Jack Mildren, who quarterbacked the Oklahoma Sooners to great glory and then became the state’s lieutenant governor, died Thursday night after a bout with cancer. He was 58.
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Mildren was diagnosed two years ago with cancer but had continued to serve as a vice chairman for Arvest Bank and host a daily sports radio show on WKY 930-AM.
Mildren was elected lieutenant governor in 1990 and ran for governor in 1994 as the Democratic Party nominee. He lost that election to Republican Frank Keating.
Mildren was considered by many the greatest quarterback in OU history. He arrived in 1968 out of Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, as one of the most ballyhooed Sooner recruits ever.
As a sophomore, Mildren set passing records. As a junior in 1970, when the Sooners got off to a struggling start, coach Chuck Fairbanks switched to the wishbone offense in mid-season, and history was made.
Mildren was a natural for the option offense and made All-American in 1971, when OU set NCAA rushing records and ignited a nearly 20-year dynasty.
“Great football player,” said Mildren’s 1971 center, Tom Brahaney. “Great leader in the huddle. One of the great college quarterbacks of all time.”
Brahaney first crossed paths with Mildren in high school; Brahaney played at Midland High School in Texas.
“Very charismatic guy,” Brahaney said. “Real leader.”
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Our sympathy to the family of this first-class Texan-turned-Sonner. Mr. Mildren was a class act in every respect and he'll be missed by Oklahomans and Oklahoma fans alike.
I had a chance to meet Jack a couple of times and what a wonderful, wonderful man! He sat and chatted with me like we were old friends, even ribbed me a little because I was a kid when he played. The Sooners lost a fine representative and he will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his friends and family. And thank you to those of you from other schools for your condolences. Boomer Sooner, Go Pokes, and Go Big Red!
Scott, Indian Territory - May 23, 2008 at 10:15 am
So sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to his family. I feel for his children, since my mother passed at 57. I pray that Jack's children and wife are comforted by God's warm grace at this difficult time.
The SOONER NATION and the State of Oklahoma has lost a Special Man who brought back fun and joy to OU football in 1969! He always carried himself as an individual that you would like yourself to be! Those of us who were fortunate to see him play will never forget! It is a sad day for The State of Oklahoma!
My prayers are with Jack and all of his family!
Larry, San Antonio
God speed Jack. I hate cancer. Thank you for you tremendous contributions to OU and the State of Oklahoma. You are an inspiration. 58 is way too young to go, but you achieved more than most, really all, of us have ever dreamed of -a truly great life. My prayers are with your family and close friends. God bless.
He made sure to not let the magic be something of the past. He was a great man in life. May God's Blessings and Loving Arm be around Jack, his family and his friends.
A part of Oklahoma Football as well as a part of the State of Oklahoma has passed away tonight. Thanks for the memories Mr. Mildren. They will always be a part of my life.
It is indeed a very sad day for sooner fans all over the world. I wasnt born when the game of the century 1971 oklahoma vs nebraska happened but have seen the game since then and i was amazed at jack's skill running the wishbone and making a name for himself. My heart as a sooner fan today is sad, but i know now that jack is running the wishbone again in heaven as the godfather of the wishbone. Rip Jack and thanks for the memories
I can remember my dad telling me stories about watching Jack Mildren play and how great the Godfather was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Watching my hero on the Chuck Fairbanks Show, on the day before the game of the century, answer a question a few people had already given their expert opinion on, ala Berry Tramel style, "What's the final score gonna be tomorrow, Jack?" That rugged face and confident brashness always had my attention since I saw my first OU game at 13 years old -- he looks straight into the camera and straight at me and tells me and everyone else, "100 ta nuthin', we win." And I believe him. We lost that game and I went to my room and cried for the first time in my life from something so insignificant as a football game. But it wasn't so much losing that memorable game as much as I was crying for number 11 and his confident prediction. He was my hero. He was the reason I'm proud as hell today to have seen him play and so sad I will never hear him again on my way home. I pray for his family today as again, I cry for number 11.
Tragic loss. May the Holy Spirit guide him to the Kingdom of Heaven, let us pray for the repose of his soul. Bless his family in this time of need, and comfort them. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be"
The Gospel of St. John Chapter 14 Verse 2-7
As a 7 y/o boy I would wear my red #11 jersey in the front yard as I imitated one of my heros. Mildren, Crosswhite, Wylie and Pruitt, what a backfield! 1971 was a special year, even though Brahaney was clipped. My heart goes out to his family and my prayers do as well. Heaven's football team has just signed a superstar.
Mildren much more than a football star, friends say 05/22/2008 Former University of Oklahoma quarterback Jack Mildren was remembered by close friends Thursday as a man who was much more than a football star....
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We will never forget you #11........
My prayers are with Jack and all of his family!
Larry, San Antonio
The Gospel of St. John Chapter 14 Verse 2-7