FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Christian University’s Special Collections department is proud to announce the acquisition of the personal collection of Fort Worth native, TCU alumnus, author, and award-winning sportswriter Dan Jenkins.
Jenkins launched his journalism career at the Fort Worth Press and later made a national impact during his tenure at Sports Illustrated from the 1960s through the 1980s. Known for his sharp wit and deep understanding of sports culture, Jenkins became a beloved figure among readers. His insightful coverage of major golf tournaments and college football helped establish him as one of the most influential sportswriters of his time.
In addition to his journalism career, Jenkins authored numerous books, including the widely acclaimed Semi-Tough (1972), a satirical novel about professional football that was later adapted into a feature film. Other notable works, such as Dead Solid Perfect and Baja Oklahoma, further showcased his unique blend of humor, authenticity, and passion for the world of sports.
The Dan Jenkins Collection spans 25.25 linear feet and offers a remarkable look into his prolific career. The archive includes bound manuscripts, annotated galleys, screenplays, scrapbooks, photographs, and clippings, with materials dating from the 1940s through 2017. The majority of the collection covers Jenkins’ most active years, from 1966 to 2017, highlighting his enduring contributions to both sports journalism and fiction writing.
“This extraordinary collection not only documents the professional achievements of one of the great voices in American sports writing but also provides a deeply personal glimpse into Jenkins’ life through his scrapbooks and photographs,” said Tracy Hull, library dean at TCU. “It will serve as a vital resource for researchers, students, and fans of sports history and literature.” For more information please visit www.library.tcu.edu/spcoll/.
The Dan Jenkins Collection is now available to the public through TCU’s Special Collections, housed in the Mary Couts Burnett Library.
About TCU Special Collections The Special Collections department at Texas Christian University preserves and provides access to rare and unique materials that support research and scholarship. The department curates collections across a range of disciplines, including history, literature, politics and cultural studies.