Garrett Mills, a Tulsa native and former TU football player, has been inducted into the Tulsa Athletic Hall of Fame, marking a significant moment in his family-centric legacy with the university. Mills reflects on his impactful journey from a struggling program in his freshman year to winning a conference championship by his senior year, attributing this turnaround to the leadership of head coach Steve Kragthorpe and his staff. The lessons he learned at TU about hard work, accountability, and community have shaped his life beyond football, influencing his roles as a husband and father.

By the Numbers
  • Mills experienced a turnaround from one win in his freshman year to a conference championship in his senior year.
  • During his senior season, Mills played both as a punt returner and deep snapper.
State of Play
  • Mills credits the revitalization of Tulsa football to the arrival of coach Steve Kragthorpe.
  • The program saw significant cultural shifts toward toughness and accountability during Mills' tenure.
What's Next

Mills hopes current student-athletes will embrace the process, maintain accountability, and prioritize their attitudes and efforts to achieve success, thereby instilling a legacy of resilience and commitment in future generations.

Bottom Line

The essence of Mills' journey emphasizes that successful teams are built on relationships and shared experiences, reminding current athletes that the work ethic and connections forged during their time are invaluable and carry far beyond the field.