Though the Cardinal football team has since won two national championships, many still consider the 1966 team the measuring stick. Cole, a two-time All-America wide receiver, played a huge role that season, which resulted in a 10-1 record and 40-13 win over Pasadena Community College in the Junior Rose Bowl.
  In his two seasons at the college, Cole and the Cardinals claimed two conference championships, posting an 18-4 record. He served as a team captain his sophomore season in 1967.
  Cole went on to become the first black football player at Texas Christian University, where he caught 53 passes for 839 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons. He also returned three punts for touchdowns.
  He played four seasons in the NFL – one with the Chicago Bears, two with the Houston Oilers and one with the Buffalo Bills. In all he played in 31 games and averaged 15.7 yards per catch.