Mike Gundy’s Statement on Passing of T. Boone Pickens

Mike Gundy and T. Boone Pickens didn’t always see eye to eye on everything, but the two shared a mutual respect and worked together to elevate Oklahoma State football to new heights over the last 15 years.

Following the news of Pickens’ passing on Wednesday, Gundy tweeted out a statement on OSU’s super donor.

“Mr. Pickens is a big part of our success and we’re all thankful for the lasting impact he’s had on Oklahoma State. It would have been difficult for us to climb as high as we have without him. He’ll be missed, but his legacy here will live on for a long time to come.”

Mr. Pickens is a big part of our success and we’re all thankful for the lasting impact he’s had on Oklahoma State. It would have been difficult for us to climb as high as we have without him. He’ll be missed, but his legacy here will live on for a long time to come. pic.twitter.com/1jYVwBcHo0

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) September 11, 2019

Due to his failing health, Pickens was unable to make the Cowboys’ home opener this season, as has been his yearly tradition, and Gundy was asked about that a couple weeks ago.

“It’s a sad time for everybody,” Gundy told the Tulsa World. “Mr. Pickens and I have gone head-to-head for years about things, (but) he’s a big part of all of this.

“It would have been difficult for this to happen without him. Everybody knows that.”