Thank you God for nurturing this plant into a tree
For I know without you this day wouldn’t be

Everything I have accomplished this year I give you all the glory
Because I know without you (sports information director) John Bianco wouldn’t have been able to write those stories

Oklahoma was a place that I thought I would never be happy at
Until I got off the plane and they greeted me with a nice big hat

I guess a Texan and some Oklahomans can sit at a table and no one gets hurt
So I want to say thank you and bless you (Thorpe committee) with some Longhorn shirts

No but seriously I want to thank all of you guys Lynne (Draper), Gary (James), Mike (James), and Mr. (Lon) Huff
I know after watching the K-State game, I made your decision really tough

And thank you Coach Brown for standing behind me all six years
I still remember the day I was in your office crying big crocodile tears

You and Mrs. Sally made me believe I was suppose to be a Longhorn
That’s why when I had to leave my heart was really torn

And Coach Akina, you made this day happen
That’s why I was so happy you were our defensive captain

Coming in me and Huff always looked to get a pick
By the end of our fourth year, we were looking forward to hitting guys bigger than Rick(y Williams)

So thank you coach Akina, for turning me into a complete DB
You are another reason this plant turned into a tree

And John, you're the best P.R. guy I’ve ever seen before
And I know you were up all night pushing for me to win the Thorpe

Babe (Sanya Richards), I’m so glad you came into my life
That’s why I cant wait to finally have you as my wife

Sanya these last three years has been heaven
I’ll always remember our anniversary October 7

Before the season we vowed to be our best
And with you at my side, it was hard to be anything less

To my brother who always had my back
I cant wait 'til the Lord blesses me with a nice contract

Although you didn’t get to fulfill your dreams in sport
You have always been my greatest inspiration off the court

So thank you for always being there
I could always tell that you really cared

To My little sister Kia, I’m happy you came into our lives
Although you were late you were our bundle of sunshine

I pray that you will find success in whatever you do
And know that I will always be there for you boo

Grandma I’m happy that you’re here too
It’s because of you I learned all those athletic moves

You always tried to keep me and (brother) Jay in line
And running from those whoopings really paid off in time

To (stepfather) Rodney (Woods), thanks for coming into our lives and becoming the man
When the other guy completely cut us out of his plan

And you didn’t love Kia more than you loved me and Jay
And that’s why I prayed every night just for you to stay

Last but not least, Momma you are my heart, my mind, my soul and even my back bone
If I were king, I would give you my throne

Momma, I remember you would dig to the bottom of your purse and take out all that change
Just so when me and Jay go to the laundry mat, we would be able to play those games

Momma, I can’t wait to give you the world
I had this planned in seventh grade when Jay gave me a tat by the name of Cheryl

Huff, I guess its time to pass the torch
But before I do that, Momma I wanna give you the Thorpe

So thanks to all mentioned in this speech
Like I said, with out you this day wouldn’t be

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