The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Chris Gilbert named recipient of 2024 PwC Doak Walker Legends Award
12.13.2024 | Football
The Longhorn Legend will be honored at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet in 2025.
DALLAS (SMU) – The PwC SMU Athletic Forum has selected former University of Texas running back Chris Gilbert as the recipient of the 2024 PwC Doak Walker Legends Award. The award was created in 1998 to honor former running backs that excelled at the collegiate level and went on to distinguish themselves as leaders in their communities.
Gilbert will be honored at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Friday, January 31, 2025 on the SMU campus in Dallas along with the 2024 Doak Walker Award recipient, Ashton Jeanty, who was named at the Home Depot College Football Award on Thursday, December 12. Gilbert joins an impressive list of past recipients: Emmitt Smith (2023), Donny Anderson (2022), Abner Haynes (2021), Leroy Keyes (2020), Rocky Bleier (2019), Johnny Robinson (2018), Johnny Majors (2017), Herschel Walker (2016), Barry Sanders (2015), Bo Jackson (2014), Floyd Little (2013), Jim Brown (2012), Tommy McDonald (2011), Jim Taylor (2010), Eric Dickerson and Craig James (2009), Calvin Hill (2008), Marcus Allen (2007), Walter Payton (2006), Jim Swink (2005), John David Crow (2004), Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis (2003), Earl Campbell (2002), Tony Dorsett (2001), Pete Dawkins (2000), Archie Griffin (1999), and Gale Sayers (1998).
Texas Longhorn legend Chris Gilbert cemented himself in college football history by becoming the first player to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (1966-68). In his college career, Gilbert received All-Southwest Conference honors three times and was a consensus All-American as a senior in 1968. After college, Gilbert would go on to be drafted in the fifth round of the NFL/AFL Draft by the New York Jets. He would later be inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor in 1978, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
After graduating, Chris Gilbert, along with his former Texas Longhorns teammate Corby Robertson, co-founded Camp Olympia in 1968, which has since become one of the most successful summer camps in Texas. The camp has provided generations of children with a positive and enriching experience, playing a significant role in the local community. Following his time in the football world, Gilbert transitioned into a successful career as an investor and business executive in Houston. His business ventures have flourished, demonstrating his strong leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Camp Olympia, a key part of his post-football legacy, remains a testament to his commitment to youth development and the Texas community.
Gilbert was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor in 1978m the Texas High School Hall of Fame in 1990 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999,
Doak Walker epitomized leadership, sportsmanship, and academic and athletic achievement during his outstanding career at SMU. Walker was a three-time All-America choice who won the Heisman Trophy as a junior in 1948, was a first round draft pick of the Detroit Lions, led the team to NFL championships in 1952 and '53, and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Doak Walker Award presented by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum has been awarded to the nation's top running back since 1990. The Doak Walker Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
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