City of Gatesville honors Cotton Davidson

Cotton Davidson, who starred for the Gatesville Hornets and Baylor Bears before a professional football career and longtime coaching career at Baylor, was honored by a proclamation from Mayor Gary Chumley recognizing Nov. 27 as Cotton Davidson Day.

Davidson, who turns 90 on Nov. 30, has written his memoir, and the Coryell Museum & Historical Center, 718 E. Main St., will host a celebration in his honor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 27.

The proclamation reads:

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson is a native of Coryell County, Texas having been born in the Pecan Grove community, spending his early childhood in that area; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson graduated from Gatesville High School in 1949; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson was an outstanding athlete, letting in four sports his senior year at Gatesville High School; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson continued to participate in sports at Baylor and, as quarterback, led the Bears football team to winning seasons in his junior and senior years before graduating in 1954; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson served his country from 1955 until 1957 in the U.s. army; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson was a nationally recognized, award winning professional football quarterback in the AFL and NFL until 1969 for the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Colts and Dallas Texans; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson coached Baylor quarterbacks and receivers for 21 years until 1992, through many of the best seasons and most memorable wins in the university's history; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson has consistently made numerous significant contributions of his time and influence to support causes and programs such as the Boys & Girls Club of Gatesville, for the betterment of Gatesville and Coryell County citizens; and

"Whereas, Cotton Davidson has published his memoir in which he highlighted his cherished connections to Gatesville and Coryell County and emphasized his high regard for the fine people there;

"Now therefore, I, Gary M. Chumley, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of Gatesville, Texas, do hereby proclaim, Saturday, November 27, 2021 as Cotton Davidson Day in Gatesville, Texas in recognition of his significant and distinguished contributions, dedication and service to the city."

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After Davidson's rookie season with the Colts, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and spent time at Fort Carson in Colorado and at Fort Bliss in Texas.

He resumed his professional career, which included being named Most Valuable Player in the AFL All Star Game in his stint with the Texans.

Davis was a key contributor to Coach Grant Teaff's Baylor Bear teams that won Southwest Conference championships in 1974 and 1980, and had several additional successful seasons.