaxActTexasBowl.com or TexasFootball.com.

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The bowl has showcased teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier conferences, since 2014. The TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first 14 years as it is the fifth-most attended bowl game in the country since 2016. The bowl generates over $30 million annually for the Houston economy and has donated over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For more than 60 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting all across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.

HOUSTON – Kansas State and LSU have accepted bids to play in the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl, the bowl organizing committee announced today. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with a local radio broadcast available on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets and suites are now available for purchase www.taxacttexasbowl.com.

“We are excited to announce the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Kansas State Wildcats and LSU Tigers, two excellent institutions from the Big 12 and SEC,” remarked David Fletcher, executive director, TaxAct Texas Bowl. “The Bowl is one of the largest annual events in our community and we’re excited to welcome Kansas State and LSU to Houston. We look forward to hosting these teams and their fan bases for a festive bowl week of Texas-themed events that will culminate in a primetime showdown at NRG Stadium on January 4.”

Kansas State will represent the Big 12 Conference, while LSU will represent the SEC. The two programs have met just once before, when LSU earned a 21-0 victory over Kansas State on September 13, 1980. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark Kansas State’s third appearance and first since 2016, when the Wildcats earned a 33-28 win over Texas A&M. LSU will make its second appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and first since 2015, when the Tigers beat Texas Tech, 56-27. 

The 2021 edition of the TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark the event’s eighth year of affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. The game was most recently played in 2019, when the Texas A&M Aggies emerged with a narrow 24-21 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with quarterback Kellen Mond receiving MVP honors.

Entering its 16th year, the TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since 2016, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has the fifth-highest attendance among all college football bowls, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange bowls. The TaxAct Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have combined to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support for DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

For more information about the game and affiliated Bowl Week activities, fans can visit www.taxacttexasbowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About TaxAct
TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct’s products enable all users – regardless of profession, tax bracket or complexity of their return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibility. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About ESPN Events 
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 35 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.

HOUSTON – The 2021 Texas Bowl, featuring teams from the Big 12 and SEC, will kick off in primetime on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m. CT. The 15th edition of the game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston and will air on ESPN and ESPN Radio, with a local radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

The Texas Bowl is a top-five most attended bowl game in the country and the most attended non-New Year’s Six game since 2016, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange Bowls. The Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have grown to become two of the most popular annual college football games in the country, combining to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support to DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary. 

In 2019, the Texas Bowl featured the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas A&M Aggies, marking the sixth year of the Bowl’s affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. With an Aggies 24-21 victory over the Cowboys, then Texas A&M and current Minnesota Vikings QB Kellen Mond was named the 2019 Texas Bowl MVP.  Last year’s Texas Bowl was scheduled to feature TCU and Arkansas but was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.  

Ticket information for the event will be shared in the near future.  To be the first to get these updates and for more information around the game, fans can sign up for the Texas Bowl Waitlist at http://www.thetexasbowl.com/.  

About the Texas Bowl 
The Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Texas Bowl has showcased teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier conferences since 2014. The Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first 14 years as it is the fifth most-attended bowl in the country since 2016.

ESPN Events 
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

-LONE STAR SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 19

HOUSTON – The Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2021 class of Gridiron Legends inductees, the committee announced today. The honorees will be introduced at the 2021 Texas Kickoff game on Sept. 4 and will be inducted into the Gridiron Legends at a special pregame ceremony during the Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Jan. 4.

The class of 2021 features Lubbock, Texas native and Baylor standout Dennis Gentry, 17-time Texas state champion high school coach Keith Kilgore, Seven-time Pro Bowl and nine-time All-Pro punter Shane Lechler, Baylor All-American and eight-time NFL All-Pro Mike Singletary, the winningest coach in Texas A&M history R.C. Slocum, five-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro cornerback Emmitt Thomas, Beaumont native and three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Jerry Ball, University of Houston alumna and 2011 PFWA Assistant Coach of the Year Wade Phillips, Texas High School Hall of Fame and Texas Longhorn Hall of Fame inductee Steve Worster, University of Texas All-American and 2006 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Vince Young, and the patriarch of 7-on-7 football and co-creator of the Bayou Bowl Dick Olin.

