79R9020 JHS-D

By:  Anderson                                                     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.