HOUSTON – The 2023 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played in primetime on Wednesday, December 27, at NRG Stadium. The 18th edition of the bowl will be broadcast nationally at 8 p.m. CT (9 p.m. ET) on ESPN and ESPN Radio. This season marks the 10th time a Big 12 team will face an SEC opponent in the game. 

Following the expansion of the Big 12, Brigham Young University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Houston will all have a chance at being selected to the 2023 TaxAct Texas Bowl for the first time. The Big 12 leads the series 5-3, after winning the last two matchups.

In the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl, Texas Tech defeated Ole Miss, 42-25. Red Raiders QB Tyler Shough won MVP honors, going 24-of-39 for 242 yards and one touchdown with two rushing scores. The game welcomed 52,251 fans to NRG Stadium and had a total live audience of over 2.5 million. 

Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014, the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The Bowl has also generated an average of over $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.3 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city. 

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.  To be the first to get ticket updates and for more information around the game, fans can sign up for the TaxAct Texas Bowl wait list at www.taxacttexasbowl.com.

Following the TaxAct Texas Bowl, all attention will return to Houston as NRG Stadium hosts the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Presented by AT&T on January 8. 

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl and Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, a venue-leading seven Concacaf Gold Cups including 2023, and the 2023 Soccer Champions Tour featuring Real Madrid vs. Manchester United.

About ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2023, the 32-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, nine college basketball events, and a college softball event, in addition to a new college gymnastics event coming in 2024. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, while reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. 

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

HOUSTON – Today, the TaxAct Texas Bowl announced a $225,000 donation to DePelchin Children's Center, setting a record for a single-year contribution from the Bowl. Since selecting DePelchin Children’s Center as its charitable beneficiary in 2006, the Bowl has provided over $2.3 million in direct financial support and millions more in promotional support. This is the eleventh-straight year the Bowl has provided a gift of $100,000 or more. 

The Bowl presented the check to Jenifer Jarriel, President and CEO of DePelchin Children’s Center at their Houston Main Campus. 

“On behalf of the board, staff, and families served at DePelchin Children's Center, we are so thankful for our long-standing partnership with the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Jarriel. “Over the last seventeen years, our friends at the Bowl have not only provided more than $2.3 million dollars to support and sustain children in our community, but they have given families memories that will last a lifetime by hosting fun events and gameday experiences. We are excited to see what more is to come from our amazing partnership.”

TaxAct Texas Bowl Board of Directors Chair, and Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Houston Sarah Frazier spearheaded fundraising efforts over the last year. 

“We are excited to add to the TaxAct Texas Bowl’s legacy of supporting DePelchin Children’s Center,” said Frazier. “The team at DePelchin provides vital services to our community that strengthen families and create opportunities for children across Texas to meet their fullest potential. I am thankful for the support from our partners, fans, and my fellow board members who made this donation possible.” 

Beyond financial and promotional support, the TaxAct Texas Bowl provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to families within the DePelchin network including field days with participating teams, tickets to the game, and on-field recognition. 

“Our ability to directly put a smile on the face of children from across the Houston-area is one of the most rewarding pieces of our partnership,” said TaxAct Texas Bowl Executive Director David Fletcher. “It is a treat to see the kids interact with student-athletes and establish new role models. I look forward to building on these initiatives for years to come.”

Founded in 1892 by Kezia Payne DePelchin, DePelchin Children’s Center is an accredited foster care and adoption agency serving the most vulnerable children and families in Texas and working to break the cycles of abuse and neglect. DePelchin’s approach to caring for kids integrates at-risk prevention, foster care, adoption and post-adoption programs to improve the mental health and physical well-being of children who are at risk of entering or are in the State’s child welfare system.

The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl matched the Texas Tech Red Raiders against the Ole Miss Rebels in the ninth year of the Bowl’s partnership with the Big 12 and the SEC. Texas Tech won 42-25 to cap off an eight-win season in HC Joey McGuire’s first campaign at the helm for the Red Raiders.

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl annually showcases teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier athletic conferences. Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014 the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The Bowl has also generated an average of $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.3 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the TaxAct Texas Bowl are proud to announce Timpson High School ATH Terry Bussey as the recipient of the 2022 Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year Award presented by Kroger. Bussey will be honored on the field at the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday, December 28, at NRG Stadium in Houston, where the Texas Tech Red Raiders will face the Ole Miss Rebels.

Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. As a longtime partner of the TaxAct Texas Bowl and a proud supporter of Texas high school football, Kroger is proud to team up with Mr. Texas Football as the award’s presenting partner this year.

A three-way superstar, Bussey made his impact felt on seemingly every play. As a quarterback, the junior threw for 2,177 yards and 26 touchdowns, completing 64 percent of his passes. Bussey also rushed for 2,596 yards and 46 touchdowns, averaging a staggering 14.1 yards per carry. Defensively, he tallied 115 tackles and five interceptions, returning four of them for touchdowns. On special teams, Bussey returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and added a punt return for a score. Over the course of the season, Bussey accounted for 4,773 yards of total offense and 80 total touchdowns, guiding Timpson to the 2A Division I state semifinals.

Bussey is rated as a Dave Campbell’s Texas Football four-star prospect, checking in as the state’s No. 1 ATH in the 2024 cycle. He already boasts several offers from schools, including Baylor, Houston, SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UTSA, Colorado, Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Previous recipients of the award include 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick QB Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014, Allen), 2012 Heisman Trophy winner QB Johnny Manziel (2010, Kerrville Tivy), former Texas Longhorns RB Johnathan Gray (2011, Aledo), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jacquizz Rodgers (2007, Lamar Consolidated), current Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders (2017, Denton Ryan) and former Dallas Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert (2008, Lake Travis). Former China Spring quarterback and current Lamar University RB Major Bowden took home the award in 2021.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl will continue its annual tradition of pinning the Big 12 against the SEC, with tickets available at TaxActTexasBowl.com. 

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Kroger, visit TaxActTexasBowl.com or TexasFootball.com.

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl annually showcases teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier athletic conferences. Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014 the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The bowl has also generated an average of $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For more than 62 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

HOUSTON – Ole Miss and Texas Tech have accepted bids to play in the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl, the bowl organizing committee announced today. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with national radio on ESPN Radio and a local radio broadcast available on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets and suites are now available for purchase www.taxacttexasbowl.com. 

“We are excited to announce the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Ole Miss Rebels and Texas Tech Red Raiders, two great institutions from the SEC and Big 12, respectively,” remarked TaxAct Texas Bowl Executive Director, David Fletcher. “The Bowl is one of the largest annual events in our community and we’re thrilled to welcome Ole Miss and Texas Tech back to Houston. We look forward to hosting these teams and their fan bases for a festive bowl week of Texas-themed events that will culminate in a primetime showdown at NRG Stadium on December 28.” 

Ole Miss will represent the Southeastern Conference, while Texas Tech will represent the Big 12 Conference. The two programs have met six times before, with Ole Miss most recently earning a 47-27 victory against Texas Tech on September 1, 2018, at the Texas Kickoff in Houston. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark Ole Miss’ first appearance in the bowl. Texas Tech will make its third appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and first since December 29, 2015, when the Red Raiders were defeated by No. 22 LSU 56-27.  

“Ole Miss and Texas Tech are two programs with tremendous fans and traditions. We look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements this season at the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said TaxAct President Curtis Campbell. 

Ole Miss (8-4, 4-4 SEC) comes to Houston following a campaign that had an explosive start in 2022. Lane Kiffin’s offensive prowess facilitated a rushing attack that led the SEC and ranked third in the FBS in rushing offense. The Rebels came in second in the SEC and seventh nationally in total offense. True freshman sensation RB Quinshon Judkins led the conference in rushing yards with 1,476. Judkins ranks sixth in the nation for rushing touchdowns (16), and ninth in rushing yards per game (123.0). The Rebels defense has caused problems for opposing offenses as they lead the SEC in team tackles (922) and sack yards with 253 on 33.0 sacks. 

“We look forward to making our first appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and continuing our rich bowl tradition,” said Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Keith Carter. “Houston is one of our largest and most passionate alumni bases, and this game presents an excellent opportunity to join the Ole Miss family in the Lone Star state. We are grateful for this national platform, and we expect Rebel Nation to be well represented.” 

