77 Days Until Kickoff In Columbus! — Who is your favorite No. 77?

[Blake Munroe]

We are down to 77 days away until the Longhorns take on Ohio State. Who is your favorite Longhorn to wear number 77?

Some options today:

Kenneth Sims

 

Brad Shearer

 

Stanley Mauldin

[Blake Munroe]

Really enjoyed learning about Mauldin this morning, who actually passed away at an early age.

Here is the Mauldin file:

Stanley Mauldin, who wore jersey number 77, was a standout offensive lineman for the Texas Longhorns in the late 1930s and early 1940s, a period when college football was gaining national prominence. Below is a detailed overview of his collegiate career, pieced together from available historical records and context provided by your prior inquiries.

Career Overview

Position: Guard (Offensive Lineman)

Years Active: Approximately 1939–1942 (exact years are slightly unclear due to limited records, but 1941–1942 are confirmed as his prominent seasons)

Jersey Number: 77

Key Achievement: All-Southwest Conference (SWC) selection in 1942

Season Highlights

1941 Season

Team Context: The 1941 Texas Longhorns, coached by Dana X. Bible, had an 8–1–1 record, finishing ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll. This was one of the strongest teams of the era, featuring players like quarterback Bobby Layne and running back Pete Layden.

Mauldin’s Role: As a guard, Mauldin was a key component of the offensive line, protecting Layne and opening holes for the running game. The Longhorns’ success, including a 14–7 victory over No. 20 Washington in Seattle and a 7–7 tie against No. 2 Texas A&M, relied heavily on the line’s performance. Mauldin’s toughness and blocking were critical in an era when linemen played both offense and defense.

Notable Game: Texas defeated No. 6 Baylor 21–7, showcasing the team’s dominance, with Mauldin contributing to a balanced attack that outgained opponents significantly.

1942 Season

Team Context: The 1942 Longhorns went 9–2, finishing ranked No. 11. They won the Southwest Conference title and defeated Georgia Tech 14–7 in the Cotton Bowl, a significant postseason victory. This team continued to benefit from a strong offensive line, with Mauldin as a senior leader.

Mauldin’s Performance: Mauldin earned All-Southwest Conference honors in 1942, recognizing him as one of the top linemen in the region. His physical play and leadership helped Texas maintain a potent offense, averaging over 20 points per game in an era of lower-scoring football.

Cotton Bowl Contribution: In the Cotton Bowl victory, Mauldin’s line play was instrumental in controlling the trenches against a tough Georgia Tech squad, enabling Texas to secure a 14–7 win.

Statistical and Historical Notes

Limited Stats: Detailed individual statistics for linemen from the early 1940s are scarce, as the focus was on team performance and key plays rather than individual metrics like tackles or pancakes. Mauldin’s impact is best measured by his All-SWC recognition and the team’s success.

Era Context: College football in the early 1940s featured single-platoon systems, meaning Mauldin likely played both offensive and defensive guard. Games were lower-scoring, and linemen were valued for their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. Texas’ success (17–3–1 record over 1941–1942) reflects the strength of players like Mauldin.

Teammates: Playing alongside future NFL star Bobby Layne and other SWC standouts, Mauldin was part of a talented roster that helped elevate Texas’ national profile.

Legacy and Significance

All-SWC Honor: Mauldin’s 1942 All-Southwest Conference selection places him among the elite players in a competitive conference that included Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor.

Team Success: His contributions to the 1941 (No. 4 ranking) and 1942 (SWC title, Cotton Bowl win) seasons highlight his role in a golden era for Texas football.

Tragic End: Mauldin’s career is often remembered alongside his sacrifice in World War II. His service and death are noted in Texas Longhorns historical accounts, making him a figure of both athletic and patriotic significance.

