Tex Cobb grew up in the small town of Bridge City, Texas, where a sign boasted a population of 650. Cobb humorously claimed the sign was inaccurate, as 600 residents had already moved away. Raised alongside three brothers, Cobb was no stranger to daily scuffles. After losing his father, a factory foreman, at just six years old, Cobb’s mother stepped up, instilling a strong sense of responsibility and discipline in her four sons. Cobb excelled in football during high school and went on to attend Abilene Christian University, where he played alongside future NFL star Wilbert Montgomery. Despite his promising start, Cobb dropped out after his first year, choosing to dedicate himself to martial arts over football. He lived at a karate studio, maintaining the space in exchange for room and board. Cobb eventually transitioned to professional kickboxing, a sport still emerging at the time. He made a strong impression with a perfect 9-0 record, each win coming by knockout. Realizing Cobb’s potential as a boxer, rather than a kickboxer, promoter Paul Kleinite signed him to a professional contract.
