Bruce Matthews

#74 - NFL Hall of Fame 2007

1983-2002 Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans

Bruce Matthews was drafted by the Houston Oilers out of USC in 1983. He played 296 games, more than any non-kicker in NFL history. He started his last 232 consecutive games on November 8,1987. His remarkable endurance and his exceptional talent attracted plenty of publicity to a position normally unheralded. Bruce played every position on the offensive line during his 19-year career. 

When Bruce retired in 2002, coach Jeff Fisher said, “You don’t replace him. You do the best you can. People have to step up.” 

Bruce joined Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell (#34), Hall of Fame Offensive lineman and current Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Coach Mike Munchak (#63), defensive lineman Elvin Bethea (#65) and safety Jim Norton (#43) as the only players to have their numbers retired by the Houston / Tennessee franchise. 

He was selected to a record 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a feat shared only with former Rams player Merlin Olson. Bruce Matthews, a champion on and off the field, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on August 4, 2007 in Canton, Ohio. 

Bruce has been a life-long supporter of Special Olympics - as he cheered his twin brothers Raymond and Bradley at their bowling, basketball and aquatics competitions in California. In 2006, Bruce joined with Mike Munchak as Celebrity Chairs for the Coca-Cola Celebrity Classic, demonstrating his continuing commitment to improve the quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Mike Munchak

#63 - NFL Hall of Fame 2001

Pittsburgh Steelers - Offensive Line Coach
1982-1993 Houston Oilers

Mike Munchak was the Oilers’ first-round draft pick, the eighth player overall and the first offensive lineman selected in 1982. In 1984, Houston Oilers veteran linebacker Gregg Bingham stated, “If Mike Munchak doesn’t watch out, he might end up in the NFL Hall of Fame.”

Mike anchored the Oilers offensive line and was equally devastating as a pass or run blocker. He was named first or second-team All-Pro 10 times and elected to nine Pro Bowls.

“If Munch makes the Hall of Fame,” Bruce Matthews said, “I want to be there when he’s inducted. I’ll be right there as part of his entourage.”

And he was. Bruce introduced Mike during the induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio on August 4, 2001. Mike made history at the Hall of Fame as he was surrounded by the largest group of family and friends to ever attend the enshrinement ceremonies. Mike reversed the roles, and introduced Bruce Matthews at his 2007 induction ceremonies.

Mike joined with Bruce as Celebrity Chair of the Coca-Cola Celebrity Golf Classic in the inaugural year. They share a powerful friendship on and off the field. Mike and Bruce also share an unparalleled dedication to family, friends and community service.

Special Olympics Texas and the more than 51,300 athletes we serve are honored to have the personal support and continued involvement of Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak… true champions in every sense of the word.

Bob Allen

Sports Director - KHOU 11

Bob Allen has the longest tenure of any major market sports anchor in the country. Bob joined KHOU 11 as their Sports Director in April 2013 after his retirement from 38 years with KTRK-TV. “I’ve still got a lot of stories left to tell and I’m very excited for the opportunity to be covering the stories so many people care about on a great television station like KHOU.”

Bob has been involved with Special Olympics Texas since 1974. In fact, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, met personally with Bob and chose him to serve on the National Organization of Athletes, Sportswriters and Sportscasters for Special Olympics.

Since 1985, Bob has hosted an annual golf tournament benefiting Special Olympics. He also hosted the Special Olympics Celebrity Carnival and has involved well-known athletes such as Nolan Ryan, Mary Lou Retton, and Ray Childress with Special Olympics.

As a result of his dedication to the organization, Bob was awarded the highest honor given to any Special Olympics volunteer - the Spirit of Special Olympics Award which was presented to him by Tom Landry. Bob is also recognized by Special Olympics for having raised over 2.8 million dollars over the years of his involvement.

Brian Cushing

#56 - NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2009

Houston Texans - Linebacker

Brian Cushing was drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans and had one of the best defensive seasons by a rookie in NFL history.

He scored his first career points on October 4, 2009 when he recorded a safety against the Oakland Raiders. The safety was the first recorded by a Texan since the 2002 season.

Cushing was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6 of the 2009 NFL Season. He became the first rookie to earn the award in the season. In Week 8, Cushing was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week again, becoming the first Texans rookie to win the award twice in one season. Cushing was also named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November.

Cushing finished tied with Ray Lewis for the AFC lead with 133 tackles and added 4 sacks, 10 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a starter. Cushing was one of three rookies to make it to the Pro Bowl. On January 5, 2010, Cushing was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Brian and his wife Megan participated in the Greater Houston Spring Games Opening Ceremonies. They also attended the Celebrity Pairing Dinner and Auction last year and Brian joined Bruce, Mike and Bob as a Celebrity Co-Chair for the 9th Annual Coca-Cola Celebrity Golf Classic.

Confirmed Celebrity Players - Subject to Change