The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
11.24.2004 | Football
Considered the finest linebacker in UT history and one of the schools greatest players ever, Tommy Nobis was a fierce competitor who stalked opponents on his way to All-America honors and the Outland Trophy and Maxwell Award while in Austin. He helped Texas claim the 1963 National Championship, was a first-round NFL Draft pick and was All-Pro five times during his 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons.
At Texas, he is best remembered for the famous number 60, a jersey that is reserved for the pride of the Longhorn defense. Today, another Longhorn linebacker rekindles the memories of Nobis with each swift stride. It is with the passion and determination that Nobis and the UT greats that have donned the Burnt Orange 60 that Derrick Johnson plays.
"I didn't know a lot about the Texas tradition when I first came here," said Johnson, a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (National Defensive Player of the Year), the Butkus (Nation's Top Linebacker) Bednarik and Lombardi Awards and the only defensive player listed among the 10 "Players to Watch" for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. "The more I saw, the more excited I was to learn about all of the great players that have come through here. You can't help but be proud to be a part of it."
In tribute to the lore of the Longhorns, Johnson has decided to honor the past by wearing Nobis' famed number 60 in what will be his final home game as a Texas Longhorn.
"After talking to Tommy Nobis and really understanding the history of the number, I thought it was important for me to wear it for this game to honor him and all of the guys that have worn it," explained Johnson, who is seeking to become UT's first two-time All-American linebacker since Nobis.
It was Johnson's respect for history that led him to call Nobis prior to this year's Oklahoma State game. He wanted to get to know the guy they call "the best ever" and to be certain he would be comfortable with him wearing number 60 if he decided to. Coincidentally, Nobis, a Vice President with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons who has been with organization for the past 35 years, had a bye week over the Oklahoma State weekend and was able to make a trip to see the player who many say is rekindling memories of his All-American days in Austin.
"Tommy was happy when I called him and we talked about me wearing the number," said Johnson. "He told me that seeing a guy out there running around in the number would bring back memories of his playing days. I think by wearing it, people will have a chance to remember what a great player he was and all of the other guys that wore 60."
Texas head coach Mack Brown has wondered if Johnson might one-day decide to wear 60, because he realized he was that special. But the humble kid from Waco thought it might send the wrong message.
"I didn't want it to be a distraction for this team," Johnson said. "I didn't want to do something that might look like I was trying to bring attention to myself."
It isn't the number he wears or a boisterous display of celebration that draws attention to Derrick Johnson. It is his ability to play football and the style with which he does that turns heads. He is workman-like in his approach, which may be why he's gained the respect of an all-time great like Nobis.
"Because of the way he plays, it meant a lot for him to ask me for advise," said Nobis. "It was very meaningful (to receive the phone call from Derrick Johnson). For him to have interest in me and my career means a lot." High praise from a man who averaged 20 tackles a game while at UT.
It's been almost 40 years since Nobis began the legacy of defensive football at Texas. Through that time, there have been a number of great players, but you would be hard pressed to find one in particular who could top what Derrick Johnson has done in his four years as a Longhorn. Mack Brown, who has been fortunate enough to see Johnson grow as a player, certainly feels that way.
"We've had so many great players, including Tommy Nobis, and they all leave a legacy here at Texas," explained Brown. "But, Derrick Johnson will go down as one of the best players to ever play college football, not just at The University of Texas.
"It's fitting that he will be wearing number 60 for his final home game. He's a guy that all of the great ones that have come through can be really proud of. Derrick is a great player, but he's an even better person and I'm sure it will be pretty exciting for everyone when they see him run out on the field wearing that number with the pride of this program on his chest."