Texas Tech enters the game 7-5 (5-4 Big 12), winning their last three in a row against Kansas, Iowa State, and Oklahoma to finish fourth in the Big 12. The Red Raiders celebrated early season upsets against No. 25 Houston and No. 22 Texas in Lubbock. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game, averaging over 327. The offense effectively moved the ball, ranking third in the nation for first downs. The Red Raider defense recorded a conference-high 29.0 sacks this season. Run-stuffing LB Krishon Merriweather finished second in the Big 12 for total tackles with 91. Texas Tech was staunch in the red zone, ranking ninth in the nation in defensive red zone efficiency.  

“Texas Tech is honored to accept an invitation to play in the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. “We cannot wait to showcase our football program in one of the largest alumni bases of Red Raiders in the state of Texas. We look forward to painting the city of Houston and NRG Stadium scarlet and black for an exciting matchup with Ole Miss.”  

“On behalf of our entire program, we are excited for the opportunity to play in one of the premier bowl games this state has to offer in the TaxAct Texas Bowl,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. “Wherever the Red Raiders go, so does the most passionate fan base in all of college football. We can’t wait to see a sea of Red Raiders take over NRG Stadium as we face a talented Ole Miss team.” 

The 2022 edition of the TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark the event’s ninth year of affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. The 2021 game featured Kansas State and LSU with the Wildcats emerging victorious 42-20. Kansas State senior QB Skylar Thompson was recognized with MVP honors following a three-touchdown performance. 

Entering its 17th year, the TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since 2016, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has the fifth-highest attendance among all college football bowls, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange bowls. The TaxAct Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have combined to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2.1 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support for DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary. 

For more information about the game and affiliated Bowl Week activities, fans can visit www.taxacttexasbowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

About TaxAct 

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct’s products enable all users – regardless of profession, tax bracket or complexity of their return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibility. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives. 

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com. 

About ESPN Events  

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages. 

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment 

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Battle of the Piney Woods rivalry between Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. 

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the TaxAct Texas Bowl proudly announce the 25 semifinalists for the Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year Award presented by Kroger. 

This year, Kroger is teaming up with Mr. Texas Football as the award’s presenting partner.  Kroger is a longtime partner of the TaxAct Texas Bowl and a proud supporter of Texas high school football. 

Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. Each week, fans are given a chance to vote for the player of the week on TexasFootball.com. In December, 10 finalists will be announced and fans can then cast their votes as to who should be named Mr. Texas Football. The winner of the 2022 Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Kroger will be announced prior to the TaxAct Texas Bowl, which will be played at NRG Stadium on December 28, 2022. 

Previous recipients of the award include 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick QB Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014, Allen), 2012 Heisman Trophy winner QB Johnny Manziel (2010, Kerrville Tivy), former Texas Longhorns RB Johnathan Gray (2011, Aledo), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jacquizz Rodgers (2007, Lamar Consolidated), current Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders (2017, Denton Ryan) and former Dallas Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert (2008, Lake Travis). Former China Spring quarterback and current Lamar University RB Major Bowden took home the award in 2021.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl will continue its annual tradition of pinning the Big 12 against the SEC, with teams slated to be announced on Dec. 4, 2022.

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award presented by Kroger, visit TaxActTexasBowl.com or TexasFootball.com.

2022 Mr. Texas Football Semifinalists

QB Austin Novosad, Dripping Springs

QB Cash McCollum, China Spring

QB Evan Bullock, Anna

QB Jackson Arnold, Denton Guyer

QB Kanon Gibson, Wink

RB Bryson Washington, Franklin

RB Dalton Brooks, Shiner

RB Dawson Pendergrass, Mineola

RB Makenzie McGill, Mount Vernon

RB Owen Allen, Southlake Carroll

RB Re’shaun Sanford, Killeen Harker Heights

RB Reuben Owens, El Campo

RB Shastin Golden, San Antonio Davenport

RB Tate Maruska, Stephenville

RB Taylor Tatum, Longview

RB Tyvonn Byars, Montgomery Lake Creek

WR Dre’lon Miller, Silsbee

WR Johntay Cook, DeSoto

WR Lonnie Adkism, Corpus Christi Miller

WR Miles Coleman, Austin Vandegrift

DB Malik Muhammad, South Oak Cliff

DB Peyton Bowen, Denton Guyer

DE Colten Vasek, Austin Westlake

ATH David Amador, Galena Park North Shore

ATH Terry Bussey, Timpson

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Bowl annually showcases teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier athletic conferences. Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014 the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The bowl has also generated an average of $40 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For more than 62 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

HOUSTON – Houston businessman and philanthropist Larry Catuzzi has been selected as a member of the 2022 Bowl Season Leadership Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of college football, Bowl Season and the TaxAct Texas Bowl announced today.  Catuzzi will be honored in Houston in recognition of this achievement at NRG Stadium, home of the TaxAct Texas Bowl, during the Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans game this Sunday. 

