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The official state sport of Texas is football. Football is a sport that is played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field. The object of the game is to score points by carrying the ball into the end zone of the opposing team.
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Introduction
The official state sport of Texas is football. This sport is beloved by Texans, and it is a big part of the state’s culture. Football is played at the high school, college, and professional levels in Texas. The state is home to some of the most successful and popular football teams in the country.
History of Football in Texas
The sport of football has a long and storied history in the state of Texas. Dating back to the 19th century, the game has been a mainstay of the state’s culture, with some of the most iconic teams and players in the country hailing from the Lone Star State.
Football first came to Texas in 1873, when a game was played between two military academies in Austin. The game quickly gained popularity at other schools around the state, and by the turn of the century, football was firmly established as a key part of Texas culture. Some of the earliest and most successful college teams were formed at this time, including the University of Texas Longhorns and the Baylor Bears.
High school football also took off in Texas during this period, with many schools adopting the sport as a way to build school spirit and connect with their local communities. To this day, high school football remains hugely popular in Texas, with some games drawing tens of thousands of fans.
The professional game also has a strong presence in Texas. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, and have won five Super Bowl championships. Other professional teams based in Texas include the Houston Texans and the San Antonio Commanders.
How Football Became the Official State Sport
In January of 2011, Governor Rick Perry signed a bill declaring football the official state sport of Texas. While some may consider this a controversial decision, it’s actually not the first time football has held this distinction. In fact, football first became the official state sport in 1993, only to be replaced by rodeo less than a year later. So, how did football come to regain its status as the official state sport of Texas?
The story begins in 1991, when then-governor Ann Richards declared that year to be “The Year of Texas Football.” This proclamation was in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the first organized game of football in Texas, which took place on November 6, 1892 between Dallas’ South Side Park and Houston’s West End Park. The following year, two bills were introduced in the Texas Legislature to make football the official state sport. The bills died in committee, but the idea had been planted.
In 1993, another bill was introduced and this time it passed. On June 18, 1993, then-governor George W. Bush signed it into law, making football the official state sport of Texas. However, rodeo supporters were not about to give up without a fight. They quickly mobilized and less than a year later, on May 11 1994, rodeo became the official state sport of Texas after governor Ann Richards signed a bill declaring it so.
And so the stage was set for yet another showdown between football and rodeo supporters in the legislature. In 2009, representatives Lon Burnam and Senfronia Thompson filed bills stating that their intention was to make both football and rodeo the official state sports of Texas. However, these bills never made it out of committee.
Finally, in 2010 representative Joe Deshotel filed a bill which would make football the sole official state sport of Texas. This bill passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by governor Rick Perry on June 18th, 2011 – exactly 18 years after football first became an official state sport.
The Role of High School Football in Texas
High school football is more than just a sport in Texas. It is a way of life. On Friday nights in small towns across the state, entire communities come together to support their local teams. High school football games are some of the most anticipated and well-attended events in Texas.
This focus on high school football is not without reason. In Texas, high school football is taken very seriously. The state has produced some of the best college and professional football players in the country. High school football is seen as a way to develop these players and prepare them for success at the next level.
As a result, high school football teams in Texas benefit from extensive resources and support. Many schools have top-of-the-line facilities and equipment. They also have access to the best coaches and trainers. All of this helps to ensure that Texas high school football teams are some of the best in the country.
If you’re ever in Texas on a Friday night during football season, be sure to check out a high school game. You’ll quickly see why this sport is such an important part of Texas culture.
The Role of College Football in Texas
The role of college football in Texas is significant. The state is home to some of the most successful and popular college football teams in the country. These teams generate a huge amount of interest and excitement among Texas residents, and they play a major role in the state’s economy.
The impact of college football on Texas is evident in a number of ways. The sport drives tourism, generates revenue for businesses, and supports employment. College football also plays a role in shaping the state’s identity. For many people, college football is an important part of what it means to be a Texan.
College football is big business in Texas. The sport generates billions of dollars in economic activity each year. It supports jobs and businesses throughout the state. And it brings visitors to Texas from all over the country.
Each year, millions of people attend college football games in Texas. They travel to the state to watch their favorite teams play, and they spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. This spending generates revenue for the state and supports jobs throughout the economy.
College football also shapes the identity of Texas. The sport is an important part of the state’s culture, and it plays a role in how people think about themselves as Texans. For many people, college football is an important part of what it means to be from Texas.
The Role of the NFL in Texas
The National Football League (NFL) has a long and storied history in the state of Texas. The Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and San Antonio Rams all call the Lone Star State home. Football is such an important part of Texas culture that it was named the official state sport in 2011.
The NFL has had a presence in Texas since 1952, when the Dallas Cowboys were founded as an expansion team. The team has been one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, winning five Super Bowl titles. The Cowboys play their home games at AT&T Stadium, which is also home to the annual Cotton Bowl classic.
The Houston Texans joined the NFL as an expansion team in 2002. The Texans have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they have been competitive since joining the league. The team plays its home games at NRG Stadium, which also hosts the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The San Antonio Rams began play in 1936 as a member of the American Football League. The Rams moved to Los Angeles in 1946 and back to St. Louis in 1995. The team moved again in 2016, this time to Los Angeles.
Conclusion
In 2011, the Texas Legislature designated football as the official state sport. Texas is home to some of the most popular and successful football teams in the country, including the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and University of Texas Longhorns. Football is widely popular throughout the state, with fans of all ages and levels of interest.
