Arch Manning connecting with Longhorn Legend's family shows generational culture at Texas

For a few years in the Texas Longhorns football program, it truly felt like a family organization. The McCoys (Colt and Case) and the Shipleys (Jordan and Jaxon) virtually ran the offense from 2006 until 2013.

Since then, the two families have stayed closely tied to the team, visiting campus and Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on a fairly regular basis.

That long-lasting connection to and love for the Horns was on full display this past weekend when Jordan Shipley brought his family to Texas's fall camp so that he and his kids could watch the team scrimmage.

Then, after playing football for two hours, Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning spent a little extra time with the Longhorn Legend and his family.

"The Texas football squad looks great, but the character of the leaders is what impressed me," Shipley wrote on Instagram, sharing a video of Manning playing with his kids after the scrimmage. "Arch Manning spent 10 minutes after a two-hour scrimmage in the heat playing in a pickup game with a bunch of kids who were just hoping for a high five."

Manning could be seen throwing the ball (a little softer than usual) to about half a dozen kids who were on the field at DKR.

What a special moment for those kids, and what a full-on display of the everlasting culture that head coach Steve Sarkisian has brought back to the 40 Acres. Shipley's career for the Longhorns may have ended 17 years ago, but the connection is still there. Even he is inexplicably impressed by what he has seen.

Jordan Shipley praises Arch Manning, Colin Simmons, and Cam Coleman

Shipley, who undoubtedly knows a star quarterback when he sees one after playing WR1 to quarterback Colt McCoy for four seasons, also praised linebacker Colin Simmons and wide receiver Cam Coleman in his post-scrimmage post.

"Colin Simmons and Cam Coleman had no idea they were [Shipley] boys, but they stopped and spent a bunch of time making them feel special," Shipley wrote. "No big heads - hard work and humility. I bet it's a good year, excited to watch."

That is the exact kind of praise you want to hear from a former player, especially one who played in the National Championship for your team.

Shipley was joined by his younger brother, Jaxon Shipley, during his visit to the 40 Acres, further cementing that return to a familial culture that Sarkisian has brought back. There were a few... dark years... between the Brown and Sarkisian eras, but it truly looks like the Longhorns are officially back to where Texas football is supposed to be.

The Horns' 2026 season kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a home game against the Texas State Bobcats. With this kind of praise coming in the offseason, don't be surprised if the Shipleys (and the McCoys) return for a game day or two this year.

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