Dave Wilson May 28, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Close Dave Wilson is a college football reporter. He previously worked at The Dallas Morning News, San Diego Union-Tribune and Las Vegas Sun. ACROSS TEXAS, IN places as varied as barbecue joints, dive bars, taquerias or CEOs' offices, there's one photo that is appropriate decor for all settings, no matter how formal. It's one of the most beloved images of Texana: There's 43-year-old Nolan Ryan, tongue eclipsing his upper lip, a look of steely determination despite blood streaming out of two parts of his mouth, with scarlet smears on his No. 34 Texas Rangers jersey. The image is so ubiquitous that on May 29, 36 years later, the Rangers are commemorating it with one of their most anticipated giveaways of the season: replica blood-stained Ryan jerseys for all fans. It's a celebration of the photo that one state historian said represents Ryan as a "Texas demigod." In the final act of Ryan's career, he grew from man to myth by way of two incidents.…