McMurry University Athletics

Bill Gorman was a standout offensive tackle for McMurry's football teams for four seasons from 1956 thru 1959. During his four seasons, the Indians were a combined 24-16 and his years coincided with those of head coach Tommy Ellis.

As a matter-of-fact, his final game ended exactly as most any McMurry players would want it to:  with a 14-7 victory over Abilene Christian!  In that game, McMurry trailed 7-0 going into the fourth quarter, when Coach Ellis called a little trickery…lining Gorman up as an eligible receiver on a play that resulted in him making a 15-yard catch.  That helped the team on its way to two unanswered touchdowns and the big win over ACU.

Weighing in at 230-pounds, Gorman became one of the most decorated players to ever carry the Indians name as a lineman.  By the time he was a senior during the 1959 football season, he earned all-America recognition from the NAIA and Together Magazine, while also being named to the All-Texas College Team by the Dallas Morning News.

He played in the “Tucson Bowl” on January 2, 1960, which pitted small college All-Stars versus major college All-Americans in Tucson, Arizona. He was also voted “All-City” in Abilene and the “Most Valuable Lineman”.

After his playing days were over at McMurry, Gorman brought another distinction to campus, as he was drafted in the 20th round by the New York Giants in 1960!  That was the same New York Giants team that had such legendary football names on its roster as Kyle Rote, as well Frank Gifford and Pat Summerall…the latter whom many remember for their careers as sports broadcasters. That Giants team also boasted future NFL Hall of Famers Sam Huff and Rosey Grier!

One fact about his being drafted:  there is an endearing term most familiar with football knows called “Mr. Irrelevant.”  This refers to the last player selected in the NFL draft each season and, nowadays, there is a parade and expensive gifts for that person!  Although it wasn't like that back in 1960's, Gorman's name – and that of McMurry – will historically be etched on that list as he was the 1960 “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last player taken in the draft!

However, after making the trip to New York, Gorman – who was ever the simple country boy at heart – decided against a career in professional sports. Instead, he returned to his hometown of Baird and dedicated himself to operating the Callahan County Co-op Feed Store, which supplied several counties.  He would work there until he became ill in 1998. Bill loved to fish, hunt and travel…until he passed away in January of 1999.