Dennis Gentry
Dennis Gentry is a Lubbock, Texas native who went on to garner 2,230 rushing yards, 382 receiving yards and 309 kick return yards as a multi-position athlete for the Baylor Bears from 1977 to 1981. As a junior in 1980, along with fellow Class of 2021 Gridiron Legend Mike Singletary, Gentry notched 1,003 total yards from scrimmage as a major contributor to the backfield that blazed the way to Baylor’s first 10-win season in program history and its sixth conference title. After appearing in 45 games for the Baylor Bears in four seasons, Gentry was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft. He spent the entirety of his 11-year NFL career with the Bears and was a part of the 1985 Bears squad that went on to trounce the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX (46-10) and earned the reputation as one of the most dominant football teams of all time. Gentry finished his NFL career with 171 receptions for 2,076 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 764 yards and five touchdowns. However, his most notable role on the team was as a kick returner. He ranks second in career kick return yards for the Bears behind Devin Hester with 4,353 yards and is tied for the team’s all-time total kick returns with 192. In 1986, Gentry led the NFL with a 28.8-yards-per-return average. After retiring from football as a player, Gentry later served as the running backs coach for the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers in 2001 before the league closed operations. In their lone season, the Enforcers bounced back from an 0-4 start to win five of their last six regular season games and fell to the Los Angeles Xtreme in the semifinals of the XFL playoffs.

Keith Kilgore
Keith Kilgore is a native of Houston and a graduate of Waltrip High School. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Abilene Christian University. Kilgore began his teaching and coaching career at Bellaire High School and, after serving his country in the U.S. Army, he returned to coach at Houston Lee High School and then at Hastings High School in Alief, Texas. He entered athletic administration as an assistant director in Alief and then moved to Fort Bend ISD (FBISD) as the director of athletics in 1992, where he spent the remaining 21 years of his career. Under his leadership in FBISD, there were 17 state championships and three national championships crowned along with numerous titles in various individual sports. Kilgore has been honored by the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association as a “Distinguished Service Award” recipient, inducted into the Texas High School Athletic Directors Hall of Honor, the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Honor and named the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator Association’s Award of Merit. He has served on the board of directors of the Touchdown Club of Houston for 27 years and was president of the organization from 2016-2017. Kilgore has chaired the prestigious High School Awards Dinner since joining the board of directors for the Touchdown Club of Houston. He and his wife Sherry have been married for 47 years. They have two sons (Kerry and Kory) and 2 grandsons (Grant and Rhett).

Shane Lechler
Seven-time Pro Bowl and nine-time All-Pro punter Shane Lechler hails from East Bernard, Texas, and began his athletic career at East Bernard High School where he was a standout in football, basketball, baseball and golf. On the gridiron, Lechler played quarterback, punter and placekicker as he led East Bernard to the state quarterfinals his senior year. He finished his season having completed 87 of 101 (86.1%) of his passes and threw for 1,640 yards and 11 touchdowns. Throughout high school he averaged 41.6 yards per punt with a long of 85 yards. Lechler went on to play football for Texas A&M and proved himself to be a versatile athlete, earning snaps at punter, placekicker, holder for short field goals and PATs, and was the emergency quarterback. Due to his contributions in many different facets of the game, Aggie Head Coach R.C. Slocum called Lechler “the team’s most valuable player.” Lechler earned Freshman All-America honors in 1996 with a punting average of 42.7 yards and broke the Aggie single-season record for average yards per punt with 47.0 as a sophomore. He holds the NCAA record for career punt average with 44.7 yards per punt. Lechler finished his career at Texas A&M with three first-team All-Big 12 selections and an iconic NFL future still ahead of him. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, where he played for 13 seasons and set various NFL and Raiders records. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and was named an All-Pro in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. During his time with the Raiders, he was a three-time NFL punting yards leader (2003, 2008 and 2009) and he is the owner of the NFL record for best career gross punting average (47.6). Lechler also has the five best single-season punting averages in Raiders history, including a career-best 51.1 in 2009, which is the second-highest single season average in NFL history. He had at least one punt of 50 yards or more in 33 consecutive games from Week 13 of 2003 through Week 14 of 2005, the longest streak since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970. Lechler appeared in 158 regular season contests for the Raiders and seven playoff games, including Super Bowl XXXVII. On March 13, 2013, Lechler signed a three-year deal with the Houston Texans, where he finished his career after five seasons. In 2013, Lechler recorded 88 punts for 4,189 yards for a 47.6 average, and in Week 10 he became just the sixth player in NFL history to reach the 50,000 punting yards mark. He maintained excellent punting yard averages throughout the rest of his career and once again led the league in punting yards with 4,507 in 2017. Lechler retired in the spring of 2019 after sitting out the 2018 season as a free agent. In December 2019, Lechler became the first Texans player to be named to the NFL 100 All-Time team. He is married to the former Erin Gibson, who was an All-American volleyball player at Texas A&M.

