African-American alumnus of North Texas State University. Remembrances of childhood and early education in Waxahachie, Texas; decision to accept athletic scholarship to North Texas; experiences as a football player at North Texas and with Pittsburgh Steelers and other professional teams; social life among African-American students and relations with white students and faculty; derivation of nickname “The Hatchetman;” experiences in National Guard during Vietnam era; decision to return to North Texas to earn degree following professional football career; experiences as elected official in Waxahachie and as member of UNT Board of Regents; perceptions of change at North Texas over time.