Knox

“I don’t think I’m cuddly at all, but I’m proud to represent my town, my team—Go Lions!—and my band, ‘The Undead Pilgrims.’” – Knox

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Knox is a giant in his community. On the field, he’s an offensive tackle. Off it, he’s a big softy, albeit one who’s usually frowning. He has an image to maintain, after all. When he’s not playing football, he can be found performing with his punk band, The Undead Pilgrims, or working on his family’s farm. Knox and some friends founded The Undead Pilgrims a few years back to avoid being bored on a Sunday. “There’s not a lot to do in Kingsville except hang out with your friends—or go bowling, maybe,” Knox says. “The band was started on a dare. I was talking about how I always wanted to learn the drums. My friend Piggy wanted to learn the bass, and on and on. Piggy said if we started a band then we’d keep each other practicing. Like a team. And, my dad used to say, ‘An ox wasn’t made to stand alone or still.’ That’s why I always push myself. You gotta keep the adrenaline going.” So, did Knox apply to be a Cuddly Ambassador on a dare? “This definitely isn’t my usual thing,” Knox answers with a suspicious smile.