[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING COACH GARY PATTERSON'S DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND INDUCTION INTO 
                   THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CRAIG A. GOLDMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2026

  Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Mr. Gary Patterson on his induction into the National 
Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame in his first year of 
eligibility. This honor reflects more than four decades of excellence, 
leadership, and service to the college football.
  Coach Patterson's 43-year coaching career, including 24 years leading 
Texas Christian University, culminated in his distinction as the 
winningest coach in TCU history. A transformational leader both on and 
off the football field, he guided the Horned Frogs through an era of 
sustained excellence and national prominence while navigating many 
transitions and challenges.
  Over the course of 260 total games, Coach Patterson earned 181 
victories, led his teams to 18 bowl appearances with 11 bowl victories, 
and coached five defensive units that ranked number one nationally. 
Widely regarded as one of the Nation's preeminent defensive coaches, 
his success was recognized across college football, including being 
named National Coach of the Year a total of 22 times. He was inducted 
into the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2025 
and is set to receive the Davey O'Brien Legends Award in February.
  His leadership extends well beyond wins and championships. He has 
mentored generations of student-athletes, many of whom went on to 
professional careers, academic distinction, and leadership roles of 
their own. Coach Patterson also co-founded The Big Good Foundation, 
earned the National Football Foundation Gridiron Club of Dallas' 
Distinguished Texan Award, and served as president of the American 
Football Coaches Association.
  On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of Texas, I join the 
people of Texas, the TCU community, and college football fans across 
the Nation in congratulating Gary Patterson and all those who shared in 
this journey on this well-deserved and historic honor.

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