All-State football: Greg Richmond recalls those who helped along the way

“I had some Pac-10 schools interested, too. All of the Big 12. They all backed off except OSU,” Richmond said from Tahlequah, where he spent the last three seasons as defensive line coach at Northeastern State University. “OSU told me they would still honor my scholarship once I qualified. To tell you the truth, that really helped me relax knowing that I had a place to go.”

Richmond was a four-year letterman for the Cowboys. After Les Miles replaced Simmons as head coach in 2001, Richmond was moved from linebacker to defensive end. He finished his college playing career with 21½ sacks, which still rank third in Oklahoma State history. Richmond's professional career was limited to exhibition games with the Philadelphia Eagles — and no one will know what might have happened if not for a back injury and torn knee ligaments.

“My last game was the Hall of Fame game against the Oakland Raiders,” Richmond said. “I played the first half of that game, and then my back went out after halftime. That was my last opportunity to be on the football field as a player. Two years on injured reserve, it's just a testament to the Eagles and Andy Reid. They kept me around and gave me a chance.

“But I've had a great time in football, made a lot of great relationships. If I had to do everything all over again, I'd do it the same way.”