Charles M. Nixon†
Inducted 1998
Hometown: Mission
Best Known for: Bullfighting
It is not surprising that Nixon eventually became one of the best bullfighters in South Texas, given his successful exploits as a football player and boxer while in high school.
Nixon played football for the Mission Eagles, making the All-District team as a guard in 1947. In 1946 and 1947, he further proved his toughness by competing in the Valley Golden Gloves competition and more than holding his own.
After graduating from Mission High, he officiated football for six seasons into the early 1950s, and by 1961 had practiced the art of the toreador well enough to fight as a professional in Texas and Mexico for 10 years, from 1961 to 1971, taking part in more than 25 bullfighting events.
Nixon is one of the more interesting stories in Valley history, having succeeded in a trio of the most manly and demanding sports.