Duke Carlisle, the quarterback who helped lead Texas to its first national championship and delivered one of the program's most memorable defensive plays, has died at 84.
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Carlisle died Oct. 2 in Lockhart, Texas, following a seven-year battle with lung cancer, according to Kirk Bohls of the Houston Chronicle. He is one of four Longhorns quarterbacks honored with bronze busts at Royal-Memorial Stadium for leading national championship teams, alongside James Street, Eddie Phillips and Vince Young.
His signature performance came against Navy and Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach in the Cotton Bowl following the 1963 season. Carlisle threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-6 victory, earning the game's most valuable player award.
For a quarterback who had thrown for just 415 yards and four touchdowns during the previous 10 games, it was quite a finish. His touchdown passes to Phil Harris covered 58 and 63 yards, helping Texas build a 28-0 lead before the fourth quarter.
Before his Cotton Bowl performance, Carlisle made a championship-saving contribution on the other side of the ball.
A former starting safety under coach Darrell Royal, Carlisle returned to defense late in Texas' 1963 game against Baylor. With the Bears threatening to erase a 7-0 deficit, he intercepted a Don Trull pass intended for Lawrence Elkins in the end zone to preserve the victory.
According to the Chronicle, that was the only defensive series Carlisle played all season. The late Texas historian Bill Little considered the interception the biggest play ever at Royal-Memorial Stadium.
Carlisle finished his Texas career with a 12-0 record as a starting quarterback and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. His victories included wins over No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Navy.
Away from football, Carlisle worked in investment banking and later the oil business. His son-in-law, Rich Terry, remembered someone who carried his accomplishments quietly.
Carlisle is survived by his wife of 62 years, Emily, two daughters and his brother. A celebration of life was being planned for later in October.
