The Cotton Bowl Classic has been a staple in college football for decades. It’s not just about the games—there are legendary keepsakes too.
One of the most beloved traditions is the presentation of commemorative watches, often Rolexes, to players, coaches, and staff. These watches have stories of their own, passed down and treasured by recipients over the years.
From legendary coaches to standout players, Cotton Bowl Classic watches aren’t just timepieces. They’re symbols of achievement and, honestly, pretty special heirlooms.
The Legacy of the Cotton Bowl Classic
The Cotton Bowl Classic kicked off on January 1, 1937. Since then, it’s built a reputation that stretches far beyond the football field.
The watch tradition started with the very first game, when TCU faced Marquette. Over time, these watches became coveted mementos, marking the hard work and dedication of those lucky enough to play or coach in the Classic.
David Cutcliffe: A Coach’s Perspective
David Cutcliffe, who’s shaped the careers of NFL stars like Eli and Peyton Manning, has a soft spot for the Cotton Bowl. While at Ole Miss, Cutcliffe led the Rebels to a nail-biting 31-28 win over Oklahoma State in 2004.
Eli Manning, his quarterback, snagged the Most Valuable Offensive Player award that day. Cutcliffe’s Cotton Bowl success eventually earned him a spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame in 2025.
*Everything is always first-class with the Cotton Bowl. Anybody who thinks that’s just talk is wrong. That’s real,* Cutcliffe said, thinking back on it all.
He remembers the flood of gifts his team got—enough to fill an equipment truck, apparently. But the commemorative watch? That was the one that really stuck with him.
Iconic Moments and Watches
The Cotton Bowl Classic has had its share of legendary moments and unforgettable watches. One early recipient was Georgia running back Kent Lawrence, who led the Bulldogs to a 24-9 win over SMU on December 31, 1966.
Lawrence was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player. He wore his Rolex every day until he passed away in 2020, then handed it down to his son.
Memorable Recipients
- Sammy Baugh – TCU quarterback in 1937
- Doak Walker – SMU standout in 1948-49
- Joe Theismann – Notre Dame quarterback in 1970-71
- Darrell Royal – Texas coach from 1960, 1962-64, 1969-74
- Frank Broyles – Arkansas coach in 1961, 1965-66, 1976
- Paul “Bear” Bryant – Kentucky/Alabama coach in 1952, 1968, 1973
These are just a few of the many who’ve received Cotton Bowl Classic watches. Each has their own story, their own memories tied to those timepieces.
The Value of a Cotton Bowl Classic Watch
The value of these watches has shot up over the years. Vintage Cotton Bowl Classic watches from the late 60s and early 70s have sold for as much as $7,500.
That’s way above the $550 award limit for bowl gifts under today’s NCAA rules. Each watch is inscribed with the participant’s name, which makes it even more personal and meaningful.
Bud Ford’s Cherished Keepsake
Bud Ford, Historian Emeritus for Tennessee football, has worn his Rolex with pride since the 1969 Cotton Bowl Classic. Tennessee lost 36-13 to Texas, but Ford still considers the watch one of his most cherished bowl gifts.
It’s only needed one repair in all these years. Ford plans to pass it down to his son or grandson, keeping the tradition alive.
Modern-Day Collectors and Enthusiasts
Mike Henderson, a member of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association Board of Directors, has three Cotton Bowl Classic watches from his days as a Texas A&M football manager. He’s a bit of a sports memorabilia fanatic and regularly hunts online for vintage Classic watches.
But, he admits, finding Rolexes from the older years is tough. They’re rare—maybe too rare for most collectors’ tastes.
Tommy Harris and Tony Neely: Different Approaches
Tommy Harris, a former Arkansas player, got his Rolex after the Razorbacks beat Georgia 31-10 in the 1976 Cotton Bowl Classic. He knows how special it is, so he rarely wears it and keeps it locked away for safekeeping.
Tony Neely, assistant athletic director for communications and public relations at Kentucky, takes a different approach. He wears his 1958 Cotton Bowl Classic watch every day—it was a gift from his great uncle, Jess Neely, who coached Rice to four Cotton Bowl Classics.
Even though the Owls lost that year, Tony sees the watch as a treasured heirloom. Some things you just can’t put a price on.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Timepiece
The Cotton Bowl Classic watches? They’re not just timepieces. They’re symbols—of achievement, of memories, of something you can actually hold in your hand and say, “I was there.”
Coaches like David Cutcliffe and Doug Dickey have worn them. Players too, like Kent Lawrence and Tommy Harris. These watches sometimes get passed down, sometimes just tucked away in a drawer, but they always mean something.
The Cotton Bowl Classic isn’t just another game. It’s a tradition, and those watches help keep the story alive, year after year.
If you want to dig deeper or just get lost in more stories about these watches, check out the official Cotton Bowl website.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
