Bobby Layne

Lore & Background

Born in Santa Anna, Texas, Layne grew up on a farm in Coleman County. His father died of a heart attack when Layne was eight, and his mother sent him to live with his aunt and uncle, Mimi and Wade Hampton, who adopted him and moved to Highland Park, Texas. He attended Highland Park High School, where his best friend and football teammate was Doak Walker. In his senior year, Layne was named to the all-state football team, played in the Oil Bowl All-Star game, and led Highland Park to the state semifinals. In college, Layne was a four-time All-Southwest Conference selection in football (1944–1947) and a consensus All-American in 1947. He served eight months in the Merchant Marine during his sophomore year, missing the first six games. In the 1946 Cotton Bowl Classic, Layne completed 11 of 12 passes and accounted for every one of Texas's 40 points, scoring four touchdowns, kicking four field goals, and throwing for two other scores. He finished his Texas career with a school-record 3,145 passing yards and 28 wins. In baseball, Layne was a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection (1947 and 1948) and had a 28–0 conference record. He played minor league ball for the Lubbock Hubbers in 1948.