Charles “Cotton” Speyrer graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1967. A standout athlete from an early age, Speyrer quickly made his mark on the football field as a speedy and dependable receiver, earning statewide recognition that led him to the University of Texas.

​

At Texas, Speyrer became one of the most explosive wide receivers in Longhorns history. A two-time All-American (1969 and 1970), he finished his collegiate career with 65 receptions for 1,098 yards and eight touchdowns—impressive totals in the Longhorns’ run-heavy wishbone offense. He produced some of the most memorable plays in Texas football history, including touchdown receptions of 78 and 79 yards in the 1969 Cotton Bowl victory over Tennessee. In the 1970 Cotton Bowl Classic against Notre Dame, his diving fourth-down catch at the two-yard line set up the game-winning touchdown in a 21–17 victory, securing Texas’s second straight national championship. Speyrer remains the only player ever named to the Cotton Bowl All-Decade Team for two different decades (1960s and 1970s).

​

Speyrer was selected in the second round (38th overall) of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins but was traded later that year to the Baltimore Colts, along with a first-round pick, in exchange for star receiver Roy Jefferson. Despite a promising start, his rookie campaign was cut short by a broken arm, followed by a hamstring injury the next season. Still, when healthy, Speyrer flashed the playmaking ability that had made him a college legend.

​

In 1973, Speyrer ranked third in the NFL in kickoff return average (29.2 yards) and electrified fans with a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. He also threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to teammate Glenn Doughty against the New York Jets, showcasing his versatility. During his time with the Colts, he caught 34 passes for 545 yards and five touchdowns before being traded back to the Redskins in early 1975 and later signed by the Miami Dolphins, where he contributed primarily on special teams.

​

Speyrer retired from professional football in 1976 after five seasons in the NFL. Known for his humble nature and competitive spirit, he remained active in athletics and became an avid golfer following his retirement. Today, he is remembered as one of Southeast Texas’s most dynamic football players and a key figure in Texas Longhorns history, where his clutch performances in championship games continue to be celebrated by fans and historians alike.