 

Summary

Stanley Mauldin was a key offensive guard for the Texas Longhorns during the 1941–1942 seasons, earning All-Southwest Conference honors in 1942 and contributing to a 17–3–1 record, an SWC title, and a Cotton Bowl victory. His role in protecting Bobby Layne and anchoring the line was vital to Texas’ success, and his All-SWC recognition underscores his skill. His legacy is further elevated by his wartime sacrifice, making him a notable figure in Longhorns history for No. 77.

[Jeff Howe]

Y'all ever notice that Brad Shearer looks like Peter's neighbor in Office Space?

"I tell you what I'd do, man..."

[Jeff Howe]

Honorable mention to Antwan Kirk-Hughes and Luke Poehlmann.

Poehlmann had a better mullet than the one Quinn rocked in 2022. Nobody will convince me otherwise.

[Bobby Burton]

Kenneth Sims is one of just three Longhorns ever drafted no. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

[GoHorns1]

Two time All American DE Bill Atessis (69 & 70). My neighbor for 20 years in Houston before we moved out of state.

[Blake Munroe]

So a correction on Mauldin. He did NOT pass away during WW2. 
 

Here is the rundown:

Stan Mauldin’s World War II Service and Death

World War II Service

Enlistment and Role: After his standout football career at the University of Texas, Stan Mauldin enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He served as a navigator on a B-24 Liberator bomber, a heavy bomber used extensively by the U.S. in various theaters of the war.

Service Details: While specific details about his missions or theater of operations (e.g., Europe, Pacific, or elsewhere) are not fully documented in the provided sources, Mauldin’s role as a navigator would have involved critical tasks such as plotting flight paths, managing navigation equipment, and ensuring the aircraft reached its targets and returned safely. Navigators were essential to the success of bombing missions, often under intense combat conditions.

Survival of the War: Mauldin survived his wartime service, which included dangerous missions typical of B-24 crews facing enemy fighters, anti-aircraft fire, and mechanical risks. He returned to civilian life after the war ended in 1945.

Death

Date and Place: Stan Mauldin died on September 24, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cause of Death: According to available information, Mauldin suffered a heart attack during a football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams. He was attending the game as a spectator, not as a player, and was only 27 years old at the time. This tragic event occurred just three years after the end of World War II, cutting short the life of a decorated athlete and veteran.

Context: The heart attack was sudden and unexpected, especially given Mauldin’s youth and athletic background. No specific details in the sources indicate whether underlying health conditions or wartime injuries contributed to his death, but heart issues in young adults can sometimes be linked to stress, undetected conditions, or other factors.

Legacy

Posthumous Recognition: Mauldin’s contributions to both football and his country were honored after his death. In 1969, he was inducted into the Texas Longhorns Hall of Honor, recognizing his athletic achievements and his service as a war veteran.

Memorialization: His story is remembered as part of the University of Texas’s proud tradition of athletes who served in World War II, many of whom faced significant risks and sacrifices.

[SpaceCityWrangler]

35 minutes ago, Blake Munroe said:

We are down to 77 days away until the Longhorns take on Ohio State. Who is your favorite Longhorn to wear number 77?

Some options today:

Kenneth Sims

 

Brad Shearer

 

Stanley Mauldin

Y’all all wrong.  There’s only one 
#77 and that is Javonne Shepherd!

 

[CHorn427]

35 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

Y'all ever notice that Brad Shearer looks like Peter's neighbor in Office Space?

"I tell you what I'd do, man..."

That actor is Mike Judge- writer of King of the Hill and UT system alum 🤘

[Jeff Howe]

1 minute ago, CHorn427 said:

That actor is Mike Judge- writer of King of the Hill and UT system alum 🤘

Mike Judge wrote and directed Office Space, but Diedrich Bader played Lawrence.

[CHorn427]

Just now, Jeff Howe said:

Mike Judge wrote and directed Office Space, but Diedrich Bader played Lawrence.

Ah gotcha, my mistake 🤘

[CHorn427]

3 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

Mike Judge wrote and directed Office Space, but Diedrich Bader played Lawrence.

