Former Texas Quarterback and NFL Veteran Now Leading Lindale High School Tight Ends With Passion, Experience, and Longhorn Legacy Pride
In the heart of East Texas, under the Friday night lights of Lindale High School, a familiar name has returned to the gridiron — not to throw touchdowns, but to shape the next generation of football players. A former Texas Longhorn quarterback and NFL veteran has taken on a new role as the tight ends coach at Lindale, trading the bright lights of college and professional football for the rewarding, gritty world of high school development. And for this former Longhorn, the move isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about purpose.
For fans of Texas football, his name still resonates. He was once the face of the program, a poised leader under center with the weight of the burnt orange faithful on his shoulders. His journey took him from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium to NFL locker rooms, through the highs and lows that come with being a quarterback in the spotlight. Now, years removed from that intense glare, he’s found a new calling: mentoring young athletes in Lindale, Texas, not just in football technique, but in discipline, focus, and what it means to carry yourself with pride.
At Lindale, this former quarterback has stepped into a program known for its toughness and community pride. The Eagles have developed into a competitive force in East Texas, routinely producing talented players and competing deep into the state playoffs. With the addition of a former NFL and Texas player to the coaching staff, the program now carries an added edge — someone who’s walked the path these young athletes dream of and can teach them exactly what it takes to get there.
His primary responsibility is coaching the tight ends — a position he understands deeply, even from a quarterback’s perspective. His approach to the role is methodical and rooted in his experience on the field. He understands the nuances of the position: the leverage required in blocking, the timing of route breaks, the importance of hands and footwork, and above all, the mental sharpness required to read defenses and adjust on the fly. At every practice, he brings that knowledge to bear, blending technique with real-world insight in a way that resonates with players.
But beyond the Xs and Os, his presence at Lindale represents something more significant: a bridge between aspiration and reality. Young players in small-town programs often dream big, but few have direct access to someone who’s actually lived that dream. His career, from Texas to the NFL, gives him a credibility and relatability that can’t be faked. When he speaks about work ethic, they listen. When he explains how one missed assignment can derail a play or a game, they understand that it’s not theoretical — it’s experience speaking.
And make no mistake: he’s not simply reliving his glory days. His coaching style is modern, detail-oriented, and intensely focused on getting the most out of each player. Whether it’s a freshman trying to earn reps on junior varsity or a senior hoping to get recruited, every athlete in the tight ends room receives the same attention and expectation. He demands accountability, rewards effort, and never lowers the standard. His mantra, often echoed during drills, is simple: “Do your job, then do a little more.”
That mindset has already begun to reshape the Lindale tight end room. Once seen as a secondary position within the Eagles’ offense, tight ends have become more involved in the game plan, both as blockers and as receiving threats. The new coach emphasizes the importance of being “complete,” not just excelling in one facet but dominating in all three phases — blocking, route running, and situational awareness. The players have responded. Physicality has improved. Technique is sharper. And perhaps most importantly, confidence has grown.
Part of what makes his coaching effective is his willingness to share his journey — not just the highlights, but also the lessons learned from setbacks. He speaks openly with players about what it means to handle adversity, how to deal with pressure, and why preparation is the only path to consistent performance. These conversations go far beyond football. They’re about growing up, taking responsibility, and becoming better young men. In many ways, his impact is less about touchdowns and more about transformation.
The Lindale community has embraced his presence. For a town that reveres high school football, having someone of his stature and experience on the sideline is a point of pride. Parents appreciate the mentorship, and fellow coaches speak highly of his professionalism and humility. There’s no ego, no fanfare — just a quiet, steady focus on making the team better. And for someone who’s played in front of tens of thousands, that return to basics has proven to be deeply fulfilling.
The decision to coach at Lindale wasn’t made on a whim. After retiring from the NFL, he took time to evaluate what life after football should look like. While opportunities existed in broadcasting, business, or college coaching, he felt a pull to return to his roots. Texas football, after all, is where his journey began. Giving back to the game — and to the community — felt like the most natural next step. And Lindale, with its mix of tradition, competitiveness, and character, proved to be the perfect fit.
His impact has already been felt on the recruiting trail, as well. College programs have taken notice of the development happening at Lindale, particularly among the tight ends. While the coach never promises players offers or shortcuts, he helps them build the habits and skill sets that attract attention. He advises families on the realities of the recruiting process, provides honest evaluations, and opens doors where appropriate. For players dreaming of playing at the next level, his presence brings both guidance and visibility.
It’s clear that the former Texas quarterback hasn’t just transitioned to coaching — he’s flourished in it. His competitive fire still burns, but now it’s channeled through his players. Every game night brings a different kind of adrenaline. He’s no longer throwing passes under pressure, but he feels every snap, every block, every route as if he were. That emotional investment, combined with his technical knowledge, has made him one of the most respected assistant coaches in the area — and someone whose coaching future could grow even larger if he chooses to pursue it.
But for now, he’s right where he wants to be. Coaching at Lindale isn’t a stepping stone — it’s a mission. It’s about helping young athletes see what’s possible and giving them the tools to get there. It’s about keeping the spirit of Texas football alive not just on the field, but in the lives of every player who passes through his tight end room.
As the 2025 season kicks off, expectations are high for the Lindale Eagles. The offense is clicking. The culture is strong. And the tight end group is poised to be a key part of the team’s identity. Their coach, once a star under center in burnt orange and white, now leads from the sidelines — with a whistle around his neck and a heart full of purpose. And in doing so, he’s proving that the legacy of a Texas quarterback doesn’t end with the final snap. It just takes on a new form — one block, one catch, one life at a time.
