Oklahoma, 1972
• 1970 Academic All-America® Second Team
• 1971 Academic All-America® First Team
Jack Mildren was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame in 1998.
Jack Mildren’s career took him from high school football star to college standout to Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.
Mildren was born in Kingsville, Texas and was a football star at Cooper High School in Abilene. The quarterback led his team to the Class 4A state championship game in 1967. As the seconds ticked off the clock, Mildren drove his team to the one-yard line only to be stopped attempting a quarterback sneak. Prior to his touchdown attempt, in one of the most memorable moments in Texas high school football history, Mildren sent the field goal team off the field because he wanted to win by a touchdown.
Mildren overcame his championship disappointment in high school to play quarterback at the University of Oklahoma from 1969-1971. He had a standout senior season in 1971, earning All-American and Academic All-American honors. The No. 2 Sooners fell just short of a national championship when they lost to No. 1 Nebraska 35-31 in what was billed as the Game of the Century. Mildren was also named the 1972 Sugar Bowl MVP after Oklahoma’s 40-22 victory over Auburn.
Mildren spent three seasons in the NFL after graduating from Oklahoma in 1972. He played defensive back for the Baltimore Colts and the New England Patriots before retiring to enter politics. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma in 1990 and launched an unsuccessful campaign for Oklahoma governor in 1994.
Mildren also had a very successful career outside of politics and off the gridiron. He was the Vice-Chairman for the Arvest Bank Group and a radio announcer on a local station in Oklahoma City. He was also part of The Sports Animal’s Gameday Coverage of Oklahoma football.
Mildren was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2006 and passed away on May 22, 2008. He was survived by his three children and two grandchildren.