Former Texas star, College Football Hall of Famer dies at 79

Chris Gilbert, a legendary running back for the Texas Longhorns, has passed away at the age of 79 in Houston. Gilbert, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, was known for his exceptional college career from 1966 to 1968, during which he became the first college running back to achieve over 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons. He earned All-Southwest Conference honors each year and was a consensus All-American in 1968, finishing eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. Gilbert's career totals include 3,231 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, placing him sixth in Texas Longhorns history for rushing yards. Post-college, he was drafted by the New York Jets in the 1969 NFL Draft but did not play in the NFL. Gilbert later became an investor and business executive in Houston. His accolades also include induction into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.