"We're excited to honor some longtime valued contributors to bowl games and college football," said Bowl Season Executive Director Nick Carparelli. "Celebrating friends like Larry who have given so much back to the game is always a thrill. He is most deserving, and we thank him for his dedication and service."

“Coach” Catuzzi is one of college football’s true gentlemen, devoting over 50 years to the good of the sport and over 30 years to growing the business of post season college football.  Following his time playing quarterback at the University of Delaware from 1955-1957, Catuzzi launched a decade plus career in coaching with stops at the University of Dayton, Indiana University and as a member of Woody Hayes’ staff at the Ohio State University before becoming the head coach at Williams College from 1968-1970.  

After a successful career in investment banking, Catuzzi returned to college football as a member of the Board of Directors for the Bluebonnet Bowl Association, serving as President throughout the early 1980s.  The Bluebonnet Bowl proudly served college football fans and charities through the Houston community as a mainstay on the Bowl Season calendar from 1959 until 1987.  During Coach Catuzzi’s time as a member of the leadership of the event, the Bluebonnet Bowl featured teams from the Big 10, Pac-10, Southwest Conference, Big 8 and SEC and included legendary matchups between coaching greats like Bo Schembechler, Jimmy Johnson, John Robinson, Bill Yeoman, Grant Teaff, Johnny Majors, Lou Holtz, Terry Donahue and many others.

Catuzzi also served as Vice Chairman of the Harris-County Houston Sports Authority and was instrumental in paving the road for NRG Stadium to be built in 2002 and bringing big time college football back to Houston.  He was a founding member of the TaxAct Texas Bowl Board of Directors upon its launch in 2006 and part of the group that forged the sale of the event to ESPN in 2009.  He continues to still serve on the TaxAct Texas Bowl and HCHSA today as the longest serving member of both organizations.  

Since 2001, following the tragedies of 9/11 that took his daughter Lauren’s life, Larry has also served as a director of the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation, which provided numerous scholarships to young women around the country entering college and, in addition, in conjunction with the City of Houston, built Lauren’s Garden at Market Square Park, honoring Lauren and all the victims of 9/11.  He also served on the Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission, championing efforts to develop, fundraise for and finance the Flight 93 National Museum that opened in Shanksville, PA in 2011. 

Coach Catuzzi joins five other new members into the Leadership Hall of Fame class for 2022 including Richard Giannini from the Bahamas Bowl, Mickey Holmes from the Sugar Bowl, Tom Mickle from the Citrus Bowl, Jimmy Rogers from the Sun Bowl and Ellie Ziegler from the Fiesta Bowl.

HOUSTON – The TaxAct Texas Bowl Committee has selected the 2022 Class of Gridiron Legends, the committee announced today. The honorees will be inducted at a special pregame ceremony during the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl game at NRG Stadium on Dec. 28.

The 2022 class features Greater Houston High School Coaches Association Nominee Todd Dodge, consensus first-team All-American (1991) and Super Bowl XXXI champion Santana Dotson, Rio Hondo, native and former Chicago Bear and Atlanta Falcon Roberto Garza, two-time Pro Bowler and New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton, former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Pro Football Hall of Fame member Warren Moon, former University of Houston and College Football Hall of Fame member Elmo Wright. 

Todd Dodge

Todd Dodge recently retired as the head football coach at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas and is a former quarterback for the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns. Following his college graduation, Dodge began his coaching career at the high school level. He landed his first head coach title at C.H. Yoe High School and would go on to coach successful high school football teams for 10 years. In 2006, Dodge shifted to college football and was hired as head coach for the North Texas Mean Green until returning to the high school level and coaching for Austin Westlake High School in 2014. In his last three seasons as head coach before retiring in 2021, the team went 45-1 and won three consecutive 6A state championships. This achievement made Dodge the first Texas high school football coach to win three-straight championships with two different schools, after doing so for Southlake Carroll (2004-2007) and Austin Westlake (2019-2021).

