Former Gobbler and NFL Great Passes

• Arthur Whittington

Native Gobbler and Super Bowl Champion Arthur Whittington passed away in Houston on April 22 after a long illness.

Arthur’s younger brother, Quincey, who also played football, said that as young men they had a special connection to their coaches. Since their own father had passed away, Cuero’s Coach Skeet Powers and Coach Buster Gilbreth were like father figures.

Quincey said Arthur was an all-around athlete, playing basketball, baseball and running track as well.

After the 1973 Gobbler state championship, Arthur went on to a college career at SMU and was a 7th round draft to the Oakland Raiders. He played for the Raiders for four seasons. According to his bio, he played in 56 games and started 20 of them. He was a member of the 1981 Oakland Raiders, the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Arthur’s Raiders.com bio also states that set the Raiders’ rookie record for rushing yards, totalling 661 on the ground during the 1978 season. He finished his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, then served as a scout and assistant coach before becoming a player agent, helping his nephew Jordan and other athletes. Arthur visited Cuero last fall to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 State Championship. Quincey said that he and Arthur referred to one another as “Big Dog.” So at the hospital, he bent down and whispered in Arthur’s ear, “Arthur, this is Quincey, the other big dog.” He said that Arthur opened his eyes really wide and winked at him then drifted off to sleep. Quincey said that blink told him that Arthur knew it was him and that he knew Arthur felt at peace and passed away the next day. “He knew he was ready to go,” Quincey said.

A “rejoicing” event is planned in Cuero, Quincey said, where friends will be able to share their favorite memories of Arthur.