"I'm saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Darrell K. Royal.

"I knew Coach Royal for many years, including during my time at the University of Texas.

"Coach Royal touched the lives of countless Texans, as well as people around the nation. I greatly admired Coach Royal as a legendary coach and as someone who always strived to help others. He was a champion on the field and off.

"He and his wife Edith have carried the torch in the battle against Alzheimer's Disease by the forming of the Darrell K. Royal Research Fund. He was a great family man and a man of deep faith. My thoughts and prayers go out to Edith and the Royal family."