Sam Stafford III and Nancy Webb Stafford ’68 both attended the same frat at Stafford College. They would go on to become successful professional football players. Zach and Nancy were also members of the frat, as was Texas Tech quarterback Matthew Stafford. They were all very popular after graduation and remained there for years. However, their reunion this year sparked much controversy. They were accused of being involved in a fake-fitted girlfriend and attending annual boat parties.
Sam Stafford III ’68
After graduating from Stanford University, Sam Stafford III ’68 became a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law fraternity and Temple Lodge #70, A.F.A.M. He was active in the Texas Democratic Party, American Bar Association, and Northeast Texas Bar Association. He was also a member of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and the North Ridge Church of Christ.
After graduating from Stanford, Sam Stafford III ’68 married Janet Sue Cox, who was his best friend from high school. Together, they had two children and resided in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. They served as president of Hyde Park Baptist High School Athletic Booster Club and had special hunting leases in the Texas Hill Country. He also served as a color commentator for high school basketball games and has won the Garland Thayer Award from People Incorporated, which recognizes individuals who make a difference for low-income people. He was the Children’s Programs Representative for Feeding Southwest Virginia.
Nancy Webb Stafford ’70
Sam and Nancy met while students at the College of Charleston. Nancy was active in many campus organizations and served as class officer. She also volunteered at Footlight Players and the Theatre Department and met the director, Emmett Robinson. Ultimately, she and Sam married in 1980. Nancy Webb Stafford ’70 credits her dedicated teachers with her success and happiness. Here are some reasons why she’s the best candidate for this award.
Zach Stafford ’70
When he was in grade school, Zach Stafford ’70 was described as a “solid C student,” a situation that left many wondering how he would ever achieve academic success. Many believed he’d never make it past middle school and would be lucky to go to college. But, after his junior year of high school, he began pushing the limits of his academic success. He applied to Westminster College and joined Phi Delta Theta.
Texas Tech quarterback Matthew Stafford
While most quarterbacks go to the University of Georgia, the Texas Tech quarterback went to a frat. This is not uncommon. The university’s first class of journalism graduates in 1969 consists of six people with the same first-round draft selection. In fact, six players have switched numbers in the first round, including Dave Parks, who was drafted number one in the 1964 NFL Draft.
As a high school student, Stafford attended Highland Park High School in Tampa, Florida. He played baseball, but dropped it to focus on football. In his junior season, he led the NCAA Division I FBS in passing yards and total touchdowns. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft. The college fraternity has a history of fostering a culture of sportsmanship.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Mark Sanchez
A former quarterback from Frat Stafford College, Mark Sanchez was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the class. He has made the playoffs four times and is the number one pick of the Philadelphia Eagles. The lone year he did not reach the playoffs was because of an injury to his shoulder. However, his career isn’t over, and he has since thrown for more than 3,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
In his first start for the Eagles, Sanchez threw for a touchdown and over 300 yards. The next day, he won a game against the Carolina Panthers. It was his first start since December 2012. Sanchez threw for three hundred and thirty-two yards without an interception. However, he did not perform well against Green Bay, finishing with a 3-1 record. He threw for 346 yards, two touchdowns and lost two fumbles.