1983 East Texas State Lions football team

The 1983 East Texas State Lions football team represented East Texas State University—now known as Texas A&M University–Commerce—as a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC) during the 1983 NCAA Division II football season. Led by 19th-year head coach Ernest Hawkins, the Lions compiled an overall record of 8–2 with a mark of 6–1 in conference play, sharing the LSC title with Southwest Texas State. It was the team team's final LSC title under Hawkins, who retired at the end of the 1985 season. East Texas State played home games at Memorial Stadium in Commerce, Texas

All-Americans

 * Ricky Dirks, Second Team, running back

Lone Star Conference superlatives

 * Coach of the Year: Ernest Hawkins
 * Outstanding Back of the Year: Kyle Mackey

LSC First Team

 * Javier Cardenas, tight end
 * Ricky Dirks, running back
 * Alan Veingrad, offensive tackle

LSC Second Team

 * Chris Flynn, defensive back
 * Vince Murray, defensive back
 * Gaylon Surratt, defensive back
 * Kyle Mackey, quarterback