Johnny Manziel headlines 2022 induction list for Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame

The Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame announced the induction of eight members in its 2022 class on Wednesday morning, headlined by three 2014 football players including Johnny Manziel. In total, the eight new members represent five different programs and span several decades of achievement at the school.

In addition to Johnny Manziel, the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame announced the addition of Texas A&M football stars Mike Evans and Luke Joeckel. Legendary women’s basketball coach Gary Blair will also be honored after his recent retirement.

Class of 2003 men’s basketball star Bernard King joins 1964’s Chuck McGuire – who will be inducted posthumously – and 1986’s Mike Scanlin from the baseball program. Class of 2009 swimming and diving star Triin Aljand is the only female athlete inducted this year for her contribution to the school’s athletic department.

The Texas A&M Letterman’s Association also announced a ceremony will honor the eight inductees on Sept. 2, 2022, at the 44th Burgess Banquet. 2021 inductee Matt Rose will also be honored at the ceremony after missing last year’s event due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Gary Blair retires from Texas A&M

Gary Blair has amassed winning seasons in 35 of his 37 years as a head coach, and the Aggies won the national title in 2011. He has won five conference championships throughout his career. The Texas A&M women’s team had a 16-game NCAA tournament streak, evidence of the consistency Blair produces.

“Coach Blair is a legend in women’s basketball and college sports,” said Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork. “He has made a transformational impact on Texas A&M University, our athletics program and all of college basketball. His decades-long championship-caliber coaching acumen and recruiting ability has transcended many generations of women’s basketball players and his impact will be felt long after he hangs up the whistle.

“Gary Blair is more than just a coach. Because of his good-natured personality, he is beloved in the Bryan-College Station community and beyond. Coach is amazingly kind and has never met a stranger. I know he will continue to be a presence around Aggieland for years to come. On behalf of Texas A&M Athletics, I want to congratulate Coach Gary Blair on an amazing career, and we can’t wait to watch him and his team compete for one last season. Congratulations Coach Blair!”