McKinney man chosen from thousands as Texas Hall of Fame Dad by Haggar clothing compahy

Dallas-based Haggar Clothing launched a national Hall of Fame Dad contest in honor of Father’s Day.

The company selected Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith as its honorary hall of fame dad to kick it all off.

The contest is being played out in all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Out of 6,800 entries in the state of Texas, Jeff Molepske of McKinney was selected.

"She was like, ‘you won!’ And I was like, what are you talking about?" he said.

Jeff’s wife Samantha entered him into the contest without his knowledge, by writing an essay and sending in family photos.

She talked about how, as a new father, Jeff was the calm in the storm of the stress and uncertainty, as his son Ryder fought multiple life-threatening lung complications.

"He spent 40 days straight in Children's, lung pulmonary type stuff so you know, it's hard,” said Jeff.
"I can't count the amount of hours that he was just strong and made everyone feel safe,” said Samantha.
"Luckily, Ryder has not been back to an emergency room in a year and a half,” said Jeff.
They now have a second son as well, 5-month-old Grant, and Ryder falls right into his role as big brother. As a Hall of Fame Dad, Jeff will receive an Emmitt Smith autographed football, slacks, a suit and the gold Haggar Hall of Fame jacket. He also has a shot at being chosen as the National Hall of Fame Dad.

If selected, he will go to the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremony this August in Canton, Ohio. Gifts aside, Jeff has a more centered view of Father’s Day.

“It's not about the presents, being present.  So, being there and spending the time and really doing different activities,” he said.

"If I could choose anything for these boys to get from Jeff, it would be his selflessness.  He will drop anything for his friends and family,” said Samantha.

If you’d like to vote for Jeff Molepske to be the grand prize winner, you can find a link HERE. The deadline to vote is June 30.