Mike Singletary
Mike Singletary was born as the youngest of 10 children in his family in Houston. He attended Evan E. Worthing High School where he established himself as a dominant force on the gridiron. In ninth grade, Singletary was an all-state guard and linebacker and went on to earn a football scholarship to play at Baylor University. As a linebacker for the Baylor Bears, Singletary earned All-America honors in his junior (1979) and senior (1980) seasons, when he averaged 15 tackles per game and set a team record with 232 tackles in 1978, including 35 in a game against the Houston Cougars. During his senior year in 1980, along with fellow Class of 2021 Gridiron Legend Dennis Gentry, Baylor won 10 games for the first time in school history. Singletary was the only college junior to be selected to the All-Southwest Conference Team of the 1970s. He is a two-time recipient of the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy, which at the time was given to the most outstanding player in the southwestern United States before it became the quarterback-centric award that it is today. Singletary notched 97 tackles as a freshman, 232 (a school record) as a sophomore, 188 as a junior and 145 as a senior. His total of 662 tackles set a program record for most career tackles. He earned All-Southwest Conference honors three times and All-America honors twice. Singletary went on to be a second-round draft pick for the Chicago Bears in the 1981 NFL Draft, the 38th player selected overall. He stepped into his role as a starter in the Bears lineup in the seventh game of his rookie season. In his third game as a starter, Singletary recorded a memorable defensive performance with 10 tackles and a forced fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs. A near unanimous all-rookie selection, he went on to start 172 games for the Bears during his 12-year career, the second-most in club history. Singletary finished each of his last 11 seasons as the Bears’ first- or second-leading tackler. He finished his career with 1,488 career tackles, including 885 solo tackles, seven interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. Selected to play in a team record 10 Pro Bowls, Singletary was All-Pro eight times and All-NFC every year from 1983 until 1991. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988, Singletary was the cornerstone of the Bears’ innovative 46-defense. In 1985, he led a Bears’ defense that was ranked first in the league and allowed fewer than 11 points per game. The team went 15-1 and dominated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. The Bears held the Patriots to a record low seven rushing yards, and Singletary contributed with two fumble recoveries. In 2003, Singletary began his coaching career as the linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Following the 2004 season, the San Francisco 49ers hired Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to be their head coach, and Singletary left the Ravens to serve under Nolan as the 49ers’ assistant head coach and linebackers coach. He became the interim head coach of the 49ers after Nolan was fired in October 2008. After a 2-5 start, Singletary was able to lead the team to finish the season 5-4 under his leadership for a final record of 7-9. In December 2008, Singletary earned the long-term head coaching position and signed a four-year contract. After a strong 3-1 start to the 2009 season, the Singletary-led 49ers failed to reach the playoffs but finished with an 8-8 record, the team’s first non-losing season since 2002. The 2009 49ers produced five Pro Bowlers under Singletary’s leadership. After a disappointing 2010 campaign, the 49ers parted ways with Coach Singletary. He landed on his feet the following season after agreeing to join the Minnesota Vikings as the linebackers coach/assistant to the head coach. After being out of the league for two years, Singletary returned to the league as an advisor for the Los Angeles Rams’ defense. Since then, Singletary has had brief stints as head coach of the Alliance of American Football’s Memphis Express and Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas. Singletary and his wife, Kim, have seven children.

