Building a culture sounds nice. How Sonny Dykes is actually doing it for TCU football.
Among the top priorities for Sonny Dykes as he takes over the TCU football program is building a “culture.” Yes, that’s a buzzword every incoming coach uses these days but Dykes is committed to making it more than just talk for the Horned Frogs.
The latest example came over the weekend when Dykes and the school had more than 150 former players attend Saturday’s spring practice, bridging the gap from generation to generation. Whether players were part of the Abe Martin days in the 1950s or the Gary Patterson era that ended just last season, they were welcomed with open arms.
“Man, I loved being back on campus. It felt so great,” said former defensive tackle Joe Broadnax, who played under Patterson from 2015-18.
“The environment walking up was just so different. You could feel it in the air. I love everything about the way things are going at TCU and only hope it gets better.”
Former defensive tackle J.W. Wilson echoed those thoughts. Wilson played under Pat Sullivan and Dennis Franchione in the 1990s.
“Coach Dykes told a room full of lettermen that this was our program and our team and we were welcomed to be involved in the program,” Wilson said. “He welcomed any criticism we may have. He looked forward to interacting with us on a regular basis.”
For the current players, they’ve enjoyed seeing former players and fans attend the first week of spring practices. That’s a different way of doing things compared to previous years.
“It’s much more fun and I feel like it makes guys go harder,” senior cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson said. “It allows guys to show their energy and show fans their true personality. It’s a great deal.”
That’s the result that Dykes is aiming for by becoming more accessible and open. It extends beyond just practices, too, by reaching out to former players to gain a better understanding of what TCU football means to each individual.
Dykes was on hand for the school’s pro day on Friday even though he didn’t “coach” the four former players who went through the tests.
“TCU has a great legacy. This has been a big-time football program for a long time,” Dykes said. “There’s been a lot of really good players who have come through here and a lot of those guys are playing in the NFL now. They’re great ambassadors for the university and for our football program. It’s really their program. I’ve always said that. It’s really about the players. They’re the ones who go lay it on the line every Saturday.
“They were all here before I was. They’ve invested tons into this program, so it’s fun anytime I can connect and get their perspective and learn from them. Learn the things they loved about TCU and learn some of the traditions about the university and football program specifically. I’m looking forward to getting to know them better and developing a relationship.”
Among the current NFL players who attended Saturday’s events included Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty Summers, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Ben Banogu and Houston Texans linebacker Garret Wallow.
During Friday’s pro day, Dykes interacted with the program’s aspiring professionals in Obinna Eze, TJ Carter, La’Kendrick Van Zandt and Antonio Ortiz.
“The biggest thing we want to do is make ourselves available,” Dykes said. “Give access to our program 24/7/365. We just want those guys to feel at home and get to know us and build a relationship with us and understand that this is their home. They were here before I was and they’re always welcomed.”
Overall, the football program has a proud history whether it’s winning Southwest Conference championships under Martin in the 1950s or the Rose Bowl in the 2010 season under Patterson. Dykes values it all and knows it’s important for former players to feel valued by the program.
“Saturday’s alumni day was emblematic of the culture that Sonny Dykes is building,” said John Denton, a former football player who is the executive director of the school’s Block T Association.
“It’s a culture that appeals to all TCU players — past, present and future. It was great to see 150 former players spanning teams from the 1950s through 2021. They were fired up.”
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