Santana Dotson 

Santana Dotson was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round (132nd overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft, finishing second in the NFL Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Dotson played in 152 games (129 starts) over a 10-year NFL career with the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. He registered 49.0 career sacks which included 13 tackles for loss, six fumble recoveries and 460 total tackles. In his first season with the Green Bay Packers in 1996, Dotson helped the team to a Super Bowl XXXI victory, a 35-21 triumph over the New England Patriots. Dotson was a three-year starter at Baylor, finishing his career with 193 tackles, 18.0 sacks and four forced fumbles. He was a three-time all-conference pick and a consensus first-team All-American as a senior in 1991, when he had 60 tackles, 4.0 sacks and two blocked kicks. Dotson attended Yates High School in Houston where he was part of the 1985 5A state championship team.

Roberto Garza 

Garza, born in Rio Hondo, Texas, was a fourth-round pick (99th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft. After four years in Atlanta, Garza joined the Chicago Bears, playing with the team from 2005-2014. While with the Bears, Garza helped block for 1,000-yard rushers in six campaigns and started at both center and guard. He played in 206 games during his NFL career, appearing in all 16 games 10 times (2001, 2004-09, 2011-13). Garza played in eight postseason contests, starting every game. Garza attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, playing three seasons with the team. He earned three straight all-conference nods while starting 30 of the team’s 40 games during that time. In addition to his football success, Garza found success in track & field, finishing third in the shot put at the 1999 NCAA Championships and winning the NCAA title in 2000. Since his retirement he has also served as a sideline reporter for the Fox Deportes’ broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones 

Ed “Too Tall” Jones played his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in 224 games and starting 203 of those contests. He was three-time Pro Bowl selection, earned a spot on the 1982 Associated Press All-Pro team and helped Dallas to a 1977 Super Bowl XII victory over the Denver Broncos. “Too Tall” registered 106.0 career sacks, which ranks top 50 in the NFL’s all-time sack leader ranks. His most productive season rushing the passer came in 1985, when he started all 16 games and recorded a career-best 13.0 sacks, which ranked as the eight-most that season. Jones retired at the end of the 1989 season, playing the most games by any Cowboys players (232) in franchise history. After signing with Tennessee State to play basketball, Jones shifted focus after two years at the school to concentrate on football. Jones became a two-time All-American and won the Black College Football National Championship in 1971 and 1973. He ranks third in school sacks in a season (12.0) and fifth in career sacks (38.0). From there, he was the first overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft, becoming the first football player from a historically black college to go that high in the NFL draft. 

Rodney Hampton 

Rodney Hampton, a Houston native, played in 104 games (85 starts) during his NFL career all with the New York Giants. During his career, Hampton garnered two Pro Bowl appearances and rushed for 6,897 yards and scored 49 rushing touchdowns. His 6,897 rushing yards were the most in franchise history until he was surpassed by Tiki Barber in 2004. During his best season in 1992, Hampton rushed for 1,141 yards, 14 scores while averaging 71.3 yards on the ground per game. During Hampton’s rookie season, he helped the Giants claim Super Bowl XXV, a 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Kashmere High School alum attended the University of Georgia, where he was a first round pick (24th overall) in the 1990 NFL Draft. While in Athens, Georgia, Hampton posted 2,668 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns and averaged 5.7 yards per rush. 

Warren Moon

Warren Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 for his career performance over 17 seasons in the NFL. After six years in the CFL, Moon joined the Houston Oilers in 1984 and set a new club record with 3,338 passing yards in his first season. He found the most success in the 1990 NFL season when he led the league in passing yards (4,689), attempts (584), completions (362) and touchdowns (33). Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year and joined Dan Marino and Dan Fouts as the only quarterbacks to post back-to-back 4,000-passing yards seasons. He would later spend time with the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks, before ending his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the span of his NFL career, Moon recorded four 4,000-yard passing seasons, 49,325 passing yards, nine Pro Bowls and 291 touchdowns. Moon was born in Los Angeles, California and attended West Los Angeles College for two years before joining the football team at University of Washington. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame marked the first time a black quarterback and the first time an undrafted quarter earned this honor. He’s also the only player in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. 

