Pampa High School football has retired No. 32 in honor of Zach Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who wore the number at the school. Each Friday night, the coaching staff selects a different player to wear the jersey, choosing someone who reflects the competitive spirit Thomas showed.
Senior lineman Connor McKinley, who usually wears No. 51, is the tenth and final player chosen for the 2026 season. He will wear No. 32 in Thursday's final game against West Plains. McKinley said the honor shows how much his coaches trust him. He said the number stands for Thomas's character, leadership and dedication at Pampa, Texas Tech and in the NFL.
McKinley plays in the Pampa High School marching band and does not play other sports. He said he is considering joining the Goin' Band at Texas Tech. He plans to attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock and is considering either business through the Rawls College of Business or music performance through the School of Music.