H.R. No. 2834
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Sid Blanks thrilled countless fans during an
outstanding career as a college and professional football player;
and
WHEREAS, A native of Del Rio, Mr. Blanks starred at San Felipe
High School as a four-year letterman in four different sports, and
he remains the school's only alumnus to play football
professionally in both the American and National Football Leagues;
his legacy was recognized by his hometown in 2014, when the Del Rio
City Council unanimously voted to name a city park in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Taking his talents to Texas A&I University in 1960,
Mr. Blanks was a member of the Javelina track and field squad, but
it was on the gridiron that he truly made his mark; the first
African American to play football on scholarship at a predominantly
white school in the State of Texas as well as the first to compete in
the Lone Star Conference, he became a two-time All-American and a
four-time All-Conference selection as a halfback, establishing a
number of school and conference records along the way; he was
inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1981 and the LSC Hall of
Fame in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Blanks began his pro career in 1964 with the
AFL's Houston Oilers, rushing for 756 yards and adding nearly 500
receiving yards to earn a spot on the league's All-Star squad as a
rookie; on December 13 of that same year, he set a team record with a
91-yard run against the New York Jets; in 1969, he joined the Boston
Patriots, also of the AFL; after the AFL was absorbed by the NFL the
following year, he played one more season with the Patriots before
retiring in 1970; and
WHEREAS, A trailblazing athlete who achieved success at the
high school, college, and professional levels, Sid Blanks is a
source of pride to football fans across the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Sid Blanks on his accomplishments in
football and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Blanks as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Nevárez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2834 was adopted by the House on May
21, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House