In the early 2000s, Washington, DC, was terrorized by a serial arsonist whose destructive acts left a community in fear. During that time, Robert M. Luckett, or “Bobby,” as he prefers to be called, played a key role in the investigation that brought the arsonist to justice. Now retired, Bobby turned those experiences into Solving for X, a gripping account of those intense days.
As a consultant on this project, I had the privilege of helping him shape his factual recollections into a compelling narrative that captures both the events and the people involved. When Bobby first approached me, he wanted help publishing his debut book. Bob is an extraordinary man with an extraordinary story. Not only did he help apprehend the DC Serial Arsonist, Thomas Sweat, but he was also the starting center for the 1971-72 TC Williams Titans, the real-life team behind Disney’s Remember the Titans.
I eagerly agreed to collaborate, knowing my skills could help bring his story to life within the budget of a first-time author. Bobby’s early drafts reflected his law enforcement background: precise and factual, but missing the emotional depth and dialogue that make a story come alive. The first version of Solving for X read like an incident report, thorough but hesitant to recreate conversations he couldn’t recall word for word. Through our work together, I encouraged him to embrace his natural storytelling voice, the same engaging energy he shares with friends and family. As the drafts progressed, his writing evolved, blending fact with narrative flair and pulling readers into the heart of each moment.
Promotional video from a series I created spanning presale to launch.
Building a Brand: From Solving for X to Remembering the Titans
To support Solving for X, I designed Bobby’s first website, solvingforxbook.com, and developed a multimedia promotional strategy, including youtube ads, social media campaigns, and even a fan vote for the cover art. The site featured interactive elements, embedded videos, and behind-the-scenes artifacts from the arson investigation.
Now, with the release of his second book, Remembering the Titans: 50 Years and Beyond, Bobby’s online presence has been transformed. The new robertmluckett.com honors his Titans legacy with a bold red, white, and blue design, the team’s official colors, softened by a light brown background that evokes nostalgia and the grounded, personal stories in the book. This memoir goes beyond the Hollywood version of the Titans’ story, featuring firsthand accounts from every living team member and their families. It’s a candid, reflective look at the triumphs and challenges they faced after that legendary season, revealing how their lives were shaped in ways the movie only hinted at.
These paintings were created based on photos the author saved from his high school football days. I created acrylic paintings based on his images for the back cover of the book. These images were also exhibited during the 25th anniversary of the film ‘Remember the Tians’ at the National Masonic Temple in Alexandria, Virginia. I also used these paintings on the author’s website to develop the aesthetic and intent of the book. To share artifacts and memories of the team themselves.
A Creative Tribute: The Titans-Inspired Converse
To celebrate the book’s themes of legacy and resilience, Bobby commissioned me to create a custom pair of Converse All Stars, a wearable tribute to his Titans journey. The Right Shoe honors the 1971-72 Virginia State Championship, featuring the original Titan mascot, vintage lettering, and Bobby’s number (*50*) stitched like a varsity patch.
The Left Shoe reflects life’s complexities, with a hand-painted replica of his championship ring, a nod to the team’s Hall of Fame induction, and a fiery reimagining of the Remember the Titans poster, symbolizing the struggles and strength of the team beyond the field.
These shoes, like Bobby’s books, are more than memorabilia. They’re a testament to the enduring power of shared history.
What’s Next? With Remembering the Titans now published, Bobby’s stories continue to resonate, offering a deeper, more personal look at the men behind the myth. The redesigned website serves as a hub for both books, with updates on events, interviews, and future projects. It’s been an honor to help Bobby share these stories, from the streets of DC to the football fields of Alexandria, and I look forward to seeing where his next chapter takes us.
