USD Football 1993

The National Guard: The Quiet Force.

I klahoma football was reeling. NCAA probation had hit it hard, and a series of embarrassing off- field incidents had tarnished the school's long winning tradition. So, the Sooners regrouped and sought to bring back the same kind of winning feeling that had prevailed for decades. Steve Owens was eager to help. An All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning halfback in 1969 at Oklahoma, Owens later became an all-Pro in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. When the Sooners called upon him to help bridge the school's past gridiron glories with current realities, Owens was ready. His sense of loyalty to his alma mater as an active member of the school's letterman association mirrored his devotion to his country and community as a member of the National Guard.

Owens exploded on the national scene as a junior, helping the Sooners to a 7 - 3 record. But his senior season as a Sooner was truly sensational. He rushed for 1,523 yards on a workhorse-like 358 carries and Steve Owens was winner of the Heisman Trophy in 1969. scored 23 touchdowns, finishing his career in Norman with seven NCAA records. The '69 Heisman award capped a stellar collegiate career. But the NFL was not impressed with the records or the trophy. Detroit waited until the 19th pick in the draft to take Owens, who was considered too slow to make an impact in the big time. Too slow indeed. Owens missed most of the 1970 season - his first - with injuries, but was in top shape in '71. He became the first Lion ever to rush for more than 1,000 yards (1,035) and was voted all-Pro. Owens was at the top of the NFL. But the reign was short-lived. A series of knee injuries limited Owens' career to just six seasons. He left the NFL to form a brokerage firm in Norman, Oklahoma and did color commentary on Sooner football broadcasts. But when he was called upon a few years ago by Oklahoma to work with players in the wake of the school's problems, Owens was ready. He provided a link to the school's storied past and helped steer the new breed of Sooners back to success. The same respect Steve Owens received from the opposition and receives from today's Sooners is also received by the National Guard. From the defense of America to community involvement, members of the National Guard provide the same level of commitment on every mission they serve. Like Steve Owens, the members of the National Guard, true to its credo, are "Americans At Their Best''.

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Americans At Their Best.