R.C. Slocum
R.C. Slocum was born and raised in Orange, Texas, and graduated from West Orange-Stark High School in 1963. He attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., where he earned a B.S. in physical education in 1967 and his M.S. in educational administration in 1968. He also played tight end for McNeese State’s football team for three seasons. Slocum began his coaching career as a football coach at Lake Charles High School in 1968. In 1970, he became a graduate assistant at Kansas State University under head coach Vance Gibson, also coaching the offensive linemen on the freshman team. In 1971, he was named head freshman coach. In 1972, Slocum was hired as receivers coach under Emory Bellard at Texas A&M. A year later he became the defensive ends coach, and in 1976, he became the linebackers coach. After a coaching change in 1978, he was named the new defensive coordinator for Texas A&M in 1979. Slocum left to serve as the defensive coordinator for the University of Southern California under John Robinson in 1981. He returned to Texas A&M in 1982 as defensive coordinator under Jackie Sherrill. In 1985, Slocum was elevated to assistant head coach. At last, in December 1988, Slocum replaced Sherrill to earn his first role as a long-term head coach. During his 14 years as head coach, he led the Aggies to a record of 123-47-2, making him the winningest coach in program history. Slocum never had a losing season and won four conference championships, including the Big 12 title in 1998 and two Big 12 South division crowns in 1997 and 1998. He reached 100 wins faster than any other active head coach and has the best winning percentage in Southwest Conference (SWC) history. Under his tenure, Slocum helped make Texas A&M’s Kyle Field one of the hardest places to play in the nation, losing just 12 home games in 14 years. Texas A&M owned the longest active home winning streak in the nation for much of 1994 and 1995. The Aggies lost just four times at Kyle Field throughout the 1990s. Slocum earned SWC Coach of the Year honors three times during his time as head coach. His “Wrecking Crew” defense led the SWC in four statistical categories from 1991 through 1993 and led the nation in total defense in 1991. Over 50 Aggies were drafted into the NFL that served under Slocum during his time as head coach. After 14 years as head coach, Slocum parted ways with Texas A&M in 2002. He immediately took a position as special adviser to Texas A&M President Robert Gates. In May 2012, Slocum was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In April 2019, he was named interim athletic director for Texas A&M. Slocum is married to the former Nel Jennings. Slocum has two sons, Shawn and John Harvey, and both are Aggie graduates.

Emmitt Thomas
Emmitt Thomas is an Angleton, Texas native who played just one season of high school football before attending Bishop College in Dallas. His baseball coach suggested he try out for the football team, and he emerged as a skilled wide receiver and occasional quarterback. Hailing from a small historically Black college, Thomas went undrafted in the 1966 NFL Draft but later proved to be one of the best undrafted free agents in league history. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him out of college and initially had him practicing as a wide receiver. He wound up playing cornerback, and in 1968, Thomas earned American Football League (AFL) All-Star honors. In 1969, Thomas led the AFL with nine interceptions, which he returned for 146 yards and a touchdown, helping his team win the AFL Championship and the fourth and final AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The next year, the NFL and AFL merged, and Thomas notched 12 interceptions in 1974, leading the league yet again. He also led the league with 214 interception return yards and two return touchdowns off interceptions. Thomas retired as a player after 13 seasons with the Chiefs and finished with 58 interceptions, which he returned for 937 yards and five touchdowns. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. Thomas was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Following his 181-game playing career, Thomas began a career in coaching. After two seasons in the college ranks, he moved to the NFL in 1981 where he began a long run as an assistant coach with various teams. He was hired by the St. Louis Cardinals as a receivers coach and spent four seasons with the team. He joined the coaching staff of the Washington Redskins in 1986 in the same role and was made secondary coach a year later. Thomas spent eight seasons with the Redskins before taking a job as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator. He worked under head coach Ray Rhodes and followed Rhodes when he became head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1999, assuming the same position. In Green Bay, alongside Rhodes and Offensive Coordinator Sherman Lewis, Thomas formed the first trio of African Americans to serve in the top three coaching slots of an NFL team (head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator). Thomas served as defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the staff of the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 as the senior defensive assistant coach and secondary coach. Thomas was named interim head coach of the Falcons in December 2007 and was tasked with leading the team through the rest of the season. In 2010, Thomas accepted the position of defensive backs coach for the Chiefs, where he coached through 2018. Smith married his wife Jacqueline Heafley in 1983, and they remained married until her passing in 2017. He has a son and daughter and now lives in Las Vegas, Nev. doing various coaching duties.

