H.R. No. 1237


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Derrick Johnson of Waco is the 2004 recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Dick Butkus Award, which honor college football's top defensive player and linebacker, respectively, and it is a pleasure to join in recognizing the career of one of the premier linebackers in college football history; and WHEREAS, A team captain for the Texas Longhorns during his senior season, Mr. Johnson was unanimously named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American in 2004; he also earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2003 and has garnered numerous other significant awards and accolades during his remarkable playing career; and WHEREAS, During the 2004 football campaign, Mr. Johnson started all 12 games, posting 130 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10 pressures, two sacks, and a blocked extra point; he also caused nine fumbles, setting a single-season NCAA record, and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week three times; and WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson's efforts on the gridiron in 2004 propelled the Longhorns to a 10-1 regular season record and a berth in the Rose Bowl, where the Longhorns defeated a talented University of Michigan team 38-37; that hard-fought victory helped to cement Mr. Johnson's reputation as one of the most exciting players to don burnt orange; and WHEREAS, A youth and community studies major, this Waco native hopes to teach and coach after completing his professional football career, and although his presence on the Longhorn football field will be missed by fans, coaches, and fellow players, he will long be remembered by those who witnessed the passion, enthusiasm, and skill he displayed each week; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Derrick Johnson for winning the 2004 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Dick Butkus Award and extend best wishes to him for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Johnson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Anderson ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1237 was adopted by the House on April 29, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House