For Broderick Cobbs, football was more than a skill and hobby. It was a saving grace from racism – admittedly, it did not always work. Cobbs thought if he became an essential part of the team and school, maybe he would not get in trouble for the things black students got in trouble for and the school could treat him like a white student.

When Cobbs graduated from Jack C. Hays High School around 2001, he left Buda as soon as the opportunity opened. Cobbs said he loves Buda and its people and...