James Everett Saxton Jr. made an indelible mark on college football history as a halfback for the University of Texas.
In 1996, Saxton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, commemorating his remarkable achievements on the field. A standout under Texas coach Darrell Royal, Saxton was known for his speed and agility, which earned him a unanimous All-American title in 1961.
Saxton’s legacy extends beyond his college years. He played professional football for the Dallas Texans in 1962, when the team claimed the AFL Championship.
Despite his brief professional career, his college performance remains a point of admiration. His knack for averaging 7.9 yards per carry in the 1961 season is still celebrated today.
Saxton passed away on May 28, 2014, leaving behind a family and a lasting legacy in the world of football. His contributions to the sport were honored not only with his Hall of Fame induction but also through his inclusion in the Longhorn Hall of Honor. His story inspires future generations to aim for excellence both on and off the field.
Who Is James Saxton Jr.?
James Everett Saxton Jr. was a celebrated football player who made significant contributions to the sport both in college and professionally. His journey from Texas to the Hall of Fame highlights his remarkable talent and achievements.
Where Did James Saxton Jr. Grow Up?
James Saxton Jr. was born on May 21, 1940, in Palestine, Texas. He spent his early years in Fairfield, Texas.
Growing up, James was known for his quickness and agility, traits that would later become his trademarks on the football field. The close-knit community of Fairfield provided a supportive environment where he nurtured his athletic skills, often playing sports with his sister and cousins. The influence of family and community played a significant role in shaping his early life.
Where Does James Saxton Jr. Live?
After his illustrious career, James Saxton Jr. remained in Texas. He lived in Austin, the capital city known for its vibrant culture and significant sports legacy.
His residence in Austin kept him close to the University of Texas, where he had achieved much of his fame. Even in retirement, he stayed connected to the sports community, often engaging with fans and participating in local events. His presence in Austin allowed him to remain an integral part of the Texas sports scene.
Who Is James Saxton Jr. Married To?
James Saxton Jr. was married to Carol Ann Saxton. Their marriage was a cornerstone of his personal life, providing stability and support throughout his career and beyond.
Carol Ann stood by him through his professional highs and personal challenges, including his battle with dementia. Their enduring relationship was marked by mutual respect and love, highlighting the importance of family in his life. Together, they built a life filled with memories and shared experiences.
Does James Saxton Jr. Have Children?
James Saxton Jr. and Carol Ann Saxton had three children: Jimmy Saxton, Shelley Earnest, and Cathy.
James was a devoted father who balanced his professional commitments with family responsibilities. His children grew up witnessing their father’s dedication to football and the values he upheld both on and off the field. They supported him in his later years, cherishing the legacy he left behind. The Saxton family exemplifies the blend of athletic excellence and strong family bonds.
James Saxton Jr. College Football Career
James Saxton Jr. had a standout college football career at the University of Texas, where he earned many accolades. Playing as a halfback, he left a lasting mark in various games and received several awards for his exceptional performances.
Where Did James Saxton Jr. Play College Football?
James Saxton Jr. played college football for the University of Texas. During his time with the Texas Longhorns, he was known for his speed and agility.
Saxton played under head coach Darrell Royal, contributing significantly to the team’s success. He was a versatile player, adept in both rushing and receiving, which made him a key figure in the Longhorns’ offense.
Did James Saxton Jr. Coach College Football?
James Saxton Jr. did not pursue a coaching career in college football after his playing days. Instead, he entered the banking business in Austin, Texas. Though he moved away from the field, his legacy in college football remained strong through his contributions as a player.
What Awards Did James Saxton Jr. Accomplish In College Football?
Saxton was a unanimous All-American in 1961. He was also a Heisman Trophy finalist, placing third behind Ernie Davis and Bob Ferguson.
His performance in the 1961 season earned him the title of Southwest Conference Player of the Year and selection to the All-SWC team. Saxton’s impressive 7.9 yards per carry average remains a notable achievement.
What Bowl Games Did James Saxton Jr. Win In College Football?
