Walt Garrison

Having been lured to Oklahoma State University in 1962 by Neill Armstrong and a football scholarship, Walt spent his freshman year on defense as a linebacker, not even once carrying the ball. Phil Cutchin became OSU head coach in the Spring of Garrison's freshman year and moved him to running back. The former linebacker's college career subsequently took off—literally. He finished his sophomore season only 12 yards behind rushing leader George Thomas, Jr. He was at the front of the pack in 1964 when he led Big 8 conference in rushing with 730 yards and then completed his senior year as OSU's leading rusher with 924 yards.

He was named All Academic Big 8 his junior year and made the All Big 8 football team the next. Following a first time in 20 years victory over OU in his senior year, Walt's post-season highlights included appearances in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco, the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where he was voted the Outstanding Back of the North team, the Coaches All-America Game in Atlanta and the College All Star Game in Chicago against the Green Bay Packers.

In professional football, Garrison continued to blaze a trail, this time with "America's Team", the Dallas Cowboys. In nine years (1966-1974), Walt racked up 3,866 yards rushing, averaged 4.3 yards per carry and scored 30 rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Don Meredith insisted, "If you needed four yards, you'd give the ball to WG and he'd get you four yards!" As a receiver, he caught 182 passes for 1,794 yards, scored nine touchdowns and added 41 kickoff returns for 813 yards. He retired as the third leading rusher and fourth leading receiver in Cowboy history. His pro career featured two appearances in the Pro Bowl plus Super Bowl V in 1970 and on the World Championship team in the 1971 Super Bowl VI.

Walt's life as a Cowboy didn't end at the goal line. He also made a name for himself in the rodeo arena. His favorite events are steer wrestling and team roping. In 1977, he was named First American Horseman by American Horseman Magazine in recognition of his fair play, athletic superiority, sportsmanship and reputation as a rodeo superstar.

Garrison was known for his toughness, once playing an entire football game with a broken ankle. At 49, he can still take a steer to the ground and probably could gain some yards on the gridiron. On the field and in the arena, Walt Garison has roped himself a well earned place in sports history.