Thomas Everett Was a Man Among Boys on the Football Field

When talking Texas high school football history -- especially when it comes to Daingerfield High School -- the subject is almost always about the 1983 Tigers. And why not? They were arguably the greatest high school team ever. But, there's a story of one player who wasn't on that team that is just as good when told.

Many times, it is mistakenly assumed that Thomas Everett played on the 1983 Daingerfield team that went 16-0, outscored its opponents 631-8 over the season and had a defense that allowed less than one foot per play.

He was the most dominant player in Daingerfield history, so he's often thrown into the mix about the 1983 team. But, he actually graduated the year before. His brother, Eric, played for the storied squad, but Thomas had already left his mark on one of the state's most storied programs.

HIGH SCHOOL

Thomas Everett was the athlete among athletes at Daingerfield High School. He played as many as seven positions, including quarterback. He wasn't tall at 5-foot-9, but he was imposing.

He was the fastest player on the field, and easily the most intimidating hitter. Everett was Dennis Alexander's shining star and leader on a young defense that would allow eight points in 16 games a year later.

To this day, as historic as the Daingerfield program is, Everett is the only Tiger to have his number retired.

After High School

Everett was one of the nation's best defensive backs at Baylor, twice named an All-American and Southwest Conference MVP. He was the first-ever winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors college football's best defensive back. He also was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers for five seasons, intercepting 16 passes as a safety.

The Dallas Cowboys brought him home in 1992, and he played two seasons for the 'Boys, winning two Super Bowls. Everett intercepted two passes (one is pictured up top) in Super Bowl XVII against the Buffalo Bills, a game Dallas won 52-17.

He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994 and 1995 before retiring. Everett played in 128 games in the NFL, finishing with 565 career tackles and 21 interceptions.