Elmo Wright

Elmo Wright was a star wide receiver at the University of Houston and earned himself a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Wright is most notably remembered for being the first football player to ever perform an end zone dance, as he would high-step into the endzone after a long touchdown reception for Houston. To this day, he still owns school records in all-purpose career average yards per play (21.0), yards per reception in a season (27.9 in 1968), career yards per reception (21.9), 200-yard receiving games in a season (2 in 1968 and 1969) and 200-yard career receiving games (4). Following his collegiate career, Wright was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft where he would play for four seasons. He returned to Houston in 1975 when he briefly spent time with the Houston Oilers and the New England Patriots. Wright was born in Brazoria, Texas and won two-consecutive high school state championships (1965 and 1966). He still resides in Houston, Texas and volunteers with the local YMCA Chapter. He’s also a member of the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. 

For tickets and more information regarding the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl, visit https://www.taxacttexasbowl.com/ 

PR CONTACTS:

Tim Wiemann (tim.wiemann@houstontexans.com) 

Rachel Richards (rachel.richards@houstontexans.com)

Jack Holmes (jack.holmes@houstontexans.com)  

TaxAct, a leading provider of affordable digital and downloadable tax preparation solutions, will continue as the title sponsor of the Texas Bowl as part of a multi-event, multi-year college football agreement with ESPN Events. TaxAct will be featured throughout 2022 and 2023 ESPN Events bowl telecasts across ESPN networks.

“TaxAct again will have a significant presence across our ESPN Events bowl portfolio throughout the college football postseason as a result of this renewed, unique and comprehensive agreement, including title sponsorship of the Texas Bowl,” said Clint Overby, vice president, ESPN Events. “We are delighted to have TaxAct’s continued support and look forward to working with them, along with our local event organizers, in preparation for these upcoming events.”

 “We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our sponsorship of this prominent bowl game and continue connecting with football fans nationwide,” added TaxAct President Curtis Campbell. “Being a part of Bowl Season last year provided an exciting opportunity for us to support the college football community and bring all consumers affordable tax filing products that allow them to file with confidence and celebrate maximizing their refunds. We look forward to seeing the competition and excitement play out on the field this year as well.”

 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl

The Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played Wednesday, Dec. 28 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas and will air at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Entering its 17th year, the Texas Bowl features teams from the Big 12 Conference and the SEC.

About TaxAct

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct enables all users – regardless of their profession, tax bracket or complexity of return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes, all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibilities. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve, but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc.® (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About Blucora®

Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR) is a provider of data and technology-driven solutions that empower people to improve their financial wellness. Blucora operates in two segments (i) wealth management, through its Avantax Wealth Management and Avantax Planning Partners brands, with a collective $86 billion in total client assets as of March 31, 2022 and (ii) tax software, through its TaxAct business, a market leader in tax software with over 3 million consumer users and approximately 24,500 professional users in 2021. With integrated tax-focused software and wealth management, Blucora is uniquely positioned to assist our customers in achieving better long-term outcomes via holistic, tax-advantaged solutions. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

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Media Contacts:

TaxAct: Amy Roepke – pr@taxact.com

ESPN Events: Bill Hofheimer – bill.hofheimer@espn.com

Houston – The 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 in primetime at NRG Stadium in Houston. Entering its 17th year, the game will air at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN and ESPN Radio, with a local radio broadcast on Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM) and will feature a matchup of Big 12 and SEC schools for the ninth consecutive year.

Through the years, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field. Since 2014, the game is the most attended Bowl in the country outside of the “New Year’s 6” games.  The Bowl has also generated an average of over $30 million annually for the Houston economy and has contributed over $2.1 million in financial support to DePelchin Children’s Center, The Bowl’s official charitable beneficiary and one of the oldest children’s organizations in the city.

