The Texas Bowl has always been a showcase of football greatness, where gridiron dreams meet the spotlight. This year, the stakes have just been raised, with the 2024 class of Gridiron Legends announced. And let’s just say, this lineup is bound to make even the most die-hard Texans fan stand up and cheer. Prepare yourself for a star-studded induction during the Texas Bowl game at Houston's NRG Stadium on December 31st. If you weren’t planning on attending, you might want to reconsider!

 

Meet the 2024 Gridiron Legends Inductees

This year’s class is a testament to Texas football royalty, featuring names that echo through high school, collegiate, and professional football history. From Hall of Fame honorees to coaching masterminds, these legends left an indelible mark on the Lone Star State.

Eric Dickerson: An unstoppable force on the field, Eric Dickerson is the embodiment of "Texas Tough." From his record-smashing high school days at Sealy to his legendary NFL career, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is synonymous with football brilliance. Dickerson’s jaw-dropping 1,808-yard rookie season and six Pro Bowl appearances cemented him as one of the all-time greats. Off the field, he's just as impactful, leading initiatives to support young boys growing up without fathers, something close to his heart.

John Randle: From undrafted free agent to Pro Football Hall of Famer, John Randle’s career is the stuff of legends. With a relentless passion for the game, this Texas A&I alum sacked his way into history as the Vikings' third all-time sack leader. Mumford, Texas' very own, Randle's journey from small-town Texas to the heights of NFL greatness proves that no dream is too big for a Texan.

James Francis: A two-sport phenom at Baylor, Francis took his gridiron talents to the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. Whether it was basketball courts or football fields, Francis dominated. Known for his fierce linebacker play, this La Marque native didn’t just play the game—he owned it, earning accolades on and off the field. He’s a walking blueprint for athletic versatility, and his name remains etched in Baylor and NFL history.

Tony Franklin: Nicknamed “The Barefoot Kicker,” Tony Franklin’s legacy as a field-goal sharpshooter remains legendary. Franklin did it his way—literally, shoeless! Breaking records left and right at Texas A&M, and later kicking his way into NFL history, this West Texas native became an icon. Who else can say they kicked a field goal in the NFL without wearing a shoe? Only Franklin.

Tony Heath: The mastermind behind Pearland High School’s football resurgence, Tony Heath coached the Oilers from obscurity to dominance, leading them to a perfect 16-0 record and a state championship. Heath is the kind of coach that movies are made about—a true leader who turned underdogs into champions. With over 195 wins to his name, he’s a Texas high school football institution.

A Night of Legends, A Game of Giants

The Texas Bowl isn’t just about the game; it’s about honoring the men who’ve shaped the very fabric of Texas football. Each of these inductees has brought something unique to the sport, be it explosive athleticism, record-shattering performances, or championship-caliber coaching. It’s a celebration of everything that makes football in Texas a religion, not just a sport.

The Gridiron Legends induction ceremony will take place as part of the pregame festivities at the 2024 Texas Bowl. If you’re a fan of football—and let’s be honest, in Texas, who isn’t?—this is an event you won’t want to miss. Plus, with the Big 12 facing off against the SEC, the game itself promises to be an epic showdown of gridiron greatness.

Get Your Tickets and Join the Celebration!

Ready to witness history in the making? Visit https://www.thetexasbowl.com/ for tickets and more information. Let’s pack NRG Stadium and give these legends the standing ovation they deserve!