Jerry Ball
Jerry Ball hails from Beaumont, Texas and attended Hebert High School, then after integration graduated from West Brook High School, where he was a two-way football star as a fullback on offense and defensive end and linebacker on defense. He rushed for 1,000 yards as a senior and helped lead his team to the 1982 5A State Championship. Ball was a first-team all-state selection on defense while earning All-District honors at three positions. He played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he switched to nose tackle, became a four-year letter-winner and ranks fourth on the school’s all-time sack list. Ball was a four-year starter, three-time first-team All-SWC and two-time finalist for the Lombardi and Outland Trophies. Ball was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1987 NFL Draft. After an outstanding first year in the league, Ball posted 68 tackles and 18.5 sacks in his second season, including the one and only safety in the 10-year career of legendary running back, Eric Dickerson. He played in the NFL for 13 seasons, amassing 32.5 sacks, most of which came during his time as a nose tackle for the Lions. Ball spent his entire career being double-teamed and often triple-teamed by opposing teams due to his dominant presence on the defensive line. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1989, 1990 and 1991. In 1991, Ball was injured by a “chop block,” which was, at that time, legal. As a result, the NFL instituted the “Jerry Ball Rule,” which outlawed blocks of that type. Ball remained on the injured list through the end of that season and into 1992 as well. The following year, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, and then to the Oakland Raiders. From 1997 to 1999, he played for the Minnesota Vikings. He anchored the 1998 Vikings defense when he re-emerged as a leader and dominant force on the Vikings’ record-setting team that finished with a 15-1 record. Ball has three daughters and now has his own Detroit-based clothing company licensed by the NFL, called Ice Box Sportswear.

