Brian Waters, 1995-99
Waxahachie

Life philosophy:
Handle the things you can control, don’t worry about the things you can’t.

Most vivid UNT memory:
When we beat Texas Tech at Texas Tech with a last-minute touchdown. It was a six-hour drive home and we celebrated all the way back.

Favorite thing to do in Denton:
We used to hang out at a wings place on Fry Street. They had 25-cent wings on Tuesdays. And cheese fries.

Advice to young athletes who dream of the pros:
What’s important is getting an education and staying out of trouble. You don’t even get the opportunity for the dream without that.

Why UNT:
It had an unbelievable campus and they were going to give me the opportunity to play. Plus, they were just then going back to Division I-A — I believe in the underdog.

Favorite movie:
The Color Purple

Sports heroes growing up:
Jim Brown, Magic Johnson

Positions played:
Tight end, fullback, defensive end, center, left guard

Best day on the field:
My first Pro Bowl, being there with so many greats of the game

UNT mentor:
Dante Wright, my positions coach, who came from the Dallas area like I did. He’s out of coaching now, still a great friend and mentor.

Life after football:
I’ll still be involved in sports somehow, and of course I’ll continue my work with the foundation.