Daily Dose of Texas History - April 18, 1931

On April 18, 1931, Texas Sports Hall of Fame member and hometown son of Saint Jo, Texas, Harley Sewell was born. After growing up in Montague County, the Saint Jo Panther football star attended the University of Texas in Austin.

Standing 6 feet 1 inch and weighing in at 230 pounds, Harvey Sewell was a dominant defensive player and was a 1952 All American. He was the Defensive Most valuable player at the 1953 Cotton Bowl against Tennessee. The UT defense, thanks in large part to Mr. Sewell, allowed only 6 Tennessee first downs and 32 yards of total offense. Tennessee had negative 14 rushing yards for the game.

He was also an All Southwest Conference guard in 1951 and 1952.

Everyone remembered him as a very hard working, exceptionally quick player.

Sewell went on to play eleven seasons in the NFL.

He was the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 1953 NFL draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions. Detroit moved him from defense and made him an offensive guard. He started at right guard as a rookie and was important part of the team that won the 1953 NFL championship.

He played for Detroit from 1953 to 1962 and then played for the Los Angeles Rams for 1963.

Sewell made it to 4 Pro Bowls, in 1957, 1958, 1959, and in 1962.

After his career as a player ended, he went on to scout for the Los Angeles Rams for 37 years.

Harley Sewell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Mr. Sewell died at age 80 on December 17, 2011.

The Texas History Lessons Theme song, Walking Through History, was written and recorded by Derrick McClendon. Listen to his new album, Interstate Daydreamer! Available everywhere you find good music. Thank you Derrick! Twitter: @dmclendonmusic

If you are enjoying Texas History Lessons, consider buying me a cup of coffee by clicking here!

Help make Texas History Lessons by supporting it on Patreon. And a special thanks to everyone that already does.

Website: texashistorylessons.com

email: texashistorylessons@gmail.com

Twitter: @TexasHistoryL

Texas History Lessons Spotlight Artists

Jerrod Flusche

Rosmand – Mando Salas