Wade Phillips
Wade Phillips was born in Orange, Texas, and is the son of former NFL coach Bum Phillips. He attended Port Neches-Groves High School in Port Neches, Texas, and went on to play football at the University of Houston. As a Houston Cougar, Phillips was a three-year starter at linebacker from 1966-68, when he set a former school record for career assisted tackles (228). He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant to Bill Yeoman at the University of Houston in 1969. The next year, he took a job as defensive coordinator at the former Lutcher Stark High School in Orange. In 1973, Phillips took a job coaching under his father as the linebackers coach at Oklahoma State. He later coached the defensive line at Kansas under head coach Bud Moore in 1975. The next year, Phillips made the leap to coaching in the NFL, where he started as a linebackers coach for the Houston Oilers under his father, the head coach, before transitioning to coaching the defensive line from 1977 to 1980. Wade Phillips remained on his father Bum’s staff as the two of them left for the New Orleans Saints. Wade stepped in to be the interim head coach of the Saints after Bud stepped down in 1985. He spent the next three years as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he oversaw defensive end Reggie White record 21 sacks in just 12 games in 1987. The Eagles went on to win the NFC East championship in 1988 under his guidance. Phillips then spent four seasons as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, where he helped the team reach Super Bowl XXIV. He earned his first official NFL head coaching gig for the Broncos in 1993, but was let go after the 1994 season. Phillips spent the next two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills before stepping in to fill Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy’s shoes after his retirement. In 1998, Phillips was named the new Bills head coach. From 1998-2000, Phillips kept Buffalo in the playoff hunt and enjoyed a mostly successful coaching tenure. The team parted ways with him after the 2000 season, and he landed on his feet as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2002. In 2003, Phillips served a brief stint as the interim head coach of the Falcons prior to his move to the San Diego Chargers. He served as defensive coordinator for the Chargers for three seasons prior to accepting the head coaching job for the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. Chosen by Jerry Jones over candidates like Norv Turner, Ron Rivera and Jason Garrett, Phillips led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in his first season at the helm. After a 9-7 season in 2008, Phillips and the Cowboys bounced back to a division crown and an 11-5 record in 2009. Prior to the season, Phillips took over defensive coordinator duties in addition to his role as head coach. He earned his first playoff victory with a win over the Eagles, ending Dallas’ 12-year playoff win drought. After a disappointing start to the 2010 campaign, Phillips and the Cowboys parted ways, leading him to accept the defensive coordinator position with the Houston Texans in 2011. He earned recognition as the PFWA Assistant Coach of the Year after the Texans defense finished second in the NFL with 285.7 yards allowed per game. Phillips installed a 3-4 scheme that yielded the third-largest single-year improvement since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, reversing a unit that gave up 379.6 yards per game and ranked 31st in the NFL in 2010. The Texans’ head coach at the time, Gary Kubiak, collapsed in the middle of a game in November 2013, and Phillips had to step in as the interim coach for the squad. A month later, Kubiak and the Texans parted ways, opening the door for Phillips serve as interim head coach once again. In 2015, Phillips joined Kubiak’s staff with Broncos as the defensive coordinator. In his second stint in Denver, Phillips replaced his predecessor’s complex wait-and-react scheme with a simple style of going after the ball, making Denver the top-ranked defense that season. He helped the team to a 12-4 record and the number one seed in the AFC despite the team’s offensive troubles. The 2015 Broncos, anchored by Phillips’ dominant defense, went on to defeat the Carolina Panthers, who had the league’s top-ranked offense, in Super Bowl 50. After a successful run in Denver, he left to become the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. In Super Bowl LIII, Phillips’ defense was credited with keeping the New England Patriots and Tom Brady out of the end zone until the fourth quarter. Phillips finished his tenure with the Rams after a 9-7 campaign in 2019. In total, Phillips posted an 83-69 record, including regular season and playoffs, throughout his career as a head coach. Known as one of the game’s best defensive coordinators, various players under Phillips’ scheme have won Defensive Player of the Year honors, including Reggie White, Bryce Paup, Bruce Smith, J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald. Others have won Defensive Rookie of the Year, including Mike Croel and Shawne Merriman. Phillips and his wife, Laurie, met in 1964 at Port Neches-Groves High School, where he was the quarterback of the football team and she was the head cheerleader. They have a daughter, Tracy, and a son, Wes.

Steve Worster
Steve Worster was born in Wyoming, but his family settled in Orange County, Texas, when he was a young boy. He attended Bridge City High School in Bridge City, Texas, where he played fullback on the football team and catcher in baseball. He earned All-District honors all four years, All-State honors for three years, and accumulated 5,422 yards during his high school career, including 38 100-yard games, which is second in Texas prep history. Worster led his high school team to a 13-1 season and the Class 3A state football championship in 1966, rushing for 2,210 yards and being named a High School All-American. He was later inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame. Worster accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Texas under head coach Darrell Royal. As a halfback, he became the cornerstone of Royal’s legendary wishbone formation. Nicknamed “Big Woo”, Worster ran for 2,353 with 36 touchdowns at Texas. He was a part of three Southwest Conference titles and two national championships. He was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Southwest Conference selection, and he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1970. Worster has also been inducted into the Texas Longhorn Hall of Fame and the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. Worster was selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the 12th pick in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft, but he did not play in the league. Worster spent one year in the Canadian Football League with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats prior to pursuing a career in sales. He has two children, Scott and Erin, as well as four grandchildren: Evan, Morgan, Noah and Lukas.

