Cotton Davidson - The Rifleman of the AFL - by Wayland Corgill & Cotton Davidson (Paperback)

About the Book

Cotton Davidson, the Rifleman of the AFL is a heartfelt memoir of Francis Marion "Cotton" Davidson and a motivating story rising from simple beginnings in a small central Texas town to a legendary professional football career.

Book Synopsis

Cotton Davidson, the Rifleman of the AFL is a heartfelt memoir of Francis Marion "Cotton" Davidson and the motivating story of his rise from simple beginnings in a small central Texas town to an accomplished professional football career. His athletic career began at Gatesville High School and led to a scholarship to play football at Baylor University. As quarterback, Davidson lettered for the Bears from 1951-53 earning the nickname "The Rifleman" for his bullet-like passing game. He caught the eye of pro recruiters and was the first round draft pick in 1954 for the Baltimore Colts. After being drafted and serving his country in the Army, Davidson returned to pro football where he enjoyed a lengthy career playing for the Dallas Texans (Now Kansas City Chiefs) and then the Oakland Raiders. Also an accomplished punter and placekicker, he was selected to play in the AFL all-star game in 1961 and 1963. Upon retirement from pro football, Davidson went on to become the Assistant Coach under Grant Teaff at his alma mater Baylor University. During his 21-year career coaching quarterbacks for the Baylor Bears, they won two Southwest Conference Championships and played in 20 post season bowl games. Davidson has been inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and in 2019, he lit the eternal flame for the last time at Oakland Coliseum before the first game as the Raiders kicked off their last season playing before their move to Las Vegas. While Davidson has received great recognition for his achievements on and off the field, his greatest accomplishment is the partnership he shares with his devoted wife of 60 years, Carolyn, his four children, twelve grandchildren and now many great grandchildren.

Review Quotes

In "The Rifleman," Cotton Davidson spins a tale just as tight as any spiral he ever let fly. Best of all, it's true. In lustrous detail, Davidson and Wayland Corgill chronicle a remarkable journey of perseverance and passion. Ask anyone at Gatesville High School, Baylor University or the NFL's Raiders and they'd quickly and without hesitation classify Cotton as a legend. This dynamic and delightful offering from the Pride of Coryell County reveals why.

Brice Cherry, Sports Editor, Waco Tribune-Herald

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Anyone who knows Cotton and Carolyn Davidson already appreciate their story but "The Rifleman" builds on that and tells stories that are truly remarkable. From his time in Gatesville to his Hall of Fame career with Baylor University as player and coach to the AFL and the NFL, Cotton truly lives up to the description of Legendary. I love the Davidson's and loved reading "The Rifleman."

John Morris/Voice of the Baylor Bears

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Without a doubt, the life lessons and character traits that Cotton Davidson learned while growing up in the Pecan Grove Community and Coryell County followed him during his travels across the country as a football player and coach. Those same qualities and desires were also responsible for bringing him home to the same area decades later.

Anyone that knows or has met Cotton can attest to all of those redeeming values that he still maintains to this day. If you are of age, you grew up reading about legendary sports heroes that you could only know of by reading about them or seeing them on the television back in the day. Then you realize that Cotton Davidson knows most of them on a first-name basis and established lifelong friendships with many of those legends. Cotton was one of those legends as well.

Coach Ricky Phillips, Athletic Director, Gatesville, TX ISD