Wednesday, 04 December 2024

Clint Murchison

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
Sport(s): Football Owner
Statistics: 2 Super Bowls (VI & XII)
Clint Murchison Jr. was the son of Clint Murchison Sr., who made his fortune in the oil business. The younger Murchison expanded the family holding by founding something even more important to Texans, the Dallas Cowboys.

The National Football League had yet to penetrate Texas, and Lamar Hunt, the man who spearheaded the American Football League, was set to own the new league's Dallas Texans. The NFL quickly approved a counter in Dallas, the Cowboys, which was where Murchison entered the picture, which turned out to be a perfect choice.

Murchison hired an elite crew to build his team with Tex Schramm (general manager), Tom Landry (head coach), and Gil Brandt (scout), though to Murchison's credit, none of them were considered "elite" at the time. Under Murchison, the Cowboys became "America's Team" and would go to five Super Bowls, winning Super Bowls VI and XII.

One of the crowning achievements of Murchison was Texas Stadium, a football-only stadium built in Irving, Texas. At the time, it was an elite facility and the premier place to watch football. All seats were covered by a roof, except for the field, so that the elements could still play a factor in the game. It was joked by former Cowboys linebacker, D.D. Lewis, that "Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so that God can watch his favorite team play."

Murchison owned the team until he passed away in 1987.

We are proud to nominate Clint Murchison for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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