Former BYU star takes time out to discuss church, family, football

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By Craig Howard, News Editor
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June 1, 2009 — When it came time for Ty Detmer to address a gathering at the Spokane East Stake Center last month, the former football star at Brigham Young University didn't dwell on the 59 NCAA records he set as a starting quarterback or the accolades that followed him throughout his college career.

Instead, Brother Ty Detmer, father of four and ambassador of the gospel of Jesus Christ, spoke of the influence of good friends, the importance of setting a positive example and the rewards of holding true to righteous standards.

The 1990 Heisman Trophy winner also made it clear that his alma mater is due for a win against the University of Utah.

Former Brigham Young quarterback Ty Detmer (fourth from left) paid a visit to Spokane last month as part of a fund-raising effort for the BYU Management Society, a group that distributes scholarships to high school students and return missionaries. In a May 21 appearance at the Spokane East Stake Center, Detmer spoke of his college and professional football career as well as his conversion to the church following his junior year at BYU. Also pictured from the Belle Terre Ward are (from left to right) Liam Howard, Sean Howard, Greg Howard, Brandon Byers and Bishop Brent Byers.

After spending four years at BYU and playing 14 seasons in the National Football League, Detmer is living a quieter life these days back in his home state of Texas. Detmer resides in Austin where he works for a financial advisory group and serves as a second counselor in the Oak Hills stake young men's presidency.

As for his celebrated past, Detmer told attendees at the May 21 event that he would rather be acknowledged for traits that transcend feats on the football field.

"More so than the Heisman Trophy, I hope I'm remembered as an accountable person with good character," Detmer said.

Originally from San Antonio, Tx., Detmer developed into one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country while also participating in baseball, golf, basketball and track. In deciding on a college, Detmer leaned to BYU early on based on the school's tradition of putting the ball in the air under Head Coach LaVell Edwards.

"I'd seen BYU win a national championship (in 1984) and they won with Robbie Bosco passing the ball," Detmer said.

Detmer set a Texas high school record for passing yardage his junior year at Southwest High School, leading his team to a 12-1 record. When it came time to pick a college, a visit to Provo before his senior year turned the tables in BYU's favor. Brought up Methodist, Detmer stayed away from away from substance use in high school and appreciated the university's adherence to certain principles. Each student at BYU is expected to live by an "honor code" that includes avoiding drugs and alcohol, staying morally clean and refraining from profanity.

"I just remember how clean the campus was," Detmer said. "I knew the standards students were expected to keep and I realized these people had the same values that I believed in."

At 6 feet, 155 pounds Detmer wasn't exactly a towering presence when he first arrived on campus. He struggled at the beginning of his freshman season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. Then, in a game against New Mexico, the signal caller from San Antonio broke through, passing for five touchdowns and over 300 yards in a 65-0 Cougar win.

The Ty Detmer era had officially begun in Provo.

Between passing patterns and secondary coverages, the new starting quarterback was also learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Detmer's LDS roommate, running back Eric Mortensen, began to talk to his friend about the restored gospel.

"He was a great example to me," Detmer said. "He always stayed true to his testimony - I really appreciated that."

Detmer was baptized into the church a few months after the conclusion of his junior season.

"It had all the things I'd grown up believing - and it had everything I wanted in my life," he said.

Detmer said his newfound testimony served as a valuable foundation as he began a new chapter as a professional athlete. He was drafted by Green Bay in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL draft and, within four years, found himself traded to Philadelphia.

Despite the ups and downs of a career that saw him play for half-a-dozen teams and pass for 6,351 yards as a pro, Detmer made it a point to stay true to his faith.

"You learn a lot about yourself when you're put in tough situations," he said. "I know if I try to be the best person I can be, good things will happen. There's a lot of negativity out there, but with the hope of the Atonement, we can always look for great things in life."

Following his address, Detmer answered questions from the congregation, most of which centered around his time in Provo. Some wanted to hear about the monumental win over top-ranked Miami in 1990, others wanted to get Detmer's opinion on the current direction of BYU football.

While Detmer happily reminisced about his football days, he kept returning to lessons of life beyond the line of scrimmage.

"Keep the spirit close to you," he said. "Do your best to be a good example. If you make a mistake, remember it's not where you start, it's where you finish."

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