After the Texas Longhorns’ unbelievable comeback against #1 Ohio State, I wanted to showcase a father-son legacy that demonstrated their athleticism at the University of Texas and went on to the big leagues. This is the Ernie Koy story.

Ernie Koy Sr.

Ernie Koy was born in Sealy, TX in 1909. He attended the University of Texas in 1930, where he played a fullback on the football team and was captain and outfielder for the baseball team. 

After playing baseball and football for the Longhorns, Koy was signed to play for the Kansas City Blues (now the Royals) but his contract was transferred to the New York Yankees and eventually settled with the Brooklyn Dodgers, playing under coach Babe Ruth. He debuted in April 1938, knocking the ball out of the park for a home run on his first time up to bat.

Known for his speed, Koy participated in an exhibition 100-yard dash, beating Jesse Owens — the man who famously won the Olympics in front of Adolf Hitler, and is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in American history. 

After playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies, Koy ended his contract to fight for the Navy in World War II in 1946. After being discharged, he became the head football coach at Bellville High School but swiftly resigned to focus on his business ventures. He died in 2007 at age 97.

Ernie Koy Jr.

Born in Bellville, TX in 1942, Koy Jr. was a football star at Bellville High, where he was selected as an All-American and Most Valuable Player in 1960.

He joined the University of Texas football team in 1961 under coach Darrell Royal (who the stadium is now named after) where he was a top scorer and voted Outstanding Freshman. 

Despite a leg injury in 1962, he went from wingback to punter, helping to bring the Longhorns a Southwest Conference Title before losing at the Cotton Bowl to LSU. 

While he was injured and ill throughout his sophomore year, he returned for the 1963 season as a fullback and helped bring the UT Longhorns to an undefeated season, giving them the program’s first ever national championship.

He returned for the 1964 season as a running back.

Defeat against Texas Tech (23-0)

Defeat against Oklahoma (28-7)

The ’64 season was near-perfect except for a heartbreaking loss by one point against Arkansas. 

Defeat against Rice (6-3)

Defeat against SMU (7-0)

Defeat against Texas A&M (26-7)

At the 1965 Orange Bowl, Ernie Koy Jr. faced off against the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide led by legendary coach Bear Byrant and quarterback Joe Namath, who would go on to be considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. The Crimson Tide’s undefeated season came to an end in a dramatic upset.

Ernie Koy Jr. was selected by the New York Giants in the 1965 NFL draft, and he was thrilled to play in New York like his father did with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1967. After retiring, he worked as an assistant coach at Sam Houston State University. 

His younger brother Ted Koy would also go on to play for the UT Longhorns and be part of the 1969 National Championship team. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1970 and played for the Buffalo Bills from 1971-1974.

Check out the Portal to Texas History to learn more and check out our video collection for more vintage football footage and more!

Want vintage North Texas football clips? Check out our UNT Athletic Department Records.