Vince Young
Vince Young grew up in the Hiram Clarke neighborhood of Houston, Texas, where he attended Madison High School. He started at quarterback for three years and garnered 12,987 yards of total offense during his high school career. As a senior, he led his team to the Class 5A state semifinals where he threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in a hard-fought loss to Austin Westlake. Young was named Parade’s and Student Sports’ National Player of the Year after compiling 3,819 yards and 59 touchdowns as a senior. He was named the 2001 Texas 5A Offensive Player of the Year, was designated as The Sporting News’s top high school prospect and was awarded the Pete Dawkins Trophy in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Young attended the University of Texas and played quarterback under Head Coach Mack Brown. As a redshirt freshman, he earned snaps halfway through the season after initially being second on the depth chart. As a redshirt sophomore, Young started every game and led the Longhorns to an 11-1 record and the school’s first-ever appearance in the Rose Bowl, in which they defeated Michigan. As a redshirt junior in 2005, Young led the Longhorns to an 11-0 regular season record, a Big 12 championship and a national championship. Young led the Longhorns to defeat the favored USC Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl, in which he accounted for 467 of total offense and three rushing touchdowns. He finished the season with 3,036 yards passing and 1,050 yards rushing, earning him the Davey O’Brien Award as well as All-American honors. Young finished his career at Texas with a 30-2 record as a starter and a .938 winning percentage as a starting quarterback, which ranks sixth best in Division I history. During his career at Texas, Young passed for 6,040 yards (No. 5 in Texas history) and 44 touchdowns (No. 4 in Texas history) while rushing for 3,127 yards (No. 1 on the school’s all-time QB rushing list/No. 7 on Texas’ all-time list) and 37 touchdowns. He was also No. 10 on ESPN/IBM’s list of the greatest college football players ever. Young entered the 2006 NFL Draft and was selected third overall by the Tennessee Titans. As a rookie, he set the former record for rushing yards by a rookie quarterback with 552. After a plethora of come-from-behind victories throughout the 2006 season, Young won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and replaced Philip Rivers in the 2007 Pro Bowl. In 2007, Young passed for 2,459 yards with nine touchdowns and rushed for 395 yards with three touchdowns, leading the Titans team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. The following year, Young suffered a knee injury and later assumed the backup role to Kerry Collins for the remainder of the 2008 season. After not starting for the first six games of the 2009 season, Young won eight of his 10 starts in fourth season in the league. The Titans began the year 0-6 and became the first team in NFL history to win five straight after losing their first six games. Young finished third in the bidding for NFL Comeback Player of the Year and was announced as the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year. Young appeared in his second Pro Bowl after taking a roster spot from an injured Philip Rivers yet again. After leading the Titans to a 4-5 record in nine of their first 10 games in 2010, Young suffered a thumb injury and played his last snap for the organization. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and started three games. Young spent the final years of his NFL career with brief stints for the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. Young re-enrolled at Texas for the 2008 spring semester, and in 2013, he graduated with a degree in youth and community studies. He continues to live in Houston’s Hiram Clarke neighborhood. 

Dick Olin
Dick Olin, the patriarch of 7-on-7 football in Texas, was the head coach for Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, for 12 seasons (1971-1982), the longest tenure in school history. He led Clinton to its first state championship in 1975. Later, Olin went on to take the head coaching job at Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, for 17 seasons (1992-2008). At Lee, Olin had a successful run in which he posted a 106-78 total record with 11 playoff appearances and helped produce star quarterback talents like Jermain Alfred, Ell Roberson, Clint Stoerner, Brian Johnson and his stepson, Drew Tate. After his time at Lee High School, Olin accepted a position as head coach and athletic director for Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas. After three years of leading the athletic programs at Lewisville, he moved on to accept the role as offensive coordinator at Stephen F. Austin College in 2012. Olin is one of the founders of the state 7-on-7 summer football tournament and is a co-creator of the Bayou Bowl, the annual all-star game that airs on ABC13.

The 2021 Texas Bowl will feature teams from the Big 12 and SEC and will kick off in primetime on Tuesday, Jan. 4. The game, which has ranked fifth in bowl game attendance in the country behind only the Rose, Cotton, Sugar and Peach Bowls since 2014, will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio with a local radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). 

Tickets remain for the 2021 Texas Kickoff game featuring the Texas Tech University Red Raiders and the University of Houston Cougars on Saturday, September 4 and can be purchased through the website at www.texaskickoff.com.

CONTACTS:

Omar Majzoub
(832) 667-2241
omar.majzoub@houstontexans.com

Carly Klanac
(832) 667-2164
carly.boatwright@lsse.net