The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
02.27.2014 | Texas Athletics
Former UT Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds is awarded the highest honor by the NFF Gridiron Club.
Former UT Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds will receive the 2014 Distinguished Texan Award the National Football Foundation (NFF) Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter announced Monday. The chapter will present the award to Dodds at their sixth annual banquet on April 14 at the Marriot Quorum in Addison, Texas.
"Over a long career at The University of Texas, DeLoss Dodds established himself as one of the most successful athletics directors in the country," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "He has always been a great supporter of the game of football and a friend of the National Football Foundation. We are extremely proud to be honoring him."
The Distinguished Texan Award is the chapter's most prestigious award. It pays tribute to an outstanding person who has maintained a lifetime interest in football and who has been a significant contributor to the betterment of the game.
"Football is a game of dedication and passion, from the players, coaches and the fans," said Dodds. "It gives kids tools to be successful, both on the field and off. At Texas, my focus was always on the kids and to make sure we were teaching them to win the right way. It's an honor to be recognized for that work by the NFF, an organization that is devoted to the development of young people."
"We are thrilled to be honoring DeLoss Dodds this year," said Gerald Brence, the president of the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas and the athletics director for the Plano Independent School District. "The event promises to be a highly memorable and entertaining night as we recognize his contributions to the game of football and the state of Texas."
Dodds officially retired as Texas' Athletics Director on Nov. 25, 2013. During his tenure as the school's sixth athletics director, The University of Texas Men's Athletics program enjoyed some of its most dynamic times. In 1988, Dodds hired head football coach Mack Brown, ushering in one of the most successful periods in UT Athletics history, including a BCS National Championship during the 2005-06 season.
The NFF also recognized Dodds in 2006 with the John L. Toner Award for demonstrating excellence as an athletics administrator.
