Tony Degrate was born on April 25, 1962, in Snyder, Texas, and played college football at the University of Texas. His talent and dedication to training quickly made him a standout player. In 1984, he became a consensus All-American, recording 12 sacks and 123 solo tackles (a UT record) and winning the prestigious Lombardi Trophy Award.

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The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Degrate in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft and then traded him to the Green Bay Packers. He played in one game during the 1985 season before retiring from the NFL in 1986. Following his retirement, Degrate transitioned into a career as a strength and conditioning coach based in Cedar Park. His passion for training has helped countless athletes develop their skills and reach their full potential.

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Throughout his career, Degrate was known for his physicality and outstanding leadership qualities. His commitment to training and hard work made him one of the best defensive tackles of his generation. After retiring from the NFL, Degrate became involved in various business ventures in the Austin area and dedicated himself to charity work and giving back to the community. He remains a beloved figure in Longhorns' history and is remembered by fans as one of the best players to wear the burnt orange and white.