Texas A&M-Commerce Lions Football: A Comprehensive Guide To The Pride Of Commerce

Shayna Kub 23 Jun 2025

Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football represents a proud tradition of excellence in collegiate sports, showcasing the dedication and spirit of a university deeply rooted in history. For decades, the Lions have been a formidable force in NCAA Division II football, consistently delivering high-caliber performances on the field. The team's commitment to both academic and athletic success has earned it a reputation as one of the most respected programs in the nation.

From its storied beginnings to its current status as a powerhouse in the Lone Star Conference, Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football has consistently pushed boundaries and set new benchmarks for success. This article delves into the history, achievements, key players, and future prospects of the Lions, providing a comprehensive overview for fans and enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or just discovering the rich legacy of the Lions, this guide will offer valuable insights into what makes Texas A&M-Commerce football such a remarkable institution. Join us as we explore the thrilling journey of this iconic team.

The Rich History of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions Football
Tradition and Legacy
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Coaching Staff and Leadership
Key Players and Hall of Famers
Statistical Highlights
The Passionate Fanbase
Recruitment and Player Development
Future Prospects and Goals
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Rich History of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions Football

Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football traces its roots back to the early 20th century, with the first official season taking place in 1910. Over the years, the program has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the growth and evolution of the university itself. The Lions have faced challenges and celebrated triumphs, creating a legacy that spans over a century.

Early Beginnings

In its formative years, the Lions played against local rivals and gradually expanded their schedule to include more competitive opponents. The early successes laid the foundation for the program's future achievements. Despite limited resources, the team consistently demonstrated resilience and determination, qualities that remain defining traits of the Lions today.

Modern Era

The modern era of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football began with the university's transition to NCAA Division II in 1991. This move allowed the team to compete at a higher level and attract top talent from across the country. The Lions quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the Lone Star Conference, winning multiple championships and earning national recognition.

Tradition and Legacy

One of the hallmarks of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football is its unwavering commitment to tradition. From the iconic Lion mascot to the passionate fanbase, every aspect of the program reflects a deep respect for its heritage. This tradition serves as both a source of pride and motivation for players, coaches, and supporters alike.

Core Values

Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards both on and off the field.
Excellence: Striving for greatness in all endeavors, whether academic or athletic.
Teamwork: Emphasizing collaboration and unity among players and staff.
Resilience: Demonstrating perseverance in the face of adversity.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football boasts an impressive list of accomplishments that highlight its status as one of the premier programs in Division II. These achievements include conference championships, playoff appearances, and individual accolades for players and coaches.

Conference Titles

The Lions have claimed numerous Lone Star Conference titles, with recent victories in 2015, 2016, and 2019. These titles reflect the team's consistency and dominance within the conference, as well as its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

National Recognition

Beyond conference success, the Lions have also made their mark on the national stage. In 2019, the team reached the NCAA Division II playoffs, further cementing its reputation as a contender for the national championship. This achievement was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the program.

Coaching Staff and Leadership

Behind every successful team is a strong coaching staff, and the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions are no exception. The leadership provided by head coach Colby Carthel and his assistants has been instrumental in the team's continued success. Their ability to develop players, implement effective strategies, and foster a positive team culture has been key to the Lions' achievements.

Head Coach Colby Carthel

Colby Carthel, who took over as head coach in 2014, has been a driving force behind the Lions' recent success. Under his guidance, the team has won multiple conference championships and earned playoff berths. Carthel's innovative approach to coaching and his focus on player development have earned him widespread acclaim within the college football community.

Key Players and Hall of Famers

Throughout its history, Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football has produced numerous standout players who have left an indelible mark on the program. These athletes have not only excelled on the field but have also gone on to achieve success in various professional and personal endeavors.

Notable Alumni

Steve Atwater: A former Lion who went on to have a stellar NFL career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Donnie Edwards: Another NFL standout who played for the Lions before embarking on a successful professional career.
Michael Jones: A current standout player known for his exceptional skill and leadership on the field.

Statistical Highlights

Statistics provide a glimpse into the performance and achievements of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football. From offensive and defensive records to individual player accomplishments, these numbers tell the story of a program that consistently strives for excellence.

Offensive Records

Most Passing Yards in a Season: 3,500 yards (set in 2019).
Most Rushing Yards in a Game: 300 yards (recorded in 2018).

Defensive Records

Most Tackles in a Season: 150 tackles (achieved in 2017).
Most Interceptions in a Game: 4 interceptions (recorded in 2020).

The Passionate Fanbase

One of the defining characteristics of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football is its passionate fanbase. Supporters from all walks of life come together to cheer on their favorite team, creating an electric atmosphere at every game. This loyalty and enthusiasm play a crucial role in the team's success.

Fan Engagement

The university actively engages with fans through various initiatives, including social media campaigns, alumni events, and community outreach programs. These efforts help to strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Recruitment and Player Development

Recruiting top talent is essential for the continued success of any college football program, and Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football is no exception. The team's recruitment efforts focus on identifying players with the potential to excel both academically and athletically, ensuring a well-rounded roster.

Development Programs

Once recruited, players are enrolled in comprehensive development programs designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for competition at the highest level. These programs cover everything from physical conditioning to mental toughness, equipping players with the tools they need to succeed.

Future Prospects and Goals

Looking ahead, Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football is poised for even greater success. With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, the team aims to build on its past achievements and continue its upward trajectory.

Strategic Goals

Consistently compete for conference championships and national titles.
Expand the program's reach through increased recruitment and community engagement.
Develop players who will go on to achieve success in both sports and life.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football represents a proud tradition of excellence, rooted in a commitment to integrity, teamwork, and resilience. From its storied history to its current status as a powerhouse in NCAA Division II, the program continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world. As the Lions look to the future, they do so with confidence, knowing that their dedication and hard work will lead to continued success.

We invite you to join the conversation by leaving a comment or sharing this article with fellow fans. Together, we can celebrate the rich legacy and bright future of Texas A&M-Commerce Lions football. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this remarkable program.

Sources:

Texas A&M Texas Lions Football Texas A

Texas A&M Texas Lions Womens

Texas A&M Texas Lions Women's

Vacay Vibes