The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl matched the Kansas State Wildcats against the LSU Tigers in the eighth year of the Bowl’s partnership with the Big 12 and the SEC. Kansas State jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half and rolled to a 42-20 win in the 15th installment of the Bowl game. Former Kansas State and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson was named the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl MVP after finishing 21-for-28 for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

TaxAct^®, a leading provider of affordable digital and downloadable tax preparation solutions, will continue as the title sponsor of the Texas Bowl as part of a multi-event, multi-year college football agreement with ESPN Events. TaxAct will be featured throughout 2022 and 2023 ESPN Events bowl telecasts across ESPN networks.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.  To be the first to get ticket updates and for more information around the game, fans can sign up for the TaxAct Texas Bowl wait list at www.taxacttexasbowl.com.

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing major annual college football events like the TaxAct Texas Bowl and other leading entertainment properties, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

About ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2022, the 32-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events, and a college softball event, which account for approximately 400 hours of live programming, while reaching nearly 64 million viewers and attracting over 800,000 annual attendees. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

About TaxAct

TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct enables all users – regardless of their profession, tax bracket or complexity of return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes, all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibilities. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve, but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit https://www.taxact.com/or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About Blucora^®

Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR) is a provider of data and technology-driven solutions that empower people to improve their financial wellness. Blucora operates in two segments (i) wealth management, through its Avantax Wealth Management and Avantax Planning Partners brands, with a collective $86 billion in total client assets as of March 31, 2022 and (ii) tax software, through its TaxAct business, a market leader in tax software with over 3 million consumer users and approximately 24,500 professional users in 2021. With integrated tax-focused software and wealth management, Blucora is uniquely positioned to assist our customers in achieving better long-term outcomes via holistic, tax-advantaged solutions. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

Media Contacts:

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment: Jackson Riebel – jackson.riebel@houstontexans.com

TaxAct: Amy Roepke – pr@taxact.com

HOUSTON – Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the leading publication for all things football in Texas, and the TaxAct Texas Bowl are proud to announce China Spring quarterback Major Bowden as the recipient of the 2021 Mr. Texas Football High School Player of the Year. Bowden will be honored on the field at the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Tuesday, January 4th at NRG Stadium in Houston, where the Kansas State Wildcats will face the LSU Tigers. 

Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. 

Bowden, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound quarterback, emerged as perhaps the most valuable player in Texas high school football as a senior, running for 1,866 yards and 23 touchdowns — averaging 8.4 yards per carry — while completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,432 yards and 27 scores. His herculean efforts led China Spring to previously unreached heights: the fourth undefeated regular season in program history, the first 16-0 season in school history and China Spring’s first state championship since 1978, where Bowden earned Offensive MVP honors. The driving force behind the Cougars’ meteoric rise, Bowden led China Spring to wins over heavyweights Carthage, West Orange-Stark, Cuero and Gilmer in the final push for the 4A Division II title. Bowden’s remarkable toughness and incredible play make him a worthy recipient of the 2021 Mr. Texas Football Player of the Year award.

Former winners of the award include 2018 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick QB Kyler Murray (2013 and 2014 winner, Allen), 2012 Heisman Trophy winner QB Johnny Manziel (2010 winner, Kerrville Tivy), former Texas Longhorns RB Johnathan Gray (2011 winner, Aledo), former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jacquizz Rodgers (2007 winner, Lamar Consolidated), current Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders (2017 winner, Denton Ryan) and former Dallas Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert (2008 winner, Lake Travis). Hallettsville and Texas Longhorns RB Jonathon Brooks took home the award in 2020.

For more information on the Mr. Texas Football Award, visit TaxActTexasBowl.com or TexasFootball.com.

About the TaxAct Texas Bowl

The TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The bowl has showcased teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier conferences, since 2014. The TaxAct Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first 14 years as it is the fifth-most attended bowl game in the country since 2016. The bowl generates over $30 million annually for the Houston economy and has donated over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support to DePelchin Children’s Center, the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Football

For more than 60 years, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has been “the bible” to millions of football fans across the Lone Star State. The annual summer edition of the magazine remains a rite of passage for all Texans, previewing every football team in the state — from the rabid world of Texas high school football, through the college ranks, and into the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Over the course of six decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football remains the undisputed leader in Texas high school football, Texas college football and more.

TexasFootball.com is the online home of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, covering high school football, college football and recruiting all across the Lone Star State. From thought-provoking commentary to videos to podcasts to its daily live show, nobody covers football in Texas like TexasFootball.com.