Remembering Toby Keith, a true Sooner legend

Toby Keith was an Oklahoma legend, a part of the OU fabric.

You could find him on the sidelines of Owen Field. On the baseline of the Lloyd Noble Center. And in the outfield stands of Marita Hynes Field. The country music megastar was truly a diehard Sooner fan, becoming an icon in the state and university community. 

On Monday, the music world, the state of Oklahoma and Sooner Nation lost that legend, as he died at age 62 after a battle with stomach cancer. 

Keith’s legacy goes far beyond his pride for the University of Oklahoma. Of course, Keith will be remembered for his philanthropy efforts, donating millions of dollars to multiple charities and starting the Toby Keith Foundation, which supports OK Kids Korral, a home for children battling cancer. He will also always be remembered as a true American patriot for his support of the military and his many patriotic songs. But most will remember him as one of the most successful country music singers in the last 30 years, producing 20 No. 1 Billboard hits, 42 Top 10 hits, 21 studio albums and his induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. 

Though, in Oklahoma, Keith’s legacy transcends his music career. 

He was a true Oklahoman, born in Clinton and raised in Moore. He graduated from Moore High School and played semi-professional football for the Oklahoma City Drillers in the ‘80s before focusing solely on music. All the while, he was an OU fan, once having a childhood dream of playing football for Barry Switzer. 

That dream never came true, except for briefly in 1994 when he played in the OU spring game as a celebrity guest and broke his ankle. Still, the stories of Keith and his love for OU are endless. Ask Joe Castiglione, Bob Stoops, Patty Gasso, or any other OU coach, player, or administrator and each will have their tales. 

From spontaneous concerts at bars across the state to drinking tequila with Stoops at football games to hosting the softball team at his bar after winning national titles — Keith has been a staple among the OU fanbase. He’s built relationships with hundreds of coaches and players, from the late Wayman Tisdale, who he wrote a Grammy-nominated song about, to Castiglione, who he sat next to at nearly every OU basketball game. 

I met Keith once. Castiglione introduced me at a women’s basketball game in 2016 when I was a student reporter. Keith shook my hand and said, “I’ve read your stuff. Keep up the good work.” It doesn’t sound like much, but for me, at the time, it meant the world. I grew up listening to Keith in my dad’s truck. For him to make me feel important in that moment was special. 

And I think that’s what Keith will be remembered for above all else.

He had a gift for making people feel welcomed. Keith was approachable in a way that’s rare for people of his stature. He was a larger-than-life figure who was just like us — a diehard sports fan who hated Texas and loved OU as much as anyone. That’s what OU fans will miss most about Keith. His relatability, graciousness and love for those around him. 

Keith’s legacy will live on, as we will always be reminded of his greatness as a singer, but also as a human. Whether it’s when we drive by the Moore water tower, hear one of his songs, or when we see his now empty seat at the LNC — his presence will always be felt in Oklahoma. 

May he rest in peace, and Sooner lore, forever. 

OU community remembers Toby Keith

“WE are all Better, for knowing Toby…An Amazing Man who GAVE to so many. RIP brother. All love & prayers For His Family” – OU football coach Brent Venables

“Can’t believe we lost our dear personal friend, Toby Keith. Filled with deep sadness but flooded with wonderful memories too. He was as authentic as they come & did more for people than anyone will ever know. Please pray for his entire family. Rest high on that mountain Big T.” – OU athletics director Joe Castiglione

“We lost a great man and friend last night in Toby Keith. He never thought of himself before the other guy. He always brought something of value to the dance. Was always a breath of life! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy Hoss!” – OU baseball Skip Johnson

“If you knew him, you knew him. If you didn’t you still did. God gifted him with the uncanny ability to make all feel special. RIP Toby. Boomer.” – Former OU basketball coach Kelvin Sampson

“I always reminded Toby of the time I met him after we won the BIG12 in Norman, 2016. In the locker room he grabs me by the shoulders and screams, “that’s how you play some mfn football Caleb Kelly!” My response, “Holy Shii you’re Toby Keith!” RIP Cowboy, I’ll miss you!” – Former OU football player Caleb Kelly

“You don’t get to know a man in 1 night, but enough to say all of those things are true. Just a God-fearing, American patriot, truly living for every second. The song “My List” hits a little different today. Thanks for sharing your heart through your music Toby.” – Former OU softball player Jordy Bahl

“Toby Keith was more than a Country Music Icon!!! He loved America, the Troops, Oklahoma, the Sooners, golfing, fishing, and so much more. He was a great man, and someone that I had the privilege to call a Friend! We will all miss you TK! RIP” – Former OU football player Dusty Dvoracek