Former Arkansas football coach Frank Broyles said today he will “always treasure” his relationship with longtime friend Darrell Royal, the former Texas coach who has died at 88. Broyles and Royal were coaching rivals during their days as competitors in the Southwest Conference but remained close friends off the field and into their retirement years.
Below is the full text of Broyles’ statement, released today:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend Darrell Royal. Although our teams were rivals on the field, Darrell and I enjoyed a close friendship that carried far beyond football. Our families vacationed together in the off-season and we enjoyed many memorable moments together that I always treasure.
“Darrell was one of the greatest football coaches our sport has known. His record and many accomplishments speak for themselves, but his influence on college football, the University of Texas and the impact he had in the lives of thousands of young men who played for him is impossible to fully measure.
“In the final years of his life, Darrell faced his battle with Alzheimer’s with the same courage and dignity he displayed throughout his career. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Edith, his family and the many friends and colleagues who have been a part of the extraordinary life and career of Darrell Royal.”
_ Jimmy Burch
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