Feature image: Heather Baker with Sam Pittman
The late great Paul Eells, legendary Voice of the Razorbacks, was known for his famous “Touchdown, Arkansas!” call during Razorback football games.
His signature call came to mind recently as Arkansas sports promoter David Bazzel revealed the slate of speakers lined up for the 2025 Little Rock Touchdown Club season — except in this case, I was thinking, “Touchdown, Little Rock!”
Jimmy Johnson, who graces our cover this month, headlines a group of speakers that includes NFL hall-of-famer Lawrence Taylor, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, Heisman Trophy winner and all-pro Tim Brown, veteran ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe, former Pony Express running back Craig James, former Texas and North Carolina coach Mack Brown, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass, as well as Razorback greats Anthony Lucas, Madre Hill and the incomparable and should-be Heisman winner Darren McFadden.
The Little Rock Touchdown Club, now with more than 500 members, has grown into perhaps the most prominent club of its kind in the country. It is a source of pride not just for Little Rock and central Arkansas but the entire state — touchdown, Little Rock.
Inside, cover boy Johnson dishes on his playing and coaching days and how he thought he was in line to become the next head Hog in 1983 after Lou Holtz stepped down. You won’t want to miss it.
Also inside, readers can learn more about the Little Rock Executives’ Association, a business leaders group that is entering its second half century of existence. The group maintains high standards through careful vetting of new members, and unlike other organizations, prospective members must be referred or sponsored by an existing member of the group and approved according to the bylaws.
It’s all fascinating stuff, and you won’t find it anywhere else.
The August issue’s economic development and health care packages will take readers across the Natural State, as well, from investigating lithium in south Arkansas and steel in Mississippi County to exploring the state’s outlook for cancer research and mental health.
There is a lot packed into this issue. As always, thanks for reading. Hit me up with any story ideas at hbaker@armoneyandpolitics.com.
