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Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

2001 HALL OF FAME

Charles "Cotton" Speyrer

  • Position Wide Receiver, Texas
  • Hometown Port Arthur, Texas
  • Height 6-0
  • Weight 175
  • Classic Memories 1969 Rushing: 1 attempt, 2 yards 1969 Receiving: 5 receptions, 161 yards, 2 TDs 1969 Two-Point Conversions: 1 reception 1970 Rushing: 1 attempt, 13 yards 1970 Receiving: 4 receptions, 70 yards 1970 Punt Returns: 1 return, 19 yards

Biography

One of the greatest clutch performers ever to play in the Cotton Bowl was Texas receiver Charles "Cotton" Speyrer. The elusive Speyrer burned Tennessee with two long scoring catches in the 1969 Classic. But, it was his celebrated fourth-down reception against Notre Dame in 1970 that is remembered above all others. With 2:26 left to play and the national championship at stake, the Longhorns trailed the Irish, 17-14. Texas had driven 66 yards to the Irish 10, and on fourth and two the Horns gambled with a pass. The call went to Speyrer, but the ball was thrown low and behind him. Speyrer was forced to stop, turn and lunge for the ball at the two. Somehow, he made the catch, scooping up the football just before it hit the ground. Seconds later the Horns scored, and thanks to quick thinking by Cotton Speyrer, the national title went home with Texas