The football world mourned the loss of a legendary player as Chris Gilbert, a former running back for the University of Texas, passed away at the age of 79. Gilbert's remarkable career spanned from 1966 to 1968, during which he became the school's all-time leading rusher. His achievements include rushing for over 1000 yards in all three of his varsity seasons, earning him the title of three-time All-Southwest Conference selection and the Southwest Conference player of the year in 1968. Additionally, he was a consensus All-American that year.
Gilbert's impact on the field was further solidified by his impressive statistics. He finished his career with 595 carries, amassing 3231 yards and 28 touchdowns in just 30 games. His performance in 1968, where he finished eighth in the Heisman voting, was particularly notable as it was the season Texas introduced the Wishbone offense. This strategic shift, led by Gilbert, Steve Worster, and Ted Koy, along with quarterback James Street, propelled Texas to a 9-1-1 record and a No. 3 ranking in the AP poll.
Despite not being part of the 1969 national championship team, Gilbert's senior year was a pivotal moment in Texas' football history. His standout performance laid the groundwork for the team's success in back-to-back years. After his college career, Gilbert played one year of professional football before transitioning into the business world.
Gilbert's legacy extends beyond the field. He was inducted into the UT Hall of Honor in 1978, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 1990, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. His contributions to the sport were recognized by the Football Writers Association of America, who named him to the All-Southwest team for the era of 1919-1969. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Pam, and sons Chris Jr. and Ty, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport and a rich legacy that will forever be remembered.
