Corky’s Boys: Stories from Coach Corky Nelson’s Football Players.
Corky’s Boys: Stories from Coach Corky Nelson’s Football Players.
Clark “Corky” Nelson was more than a football coach—he was a mentor, a storyteller, and a transformative leader. From his early days coaching Earl Campbell at John Tyler High School to guiding Mike Singletary at Baylor University and leading the North Texas Mean Green from 1982 to 1990, Coach Nelson’s influence extended far beyond the football field. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he shaped, especially those of his players—affectionately known as “Corky’s Boys.” This upcoming documentary, Corky’s Boys: Stories from Coach Corky Nelson’s Football Players, offers an intimate and heartfelt exploration of the man behind the whistle, told through the eyes of the young men he mentored and inspired.
Produced by Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr., one of Coach Nelson’s players at the University of North Texas from 1987 to 1989, Corky’s Boys will delve into the impact of Nelson’s coaching philosophy, his ability to foster resilience in the face of adversity, and his commitment to academic and personal development. The documentary is slated for release in 2026, capturing over four decades of stories and reflections from Nelson’s players, colleagues, and family members.
The Vision for Corky’s Boys
The documentary goes beyond stats and scores to uncover the personal journeys of players shaped by Coach Nelson’s mentorship. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, Corky’s Boys celebrates the bonds forged on the field, the lessons learned in the locker room, and the victories—both on and off the field—that continue to resonate in the lives of Nelson’s players.
Key themes include:
1. Mentorship: Nelson’s ability to guide young men through the challenges of collegiate athletics, often encouraging them to excel academically and pursue professional success.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: How Nelson provided opportunities for African-American athletes during a time of significant societal and institutional change.
3. Legacy and Resilience: Stories of perseverance, like North Texas’ rise from financial hardships to national playoff contention under Nelson’s leadership.
4. Character and Faith: Reflections on Nelson’s personal values and how they shaped his coaching philosophy.
About the Producer, Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.
Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., is a civil rights leader, historian, and pastor with over 30 years of experience in community development, advocacy, and storytelling. A former student-athlete at the University of North Texas, Tatum played as a wide receiver under Coach Corky Nelson from 1987 to 1989. His time under Nelson’s leadership profoundly influenced his approach to leadership, teamwork, and faith.
Born and raised in Texas, Pastor Tatum has dedicated his life to uplifting underrepresented communities through education, advocacy, and ministry. As the pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, he has been at the forefront of initiatives addressing food deserts, inner-city revitalization, and racial justice. His work often intersects with his passion for history, as he curates underheard Black narratives in Texas and leads educational projects like The Texas 6888th Project.
Tatum’s Legacy as a Storyteller:
Pastor Tatum’s storytelling ethos is rooted in his belief that “stories preserve the soul of a community.” His deep respect for history and his personal connection to Coach Nelson’s legacy make him uniquely suited to produce Corky’s Boys. Tatum is also the author of Fighting Black in Texas: An Anthology of Black Texans Who Resisted Racial Injustice from 1868 to Present and From Bean to Bank: A Blueprint to Brewing a Better Economy for the Inner-City Community.
Production Overview
• Director/Producer: Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.
• Release Year: 2026
• Production Team: The documentary is a collaborative effort between former players, sports historians, and videographers dedicated to preserving Coach Nelson’s legacy.
• Features:
• Interviews with former players, including NFL veterans and community leaders.
• Rare footage of Nelson’s coaching moments at North Texas and Baylor.
• Reflections from Nelson’s family, including his wife, Judy Buckles Nelson, and daughters.
• A focus on pivotal victories, such as the 1983 Southland Conference championship and the legendary upset against Texas Tech in 1988.
Impact Goals
Corky’s Boys aims to:
1. Honor Coach Nelson’s legacy and contributions to football and education.
2. Inspire the next generation of athletes, coaches, and leaders by showcasing the life lessons imparted by Nelson.
3. Preserve the rich history of North Texas football during the 1980s, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the era.
Contact Information
For more information, updates, or to contribute stories or resources to the production of Corky’s Boys, please contact:
Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.
Phone: 817-966-7625
Email: kptatum1@gmail.com
Website: www.newmountrose.com
Coming Soon: www.corkysboys.com
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