NFF Hall of Famer Chris Gilbert Passes Away

Chris Gilbert, a legendary running back for the Texas Longhorns and a 1999 inductee into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, passed away on February 9 in Houston at the age of 79. Gilbert made history as the first NCAA player to achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, amassing a total of 3,231 yards during his college career from 1966 to 1968. He was a consensus First Team All-America in 1968 and placed eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. Gilbert played a crucial role in the success of the Longhorns under coach Darrell Royal, contributing to a Southwest Conference co-championship in 1968.

During his tenure, Texas compiled a record of 22-9-1, with Gilbert's standout performances including a 245-yard game against Baylor in 1966 and a 96-yard run against Texas Christian in the same year. Despite being drafted by the New York