Jack West: The Victor Who Believed in Himself

By Scott Christianson

Current NFL alumni member and former ENMU Greyhound Jack West (BS 72) is an example of turning adversity into triumph. West, the current director of the Pro-Athletes Team, had the unique opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes preparation and everyday operation of the NFL as a scout team/practice squad player for the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys in the mid-1970’s. However, just as many victors could attest, he began his ascent from difficult and humble beginnings.

While playing football at ENMU, a coaching change placed West at a crossroads. He could continue playing at Eastern, or could restart his football career at another university. One man stood in the gap. New head coach Jack Scott arrived in 1970 and said to West, “If you stay, I promise greater things for you and this team. You have the potential to become a great player, perhaps a shot at All American if you dedicate yourself.” Consequently, Jack had to face the greatest opponent that most athletes have to face, “Himself!” He overcame this obstacle and led the Greyhounds’ 1970 season with 57 catches. He also made the list as a candidate for All American.

While playing football at ENMU, Jack West qualified as a candidate for All American and led the Greyhounds’ 1970 season with 57 catches.

“Coach Scott helped me change my way of thinking, in many ways he saved my life by conditioning me to expect the best of myself in everything I approached,” said West to Green Bay Packers quarterback Lamar McHan, a friend of Coach Scott’s.

ENMU has habitually made student success their main goal, and that is the experience West received during his time on campus. “Those counselors at Eastern stayed on me to finish. They often said, ‘You are going to finish, don’t leave here until you complete that goal.’”

Ultimately, West did graduate and went on to be a part of the NFL during the 1974-75 seasons, where he possessed the ability to not only catch passes but also crack-back-block. “Crack back blocks were legal in those days so I made it a point to stand out that way,” explained West.

Jack West with Vince Lombardi Jr., the former football executive and son of legendary coach Vince T. Lombardi.

Afterward, West coached football at Grants and Las Cruces high schools and led Las Cruces to the 1976 state championship. As the national director of the ProAthletes Team, a company comprised of former athletes and coaches who use their unique ability to connect with businesses and nonprofits in effort to help them save or raise money, West hopes to support athletes who did not share the same fortune he did in having mentors in ENMU counselors, professors and coaches.

West now resides with his wife in Edmond, OK and is looking forward to retiring. “My time at Eastern was more valuable than I can express. I thank my counselors, coaches and teammates for tolerating me in those days ... and I mean the times of adversity, difficulty and the good times.”