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Port Arthur native Glen White never imagined he would become a coach, let alone earn a place in the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame. But his journey—from a promising young athlete to an NFL hopeful, overcoming injuries and setbacks, to mentoring the next generation—has been anything but ordinary.

White attended Lincoln High School (Now Memorial High School) playing varsity football since his sophomore year as a running back. Then attended Sam Houston State University where he continued his career until he received news that his mother had cancer. 

White made the difficult decision to return home and support his family. He began playing Semi-Pro Football in the area while finding work, and then an opportunity appeared. The Dallas Cowboys held open tryouts. White and some of his friends made their way up to the Dallas metro area for a chance at greatness. White ran a 4.24-second 40-yard dash on the first attempt and then a 4.25 on his second attempt. After such results, he was offered a special teams position as a punt returner a much different position than what he was used to.

“I’ll do what you want me to,” responded White. “To play in the NFL is a chance of a lifetime.” 

The 89 roster was looking to make some improvements after going 3-13 in the previous season. White was fortunate enough to make the preseason roster his dreams of making an NFL roster would end there as he did not make the full roster.

Later that year while working on a vehicle White received multiple-degree burns throughout his body that left him unable to play football for 2 years. He would travel to Galveston for 6 months after to receive treatment for his burns. White did not let his injury define him. White returned to the weight room after 2 years off the field determined to play once more. 

He began playing football again with a semi-pro team again in Beaumont, eventually winning the league championship with that same team. This eventually caught the attention of scouts from Lamar University. Unfortunately, his hopes to make it back to college ball ended after suffering a fractured ankle in the same game when he would showcase his skills in a 70-yard run. 

“After my ankle injury, I was walking with a boot, with crutches,” said White. “Getting to play was a blessing, but it’s time for me to give back.” 

Since then, White has been coaching his own Semi-Pro team after being asked by one of his former players to lead their squad. Many of those players are locals from Port Arthur. Over the years of coaching and developing his young team, White has led 64 players to college teams and 3 to the NFL. White wants the best for his players, mentoring them both on and off the field. 

White remains confident in his team and their future success as he plans to continue coaching for the foreseeable future. 

“We are going to win a championship this year,” said White.