Chavez To Speak At Local Convention
Attorney Part Of 'Friday Night Lights' Fame
Last updated Friday, May 20, 2005 10:24 PM CDT in Sports
By Vernon Tarver
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE -- Brian Chavez is a wanted man these days. Not in a bad way, though.
Since the release of the movie "Friday Night Lights," Chavez has watched his phone nearly ring off the hook with requests for speaking engagements ranging from local youth centers to national conventions.
A criminal defense attorney in Odessa, Texas, Chavez, 34, was a member of the Odessa Permian team featured in the movie "Friday Night Lights," as well as in the book written by Buzz Bissinger which dealt with a small town and its passion for football.
With the book and later the movie has come some small amount of fame. And Chavez is using it to give back, talking to groups about education, growing up as an Hispanic and being a part of the famous Odessa Permian squad.
Today, Chavez's latest speaking engagement brings him to Northwest Arkansas where he will be the keynote speaker at the LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) State Convention, being held at the University of Arkansas. The proceedings will begin at 9 a.m. at the Student Union.
"After the movie came out, I've been hit pretty hard with requests," Chavez said. "I've spoke at the Hispanic Law Students Association at Texas Tech, the Texas Tech Alumni Association and the Odessa Boys and Girls Club just in the last few weeks."
Chavez, who was depicted in the movie, said he enjoyed the film "Friday Night Lights." But he did admit feeling strange seeing himself being portrayed on the silver screen.
"I liked the movie. I thought they did a good job," Chavez said. "They cut my character short, but I understand that.
"I didn't like it as much as the book, but I thought they really touched well on the intensity of football and the team."
After graduating from Odessa Permian, Chavez attended Harvard, where he graduated in 1993. He then earned his law degree from Texas Tech in 1996.
Chavez said he tries to tie in the story of "Friday Night Lights" into all of his speaking appearances.
"The interest of why they get me to speak is through the movie," Chavez said. "So I kind of try to give them a behind the scenes look at what happened."
After speaking at the LULAC Convention, Chavez also plans on talking with kids at the Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club in Fayetteville today.
The trip will be Chavez's first to Northwest Arkansas, although he does have some ties to the area.
"I've been to Texarkana in Federal Court. So that's the only time I've stepped foot in the state," Chavez said. "But my dad grew up with Nolan Richardson. We're originally from El Paso and they're good friends."
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