Legends of the Sun Bowl

Don Maynard 2015

Don Maynard was a part of the Texas Western College
(UTEP) football team as a running back from 1956-58. His athleticism was extremely beneficial as he could
run, catch, return kicks and even kick extra points. Maynard played for Texas Western against George Washington during the 1957 Sun Bowl as the Miners fell 13-0. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the ninth round of the 1957 NFL draft.

Maynard saw some playing time as a rookie in the NFL carrying the ball 12 times rushing for 45 yards and catching five passes for 84 yards, while also playing on special teams. Maynard followed up his rookie season playing one year in the Canadian Football League
with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1959. He then headed to the AFL in 1960 and became the first player to sign with the New York Titans (Jets) in 1960.

Mayard received numerous awards over the next 13 years including the following: four-time AFL all-star (1965-69), Associated Press All-AFL member (1969), Associated Press three-time second team All-AFL honoree (1965-68), AFL All-Star Game Offensive MVP, 1968 ALF Champion, Super Bowl III Champion (1969), AFL All-Time Team (1970).

Maynard played one year with the St. Louis Cardinals (1973) before wrapping up his career with the Houston Texas/Shreveport Steamer of the WFL in 1974. He is one of only 20 players who played in the AFL for its entire 10 year existence and was also one of only seven players to play their entire AFL careers with one team. Maynard finished his career with 633 receptions for 11,834 yards and 88 touchdowns. The 18.7 yards per catch Maynard averaged is the highest average for anyone with at least 600 receptions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.