How Many NFL Players Crawled Out of Texas Like a Stampede of Longhorns?
You might think Texas is all about rodeos, ten-gallon hats, and that weird saying "bless your heart" (is it good or bad, folks? We'll never know). But there's another side to the Lone Star State: a never-ending churn of football talent that would make even J.R. Ewing jealous. And a big chunk of that talent ends up where? Suiting up on Sundays in the glorious NFL, of course!
From the Dusty Fields to the Bright Lights: A Longhorn Stampede
The University of Texas Longhorns have a rich history of churning out NFL players, like a cattle drive that never seems to end. We're talking hundreds of Longhorns, folks, hundreds! Earl Campbell with his legendary stiff arm? Yep, burnt orange and white all over him. Ricky Williams with his elusive moves (on and off the field)? A Texas legend. Roy Williams with his highlight-reel interceptions? Another Longhorn great.
Not Just Running Backs, Y'all!
Now, some folks might think Texas is a running back factory. We do have a good reputation for it (thanks Earl!), but hold your horses! The Longhorns have sent plenty of defensive studs, offensive linemen who could wall off a stampede, and even a few quarterbacks who could sling the pigskin with the best of them. Justin Tucker, the current NFL record holder for longest field goal? Yep, a Longhorn through and through. Brian Orakpo, a fearsome pass rusher who made quarterbacks see ghosts? Another Texas product. Vince Young, the quarterback who led Texas to a national championship and almost pulled off an upset for the ages against the Patriots in the Super Bowl? Hook 'em Horns!
From the Draft to Domination (or Maybe Not)
Every year, NFL teams come calling, hoping to snag the next big thing from Texas. This year's draft saw a record number of Longhorn wide receivers get picked up, including the electrifying Xavier Worthy. Will they become stars? Only time (and maybe a little luck) will tell. But one thing's for sure: Texas will keep breeding NFL talent like a well-oiled cattle ranch.
So next time you see an NFL player make a highlight-reel play, take a peek at their helmet. There's a good chance that burnt orange and white might be hiding underneath. And if it is, well, just remember, that player probably started out dodging cactus and perfecting their spiral passes under the hot Texas sun.
