Texas legends frequently stay close to the Longhorn athletic department. From former football stars like Colt McCoy and Vince Young to basketball stars like Kevin Durant and Tristan Thompson, former Longhorns can often be found on the sidelines of Texas sporting events.
However, one Texas alum stands out amongst the rest. Actor and the University of Texas' Minister of Culture Matthew McConaughey hardly ever misses a second of the Horns in action, whether it be football, basketball, or another team.
Some fans have started to feel McConaughey-fatigue due to how frequently the camera will pan to the actor during games despite the fact that he never played a sport while he was in college. However, McConaughey has clearly built some strong relationships with players who pass through the program.
Recently, former Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, who won the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award, went on the Up & Adams show to talk about his football career with host Kay Adams. While on the show, Barron highlighted his relationship with McConaughey as one of the many special things he is taking away from his time in Texas.
"Before he even says any words, I look at the little things in a person. He's always smiling; that means a lot," Barron said. "Everybody is going through a lot of things in life... But when you smile, when you walk around with a smile on your face and just understand that you're blessed to be here... That's the first thing."
Barron went on to share that McConaughey often checks in on him and reminds him to enjoy the moment, even when the Texas football team might not have been in the best situations.
Jahdae Barron's favorite person EVER: Matthew McConaughey ⭐️@heykayadams | @Officia1dae | @McConaughey | @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/OwQrM62ADM
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 14, 2025
The defensive back isn't the only member of the Texas athletic department to speak highly of McConaughey's presence within the program. Athletic Director Chris Del Conte has continuously praised the actor for his involvement, and McConaughey can often be found catching up with Texas alums.
McConaughey has continued his relationship with former Texas running back Bijan Robinson as the RB has excelled in the NFL. In fact, McConaughey even mentors Robinson in acting, another passion of the running back, who was recently featured in the TV series Outer Banks.
While McConaughey might have the same aura at Texas games as Taylor Swift does at Kansas City Chiefs games, people can't deny the impact and the influence that the actor has had on the Longhorn athletic department.