It was announced yesterday that former Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Ty Detmer would headline the National Football Foundation’s 2012 Hall of Fame Class. National Football Foundation (NFF ) President and CEO Steve Hatchell remarked, “Ty was a tremendous talent and an absolute legend at BYU. He accomplished almost everything a player can do in college football, and the way he played the game was truly ahead of its time. He is a very deserving member of the College Football Hall of Fame.”
Detmer has received nearly every award and honor imaginable, yet he was still “really appreciative” and “excited” to hear the news. He said it was “a neat phone call to get.”
The world has changed a lot since Detmer was turning heads on the gridiron at BYU over 20 years ago. Back then, he would have to call home after a game to tell his parents what happened. Yesterday, Detmer didn’t have time to make a call before his mom heard the news and called him. As expected, she congratulated her son and told him how proud and happy she was. Detmer’s daughters were getting text messages from their friends about the news.
Detmer has received several congratulatory phone calls from friends and family, including Hall of Fame Coach LaVell Edwards. One person Detmer did have to call was his dad.
Speaking of changes, Detmer’s college career may finally be completely in the rear view mirror. When asked if there were any honors left, he replied, “I think this wraps it up for me.” Detmer is a member of the BYU Athletics and Holiday Bowl halls of fame. BYU retired his jersey five years ago. When placed along side these honors, as well as the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards, where does the NFF College Football Hall of Fame rank?
“Near the top,” Detmer said. He considers the hall of fame recognition to be a tribute to the quality of his career as a whole. “It shows you were not a one hit wonder. You did good things over a long period of time.”
Detmer will be officially inducted into the hall on December 4, 2012 .
While I had Detmer on the line, I asked him about some of the current events in BYU football.
- John Beck signing with the Houston Texans. Detmer thinks that the Texans is a good place for Beck and that Beck will like
Texas - The Sporting News ranking Bronco Mendenhall number 15 among college coaches. That is great. Mendenhall has done a great job with the program to make the team competitive every year, even with the unique challenges presented by coaching at a place like BYU.
- Thoughts on Riley Nelson. Nelson has been great the way he hung in there and stuck it out. He is such a competitor. The team appreciates Nelson’s leadership and they are looking to rally behind him.
- BYU and the Big XII. Detmer knows nothing.
As far as his high school team at St. Andrew Episcopal in Austin , Texas
An interview with Ty Detmer from April 4, 2011, is available on the Interviews page.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
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