The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Catching up with Ahmard Hall
11.21.2017 | Football
Hall took part in the University’s efforts on Veterans Day to recognize those who have served.
By James Rodriguez
On Veterans Day, Ahmard Hall returned to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the place where he revived a football career after serving four years in the military. Dressed in a plain white t-shirt and sporting a beard that has lengthened since his playing days at Texas, Hall strode confidently to midfield to observe the coin toss as one of the team's honorary captains.
After leaving behind active duty in 2003, Hall returned to the football field for the first time since he graduated high school. He enrolled at Texas and walked on to the football team, eventually starting at fullback on the 2005 national championship team. He went undrafted out of Texas but signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent, spending six seasons in the league and earning a Pro Bowl berth.
Hall credits his time in the military with providing a fresh perspective and the discipline he needed to breathe new life into his football career. More than a decade after he finished at Texas, Hall returned to his alma mater to take part in the University's efforts on Veterans Day to recognize and remember those who have served.
Hall had always been a gifted athlete, lettering three years in football in Angleton, Texas, and earning first team all-district honors as a team captain his senior year. His academics were another story — he describes his discipline during that time as "completely out of whack." He sought the guidance of a brother-in-law, who was a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps at the time. Hall enlisted soon after.
"He just provided me with a great example," Hall said. "He was everything that I was looking for at that particular time. I just decided to go and get my life together."
Hall's four-year career in the Marines included missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Through it all, he continued to harbor hopes of playing college football.
Hall had long been a Texas football fan. He followed the Longhorns on a military network that streamed the games a few days after they originally aired, witnessing the early years of what would become a run of dominance for Texas. Even from thousands of miles away, Hall could sense that something special was happening in Austin.
"I always had a passion for Texas football," Hall said. "I just saw Coach Brown building something great. Cedric Benson came in, Roy Williams was here, Cory Redding was here at the time, and I'd just seen him building something great. I felt like if I was going to accomplish my goals and do it the best, I could come here and get that done."
In 2003, Hall enrolled at The University of Texas under the GI Bill. Hall's initial status as a walk-on meant that he weathered grueling practices with little hope of seeing the field on Saturdays. At nearly 24 years old, he was easily four or five years older than many of the players on the team. As he navigated the new world of college alongside his younger teammates, Hall also adjusted to life outside of the strict order of the military.
"It was hard," Hall said. "You're used to a certain lifestyle in the military. You're used to rank, structure and the civilian world is a lot different than the military world. You have a whole different lifestyle, whole different set of rules. It was a crazy experience, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I had a great time, I'm still friends with a lot of the guys I played with and we accomplished something great here."
Hall said he reaped the benefits of a fresh perspective after years spent in the military. Eventually, he worked his way into a starting role and a scholarship.
"Number one, my mental toughness was a lot more intense after the military," Hall said. "I felt like after I served in the military I could accomplish anything. I was pretty mentally tough when I went in, but I don't know if I would've been able to endure everything I endured if I hadn't had that experience in the Marine Corps."
Hall began his senior year as the starting fullback on a team that would cement its place in history books after winning the national championship. Hall left the University with more than a championship ring in the way of accolades. In 2005, the Big 12 recognized him the Big 12 Male Sportsperson of the Year for his sportsmanship and community service, including a care package drive for veterans.
Hall told the Longhorn Network in a pre-game interview that his mission on Veterans Day and every other day is to shine the spotlight on the men and women whom he served alongside, and who continue to serve.
"[Veterans Day] means a lot to me, having served," Hall said. "But most importantly now, in my current situation, just making sure that the guys that have served and given everything for us in the past, and the guys that are currently serving, get their just due and their praise that they're due."
Hall pointed to gestures such as the names of veterans on Texas players' helmets as proof of the recognition.
"It's beautiful, man. I love it," Hall said. "It's awesome, and I thank The University of Texas for doing it."