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Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction - January 1, 2001



(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale)
 In 1925, the University of Alabama had its first undefeated season and gave up only seven points. They met the Washington Huskies in the 1926 Rose Bowl game, and at half time, 'Bama was trailing 12-0. In the second half, Johnny Mack Brown, a two-year All Southern Conference halfback/safety who had become known as the 'Dothan Antelope', was on the receiving end of long touchdown passes --- a 58-yarder from Grant Gillis and a 62-yarder from Pooley Hubert.  Alabama won the game by a score of 20-19.  Brown, as well as George Wilson of Washington, were selected as the Most Valuable Players.


On January 1, 2001, Johnny Mack Brown was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall Of Fame in Pasadena, California. Brown family members attending the award ceremony were:
  • daughter Cynthia Brown Hale and husband Dan Hale
  • son Lachlan 'Locky' Brown
  • Locky's son Christopher and Chris' son Ian
  • Elsa Brown Trexler, JMB's sister
 



(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale and Lachlan Brown)

Above, the President of the Tournament of Roses 2000, Lorne Brown, makes the Hall of Fame presentation to Johnny Mack Brown.  Lachlan ('Locky') Brown, on the right, accepts the award for his father.



(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale and Lachlan Brown)

Above - Lorne Brown, Tournament of Roses President and Purdue University quarterback Drew Brees present Locky with Hall of Fame trophy for Johnny Mack Brown.



(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale and Lachlan Brown)
Above - Locky Brown giving acceptance speech at Kick-Off Luncheon.
 
Locky's Acceptance Speech

"Thank you. Thank you very much, it is indeed a great honor for me to accept this prestigious award which is being presented to my father today on his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

I and my sisters, my family members and one of my father's sisters who are here with us today are all deeply appreciative of this recognition.

In 1957, when Dad was inducted into the collegiate National Football Hall of Fame I was fortunate to have been stationed in the Navy at Pensacola, Florida and attended that ceremony at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The ceremony was at halftime, during which dad made a beautiful acceptance speech. I can't recall all that he said, but I do remember the tribute and recognition given to his teammates who collectively made his success possible. I certainly know that were he here today to accept this award, he would again give credit to his teammates, his coach Wallace Wade and, as well, two other players. I know dad would single out Pooley Hubert, the old man of the team at age 21 they called Papa Pooley, who was key to Alabama's 20 to 19 victory over the University of Washington Huskies, and to the great Washington player and powerhouse George Wilson. That 1926 Rose Bowl game can not be discussed without mentioning and giving credit to those two great athletes.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of dad's biggest supporters - my mother. She was one of the University of Alabama's female sponsors, much as the Rose Bowl princesses are today. At age 19, she took the long four day train ride from Tuscaloosa to Pasadena in support of the team, accompanied by University administrators and President Dr. Denny.

So, in conclusion, I would like to thank the Tournament of Roses' nomination and selection committees for this honor which is being bestowed upon my father. His participation in the Rose Bowl was a significant factor in his life and career and I know that this tribute, were dad here today to accept it, would provide great satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment to him as it does for me to accept this award in his behalf.

So thank you, thank you very much from my father and all his family."



(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale and Lachlan Brown)

Locky Brown with Hall of Fame trophy and Tom Brokaw, Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade.


(Courtesy of Cynthia Brown Hale and Lachlan Brown)

Above from L-to-R are Locky Brown, holding award, Cynthia Brown Hale and husband Dan, and JMB's sister Elsa Brown Trexler.


(Courtesy of the Pasadena Tournament Of Roses)

Above from L-to-R are Cynthia, Locky, Christopher (Locky's son and JMB's grandson) and Chris' son Ian (JMB's greatgrandson).


The Tournament of Roses website is at: http://www.rosebowl.com/

The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame is at: http://www.rosebowl.com/history/bowlhalloffame.htm

All photos on this page are © 2001 by either the Pasadena Tournament
of Roses or Cynthia Brown Hale, and are used with permission.

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