During his college career, Saxton helped lead the Texas Longhorns to several important bowl games.
One of the standout moments was the 1962 Cotton Bowl, where Texas faced Mississippi. Although the Longhorns didn’t secure a national championship during his tenure, Saxton’s contributions were crucial in many significant games.
James Saxton Jr. Professional Football Career
James Saxton Jr. played in the American Football League and contributed significantly as a halfback for the Dallas Texans. Although his professional football career was brief, it was notable for his versatility and achievements during his time on the team.
Did James Saxton Jr. Play In The NFL?
James Saxton Jr. did not play in the NFL but made his mark in the American Football League (AFL). He was a halfback for the Dallas Texans in the 1962 season.
During this time, the team won the AFL Championship, highlighting the peak of his professional playing career. His skills on the field made him a valuable player, even though he wasn’t part of the NFL’s roster at that time.
Did James Saxton Jr. Coach In The NFL?
James Saxton Jr. did not pursue a career in coaching within the NFL. After retiring from professional football, he shifted his focus to the banking business in Austin, Texas. He also made significant contributions to community service organizations such as the United Way, the American Heart Association, and the Boy Scouts, but coaching football was not part of his career path.
What Awards Did James Saxton Jr. Accomplish In Professional Football?
James Saxton Jr.’s notable achievement during his professional football career was being a part of the Dallas Texans when they won the AFL Championship in 1962.
While he didn’t receive individual awards like MVP or All-Pro honors during his professional career, his collegiate success, including being a Heisman Trophy finalist and an All-American, laid a strong foundation for his entry into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Did James Saxton Jr. Win A Super Bowl?
James Saxton Jr. did not win a Super Bowl. The Dallas Texans played in the AFL, and their 1962 AFL Championship victory came before the AFL-NFL merger and the establishment of the Super Bowl.
Although he played during a significant era of football history, the Super Bowl did not yet exist during his time on the field, thus no opportunity to win that title arose.
What Is James Saxton Jr. Up To Now?
James Saxton Jr., known for his outstanding career in football, has kept a somewhat low profile in recent years due to his battle with dementia. This has impacted his ability to engage in many activities. However, his legacy in football remains significant, and there are areas where people still wonder about his involvement.
Is James Saxton Jr. Still Involved In Football?
James Saxton Jr. has not been actively involved in football lately. His battle with dementia has made it challenging for him to participate in activities related to the sport.
Although he was once a star halfback for the Dallas Texans and an All-American at the University of Texas, his health issues have taken priority. The College Football Hall of Fame still celebrates his contributions to the game.
Does James Saxton Jr. Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Due to his health problems, James Saxton Jr. no longer does private speaking engagements. In the past, he shared insights and experiences from his football career, inspiring many with his journey from a hometown hero in Palestine, Texas, to a legendary athlete. Unfortunately, his condition has curtailed these activities.
Does James Saxton Jr. Have A Podcast?
James Saxton Jr. does not have a podcast. Podcasts often require regular verbal communication and cognitive engagement, which are difficult to maintain given his dementia.
While sports figures often turn to media such as podcasting to share their stories and perspectives, this hasn’t been a possible path for him.
Has James Saxton Jr. Gone Into Broadcasting?
James Saxton Jr. has not pursued a career in broadcasting. Despite a wealth of knowledge and experience that could have benefited sports media, his health issues have restricted his ability to participate in such roles. His prominence remains through the memories of his impactful playing days and his induction into the Hall of Fame.
What Is James Saxton Jr. Net Worth?
James Saxton Jr.’s net worth at the time of his passing is not publicly documented. His career in football was notable, but his financial status was never the focal point of public records.
After retiring from professional football, he had a successful career in business. He worked at AT&T and was deeply involved with Texas Commerce Bank.
He also served on the boards of several organizations, including the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the State Board of Insurance.
Saxton was known for his community involvement. He worked with the United Way, the American Heart Association, and the Boy Scouts.
While his exact net worth is not available, Saxton’s legacy includes contributions to various business and community organizations. His financial success post-football was marked by his leadership roles and commitment to service.