Phil Robertson

Sport: Outdoors

Induction Year: 2020

University: Louisiana Tech

Robertson, a Vivian native, is known globally as the Duck Commander — and recognized by millions for his long, rugged beard and advocacy for the outdoors, particularly duck hunting. A three-sport All-State performer in high school, he was the starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech in 1966-67 in 16 games, but quit (leaving the job to his backup Terry Bradshaw) due to his passion for hunting and fishing.

Robertson finished his undergraduate degree, became a teacher, and later earned a master’s in education from Tech, A hunting fanatic, Robertson built his first Duck Commander call from a piece of walnut in 1972. He began his business a year later in a dilapidated shed, where he spent 25 years mass producing duck calls from Louisiana cedar trees.

From its humble beginnings, the Duck Commander brand has become a household name in quality duck calls and has branched off to make an array of other products, from DVDs, Duck Commander shotguns to Cajun-style marinade to television shows. The Robertson family had a wildly successful venture into the entertainment industry through their reality show “Duck Dynasty” on the A&E Network from 2012-17. The fourth-season premiere drew 11.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched cable series in history at the time, topping an array of ratings highlights by a show that showcased Louisiana and the Robertson family’s love of the outdoors.

Born 4-24-46 in Vivian.