Jerry LeVias is a trailblazer in football history, known for his incredible impact both on and off the field. LeVias was the first African-American scholarship athlete to play in the Southwest Conference, paving the way for future generations of athletes.
During his time at Southern Methodist University (SMU), LeVias excelled as a wide receiver, earning recognition as a versatile and speedy player.
Beyond his college career, Jerry LeVias had a notable professional journey in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). His agility and skill on the field made him a valuable player, despite his smaller stature. His legacy in football is immortalized by his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, highlighting his contributions to the sport and his role in the integration of college football.
LeVias’s story is not just about athletic prowess but also about resilience and breaking barriers. His contributions to Southwest Conference history, along with his induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, underscore the lasting impact he has had on football and society. This makes his journey one of the most inspiring narratives in sports history, compelling to both sports enthusiasts and general readers alike.
Who Is Jerry LeVias?
Jerry LeVias is an iconic figure in American football, known for both his sports achievements and his impact on breaking racial barriers in the sport. His story includes overcoming a lack of size through sheer talent and speed, and making significant contributions to his college and professional teams.
Where Did Jerry LeVias Grow Up?
Jerry LeVias grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He attended Hebert High School, where he first demonstrated his football talents.
Playing as a quarterback in high school, LeVias was already showing promise and skill that would later define his career. Beaumont provided a community where sports were a significant part of life, and his early experiences there shaped his football journey. His family, including cousins Mel and Miller Farr, also contributed to a football tradition that deeply influenced him.
Where Does Jerry LeVias Live?
Jerry LeVias currently resides in Houston, Texas. After retiring from professional football, he chose to stay in his home state, maintaining close ties to the community and college where he made his mark.
Living in Houston allows him to remain connected to numerous football and social initiatives. His residence in Texas also keeps him near many of his former teammates and friends from his playing days.
Who Is Jerry LeVias Married To?
Jerry LeVias is married to Janice LeVias. Throughout his career and beyond, Janice has been a significant support in his life. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and understanding, which has been particularly valuable given the challenges and triumphs Jerry faced throughout his sports career. The couple has built a life together that balances personal happiness with community engagement.
Does Jerry LeVias Have Children?
Jerry LeVias has children, though details about them are kept relatively private. On occasion, he has spoken about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, particularly balancing a demanding career with family life. His children have been a meaningful part of his life, providing support and inspiration. Like their father, they have also contributed actively to their communities and share his values and principles.
Jerry LeVias College Football Career
Jerry LeVias played a significant role in college football history, breaking barriers as one of the first African-American players in the Southwest Conference. He was known for his blazing speed and remarkable skills on the field.
Where Did Jerry LeVias Play College Football?
Jerry LeVias played college football for the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs. He was recruited by Hayden Fry, who was a Hall of Fame coach. Fry offered LeVias an athletic scholarship, making him the first African-American player to receive this honor in the Southwest Conference.
LeVias played for the Mustangs from 1966 to 1968, primarily as a wide receiver and an all-purpose player. His versatility allowed him to excel in various positions, adding significant value to the team. Despite his relatively small stature of 5-9 and 170 pounds, his speed and agility made him stand out on the field.
Did Jerry LeVias Coach College Football?
Jerry LeVias did not pursue a career in coaching college football. Instead, he focused on his playing career, which extended into professional football. After his time at SMU, he played in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL).
His decision to not coach did not diminish his impact on the game. He continued to contribute to football in other ways, such as mentoring young athletes and being a prominent figure in promoting diversity in sports.
What Awards Did Jerry LeVias Accomplish In College Football?
LeVias earned several prestigious awards during his college football career. Most notably, he was a three-time First-team All-Southwest Conference (SWC) selection from 1966 to 1968. These accolades recognized his exceptional performance on the field and his contributions to the SMU Mustangs.
He was also a Consensus All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. LeVias set numerous records, including multiple touchdown receptions and impressive receiving yards, solidifying his legacy in college football history.
What Bowl Games Did Jerry LeVias Win In College Football?
Jerry LeVias had memorable performances in several bowl games during his time at SMU. One of the most notable was the 1966 Cotton Bowl, where he played a crucial role in helping the Mustangs secure a victory. His speed and skill in kick returns and receiving were pivotal to the team’s success.
Although the specifics of each bowl game may vary, LeVias consistently delivered outstanding performances that contributed to SMU’s winning seasons during his tenure. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations made him a key player in the Mustangs’ bowl game successes.