Judge is a different character in the movie

[Burnt Orange Horn]

Great list of #77 honorees.  Each is deserving in his own way.

Mauldin probably served in Europe and perhaps Africa.  There were few B17 and B24 bombers in the Pacific theatre.  It took the sophisticated B29 to handle the long distances and high altitudes across the Pacific to bomb Japan.  The B29 was never used in Europe as it was a later developed bomber.

[GetHooked]

1 hour ago, Bobby Burton said:

Kenneth Sims is one of just three Longhorns ever drafted no. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

Sims and Campbell.  Who was the 3rd?

EDIT:  Damn.  Forgot about Nobis.

Edited 19 hours ago by GetHooked

[Oldest Horn]

3 minutes ago, GetHooked said:

Sims and Campbell.  Who was the 3rd?

Nobis 

[ArizonaLonghorn]

In 1977 I was in grad school at Texas and waiting for a windshield replacement at the Sears on Hancock.  Someone had driven a golf ball thru my windshield as I was driving past the golf course across the street (I guarantee THAT gets your attention when you are driving 35 mph; I ducked and thought I was being shot at).

At the Sears auto repair shop Brad Shearer walks in. I thought I'd go over, maybe introduce myself and thank him for coming to Texas to play football (this was the year we were undefeated in the regular season, Earl won the Heisman, Fred won Coach of the Year and Brad won the Outland Trophy).

As I approached him he looked my way, his eyes got narrow and he kind of growled. I changed my mind and left him alone 🙂  He was intimidating just standing there in the auto repair lobby.

Favorite between Brad and Kenneth Sims?  Can't decide, I'm declaring co-champs for # 77.  I just wish they had gone on to strong pro careers.  Brad was slowed by injuries and Ken derailed by a drug problem.

Edited 19 hours ago by ArizonaLonghorn

[Jeff Howe]

1 hour ago, CHorn427 said:

Judge is a different character in the movie

He played the restaurant manager who kept getting onto Jennifer Aniston about her flair.

The voice is really close to Mr. Van Driessen from Beavis and Butt-Head.

[Jeff Howe]

9 minutes ago, ArizonaLonghorn said:

In 1977 I was in grad school at Texas and waiting for a windshield replacement at the Sears on Hancock.  Someone had driven a golf ball thru my windshield as I was driving past the golf course across the street (I guarantee THAT gets your attention when you are driving 35 mph; I ducked and thought I was being shot at).

At the Sears auto repair shop Brad Shearer walks in. I thought I'd go over, maybe introduce myself and thank him for coming to Texas to play football (this was the year we were undefeated in the regular season, Earl won the Heisman, Fred won Coach of the Year and Brad won the Outland Trophy).

As I approached him he looked my way, his eyes got narrow and he kind of growled. I changed my mind and left him alone 🙂  He was intimidating just standing there in the auto repair lobby.

Favorite between Brad and Kenneth Sims?  Can't decide, I'm declaring co-champs for # 77.  I just wish they had gone on to strong pro careers.  Brad was slowed by injuries and Ken derailed by a drug problem.

I've never met Brad Shearer, but I never had a bad interaction with Kenny Sims. A great guy and a proud Longhorn.

[Thailand T Sip]

Let's not forget All American Bill Atessis from the '69 team.

[Jc Dobbs]

11 hours ago, SpaceCityWrangler said:

Y’all all wrong.  There’s only one 
#77 and that is Javonne Shepherd!

 

Apologies to Javonne.

I'll accept apologies from Longhorns fans who liked the look of the black socks and black cleats. Personally, my least favorite uni piece.

Otoh, I really liked the Long Burnt Orange socks that the Horns wore in the late '60s era... especially the 1969 Natty team. I remember reading that Coach Royal insisted that the team wear the socks with the black shoes. He said his team's uniforms looked incomplete without the Burnt Orange socks.

Hook 'Em!