Every Friday evening in the fall, you will see a player wearing No. 32. This number holds a special place in Pampa High School football history because it was worn by Pro Football Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. As a tribute to Thomas, the Pampa High School football program has retired No. 32 from regular jersey circulation. From this day forward, jersey No. 32 will be worn every Friday night by a different individual. That individual embodies that competitive spirit which Zach Thomas displayed every Friday night in the fall. The individual is selected by the coaching staff.
The ninth player selected by the coaching staff to wear No. 32 during the 2026 season is sophomore linebacker Mason Mitchell. He normally wears No. 45, but for Friday’s ninth game of the season against Canyon, he will wear the legendary Zach Thomas No. 32.
For Pampa Harvester football players, wearing the legendary No. 32 jersey is more than just putting on a different number for a Friday night game. It is an opportunity to represent the tradition, pride and determination associated with former Harvester standout and NFL great Zach Thomas.
For Mitchell, being chosen to represent that legacy is a special recognition of the work he has put into the program.
“I think that the coaches picking me to wear 32 is like an honor,” Mitchell said. “And I feel that them picking me, they see me and they notice me putting in all my hard work.”
Mitchell understands the significance of wearing the number and what it represents to the Harvester football program.
“I feel like it’s a great way to honor Zach Thomas and all he did while he was here in Pampa,” Mitchell said.
Outside of football, Mitchell stays busy competing in other sports. He participates in wrestling and throws both the shot put and discus for the Harvester track and field team.
Looking toward the future, Mitchell hopes to continue his athletic career at the collegiate level.
“I would love to go on and play college football or wrestle,” Mitchell said.
When it comes to potential college destinations, Mitchell already has a couple of schools in mind.
“I’ve been wanting to go to the University of Texas, or another school on my mind is Tech,” Mitchell said.
Away from athletics, Mitchell enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, watching college football and being outdoors.
In the classroom, history is his favorite subject because of his interest in learning about the past.
“I really love history because I think everything about it is awesome, and it’s just a great way to look into the past,” Mitchell said.
While Mitchell hopes athletics will be part of his college experience, he also has an interest in technology and a possible career in that field.
“I want to work in IT and possibly major in computer science,” Mitchell said.
For now, Mitchell will take the field Friday night wearing No. 32, representing the Harvester tradition and the legacy of one of Pampa’s most recognizable football players.
Pampa head football coach Floyd White had high praise for Mitchell, highlighting his rapid development, relentless effort and leadership both on and off the field.
“Mason is a tremendous, tremendous young man. His name is Mason Mitchell, but we call him Mason Missile because he always flies around. Once he diagnoses where everything is, the dude is a heat-seeking missile. He’s just flying in there, and he’s trying to take folks out,” White said.
White said Mitchell has exceeded expectations this season, working his way from the junior varsity squad into a starting role on the varsity team.
“He’s been a very pleasant surprise. He started off the season on the JV, and as the days progressed, it just became harder and harder to keep him off the field. He actually overtook a senior for a starting spot,” White said.
For White, one of the most exciting aspects of Mitchell’s emergence is the potential for continued growth over the next two seasons.
“When I look at him and what he’s doing, how he’s progressing, it’s neat to see a young sophomore. That’s what I always have to wrap my mind around, that we’re playing a bunch of sophomores, and he’s one of the sophomores who’s starting for us. Just how much better he’s going to get over the course of the next two years before he graduates. I’m excited about where he’s going. I’m excited about the progress that he’s made,” White said.
Beyond his performance on the football field, White emphasized that Mitchell’s character, academics and leadership make him especially deserving of the No. 32 honor.
“Not only is he good on the football field, he’s great in the classroom. He’s a leader all over the place. Young men like him don’t come around very often. I can’t wait to continue to watch how he grows over the course of the next two years. This year, he has been a very, very pleasant surprise. I’m excited for Mason and this honor, and I don’t feel like you’re going to get a better representation for it,” White said.