Jerry LeVias Professional Football Career
Jerry LeVias had a noteworthy professional football career, highlighted by his time both in the AFL and NFL. He made a significant impact on the field with his speed and skill, even though he faced numerous challenges.
Did Jerry LeVias Play In The NFL?
Yes, Jerry LeVias played in the NFL. He was drafted in the 1969 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, where he started his professional career.
LeVias played as a wide receiver and made an immediate impact with his agility and quickness. He was known for his ability to make big plays and his knack for catching difficult passes. During his time in the NFL, he also played for the San Diego Chargers, completing a total of 70 games over his career.
Did Jerry LeVias Coach In The NFL?
Jerry LeVias did not pursue a coaching career in the NFL. His professional contributions were primarily on the field as a player. After retiring from professional football, LeVias focused on other personal and professional endeavors, but none of those ventures included coaching either at the collegiate or professional level. His legacy in football remains rooted in his playing days and not in a coaching capacity.
What Awards Did Jerry LeVias Accomplish In Professional Football?
While playing professional football, LeVias garnered several notable accomplishments. Significant among these were his College Football Hall of Fame induction in 2003 and being a trailblazer as one of the first African American scholarship players in the Southwest Conference.
Although he did not win specific awards like Rookie of the Year or Player of the Year at the professional level, his groundbreaking presence and performances left a lasting impact.
Did Jerry LeVias Win A Super Bowl?
Jerry LeVias did not win a Super Bowl during his career. The teams he played for—the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers—did not make it to the Super Bowl while he was on their rosters. Despite the lack of a Super Bowl title, LeVias’s professional career remains significant due to his pioneering role in integrating Southern college football and his contributions on the field.
What Is Jerry LeVias Up To Now?
Jerry LeVias continues to inspire and engage with the community through sports, public speaking, and media. His legacy remains influential in various aspects of football and beyond.
Is Jerry LeVias Still Involved In Football?
Jerry LeVias is still involved in football in various capacities. He maintains connections with Southern Methodist University (SMU), the institution where he excelled as a college player.
Every year, an SMU football player is selected to wear the number “23” to honor LeVias’s contributions to the sport and the university.
While he may not coach or play professionally, his influence is felt through these symbolic gestures and his occasional attendance at SMU events, where he encourages young players to strive for excellence on and off the field.
Does Jerry LeVias Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Jerry LeVias engages in private speaking engagements. He often speaks about his groundbreaking achievements in football and the challenges he faced as the first Black scholarship athlete at SMU.
His stories offer valuable lessons in perseverance, courage, and overcoming adversity.
LeVias has also spoken at events sponsored by news outlets like The Dallas Morning News, sharing his experiences from both on and off the field. He is sought after by organizations wanting to promote inclusivity and diversity in sports and beyond.
Does Jerry LeVias Have A Podcast?
As of now, Jerry LeVias does not have a podcast. However, his stories and insights frequently appear on other platforms, such as interviews in legacy media and sports commentary shows.
These appearances allow him to reach a broad audience without the commitment of hosting his own podcast.
Has Jerry LeVias Gone Into Broadcasting?
Jerry LeVias has not completely transitioned into full-time broadcasting. He does make guest appearances on sports networks like ESPN and participates in discussions about the evolution of football and the ongoing struggles for racial equality.
His insights are valued, particularly during retrospectives and historical analyses of the sport. While he may not have a permanent role as an announcer, his contributions are impactful and appreciated by both fans and professionals in the field.
What Is Jerry LeVias Net Worth?
As of recent estimates, Jerry LeVias has an approximate net worth that ranges between $1 million to $5 million. This financial status is a result of his successful career in football, followed by various undertakings in business and possibly endorsement deals.
Jerry LeVias’s earnings during his football career were influenced by his tenure with both the Houston Oilers and the San Diego Chargers in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). During this time, professional athletes’ salaries were modest compared to modern standards.
LeVias’s contributions to football extend beyond his playing years. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, his legacy continues to bring recognition and related opportunities.
Alongside this, he likely engaged in various business activities post-retirement.
While specific endorsements or investments haven’t been widely publicized, many former athletes in his era have supplemented their income through speaking engagements, coaching, or consulting roles.
The financial journey of Jerry LeVias embodies both his sports achievements and post-retirement endeavors, solidifying his standing as a notable figure in football history.