One of the nation’s most prestigious college football awards was presented in Oklahoma City Monday evening when the Jim Thorpe Association honored Texas defensive back Aaron Ross.
Ross delivered an emotion-charged acceptance of the Jim Thorpe Award in front of an audience that included four former winners, several prominent Oklahoma sports and political figures, and television star Rex Linn of “C.S.I. Miami”. The Longhorn All-American had almost all in attendance drying their eyes as he recited a poem he had written to thank those who had contributed to his winning the award.
Adversity plagued Ross in his effort to play for Texas, and his poem credited his coaches and his family for their support through difficult times. Most of his thanks went to his mother and to his girl friend, Sanya Richards, an Olympic track gold medalist considered the fastest female in the world. Texas coach Mack Brown commented Ross was “the only defensive back in the country who couldn’t outrun his girlfriend.”
Ross was not on anybody’s All-American charts or NFL draft lists before the season began. He was not included on the Thorpe Award’s pre-season “watch list”, but stellar performances in key games soon brought him into the spotlight. He earned Big 12 and Football Writers Association of America “player of the week” recognition for his performance in the Oklahoma game.
Presentation of the 2006 award to Ross, first presented to Baylor’s Thomas Everett in 1986, marked its 20th anniversary. Everett was on hand to help with the presentation as were former winners Bennie Blades from Miami, Colorado’s Chris Hudson and last year’s winner Michael Huff, Texas. Everett and Blades were both inducted last year into the College Football Hall of Fame.
In addition to Ross, the ceremonies also honored members of The Oklahoman All-State Football Team. Lt. Governor Jari Askins presented certificates of commendation from Gov. Brad Henry to the All-Staters.
Former OU and Miami Dolphins kicker Uwe von Schamann presented a plaque from The Lou Groza Award organization to Heritage Hall kicker Jimmy Stevens for breaking the national high school record with 50 career field goals. The Groza Award annually recognizes the best place-kicker in college football.
The Abe Lemons Award, presented for dedication to the goals of the Jim Thorpe Association, was presented to Thorpe Executive Council member Carl Sadler, Oklahoma City.
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