DALLAS —
The Cotton Bowl game is no longer held in the Cotton Bowl stadium, but for Oklahoma State players from the Dallas area the chance to play in the historic venue is just as special as the marquee game.
Many of the Cowboys from the Dallas metroplex recall watching the Cotton Bowl or the Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma at State Fair Park, but never had the opportunity to play in the 82-year-old stadium.
“Us local people know all about the Cotton Bowl and know about all the great games that have been played in this stadium,” said senior offensive lineman Lane Taylor, a native of Arlington, Texas. “... It’ll be my first time inside the Cotton Bowl and it will be a fun one. It’ll be great to be a part of all the history that this stadium holds.”
So while some people may not be enthusiastic about OSU playing in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, many of the Cowboys are happy to get the opportunity to play at the stadium that opened in 1930 and recently renovated in 2008.
“I think that’s what I was most excited about this game. I grew up watching games in the Cotton Bowl and have been to a few games here,” said receiver Charlie Moore, a native of Bullard, Texas, who actually was on the sideline in the Cotton Bowl game for OSU his freshman year. “So I’m excited to come back and be a part of history with this game. Now I get to play in the real Cotton Bowl stadium, which is what is so cool about it.”
OSU linebacker Lyndell Johnson, who is from Plano, Texas, has sat in the stands at the Cotton Bowl for several games, but he’s excited about the notion of playing in the stadium near much of his family.
“When I was younger I got to go to an OU-Texas game in the Red River Rivalry,” Johnson said. “I also went to the state fair every year and used to go to the Grambling-Prairie View game when I was younger, but I’ve never gotten the chance to play there. Growing up in south Dallas, with most of my family around here, it’s going to be like playing back home again.”
For Taylor the venue will be special, as will be the fact that his last game as a Cowboy will be an easy drive for his family and friends.
“It allows a lot of my family to come and watch the game,” Taylor said. “To get the opportunity to play my last game in such a historical stadium will be a privilege.”
Local Sports
December 31, 2012
Cotton Bowl brings back memories for Texas natives
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