All-Conference. All-Region. All-American. National Bowl attendee. These are just a few of Justin Broussard's accomplishments in the last four seasons while competing for the Southwestern University football team. But Broussard's lasting legacy will be his work ethic, humbleness and his smile.
"The coaches always set high goals for me," Broussard said. "They told me I would have to play my best and lead my teammates."
He came to Georgetown with hopes of leading the Pirates to a championship. Four years later, his dreams came true.
Broussard was part of a 36-member senior class that led Southwestern to the 2016 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title, the first in program history. It also marked the Pirates' first football conference championship in 70 years. But it was his example of hard work and persistence that led the way.
"I was able to get All-American," Broussard added. "I was able to break a few records here, some sack records, some conference records. Also, I was able to play in the National Bowl."
Broussard set a conference single-game record with 5.5 sacks in a 48-0 win over Trinity on October 15, 2016. He led the league with 15.5 sacks during his senior campaign and was named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the nation's best small-college football player.
Football is not the only reason Broussard will be remembered at Southwestern. He was a standout performer in the classroom as well.
The Beaumont, Texas, native was one of 14 Pirates who were named to the prestigious 2017 Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
"Southwestern also has given me great opportunities academically," Broussard said. "Every time I talk to a company or business or anyone who wants me to be a part of their organization, and I tell them that I went to Southwestern University, they are always all ears. They are very interested in what I have to say and they really like the way that I carry myself. I think a lot of that is attributed to going to Southwestern."
Broussard's decision to attend Southwestern allowed him to excel on the football field and in the classroom. A degree from Texas' first university set him up for the rest of his life.