By John Shinn
Transcript Sports Writer
Former Oklahoma lieutenant governor and University of Oklahoma quarterback Jack Mildren died Thursday after a lengthy bout with cancer. He was 58.
Mildren was the Sooners’ first wishbone quarterback and widely considered the program’s best throughout the 1970s and ’80s.
Two years ago, Mildren was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had been receiving treatments at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The Abilene, Texas, native was OU’s starting quarterback from 1969-71. The offense was installed early in Mildren’s junior season in 1970 and took flight soon afterwards.
During Mildren’s senior season in 1971, the Sooners posted an 11-1 record, with the wishbone offense averaging a remarkable 472.4 yards rushing per game.
Mildren also set school records at the time for most rushing yards in a season (1,140 in 1971), most career touchdown passes (25), and season passing efficiency (209.0; 1971).
He was named All-American quarterback and Academic All-American his senior season. He also was named the 1972 Sugar Bowl MVP after the Sooners’ 40-22 victory over Auburn.
Mildren played in the NFL for three seasons with the Baltimore Colts and New England Patriots before launching a successful career in politics and business.
In 1990, Mildren became the 22nd lieutenant governor of Oklahoma and held the post until 1995. In 1996, he ran for governor as a Democrat, but lost to Republican Frank Keating.
Mildren served as vice chairman for the Arvest Bank Group and co-hosted an afternoon sports-talk show on WKY in Oklahoma City.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
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Sooner great Jack Mildren loses battle with cancer
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