Duke Carlisle, former Texas Longhorns championship QB, dies at 84

Duke Carlisle, the former University of Texas quarterback who led the Longhorns to their first national championship, has died at the age of 84. He passed away on October 2, 2026, in Lockhart, Texas, following a battle with lung cancer.

Carlisle is best remembered for his performance in the 1963-64 Cotton Bowl, where he was named MVP after leading Texas to a 28-6 victory over Navy. During that undefeated season, he outplayed Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, throwing for a then-record 234 yards and two touchdowns. As a starter, Carlisle maintained a 10-0 record in 1963, including significant wins over top-ranked Oklahoma and Navy.

Born Emmet Augustus Carlisle III in Kaufman, Texas, in 1941, he was an academic All-American who played both offense and defense under legendary coach Darrell Royal. Although he was drafted by both the NFL's Green Bay Packers and the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs, he did not play professional football. Following his collegiate career, he worked as an investment banker in New York and later in the oil industry in Mississippi.