An Honor to Reciprocate the Gesture: Texas Longhorns Erect Statue of Matthew McConaughey, a.k.a. “Mr. Longhorns”
June 13, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has unveiled a statue of Academy Award-winning actor and longtime Texas Longhorns supporter Matthew McConaughey, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Longhorns.”
The statue stands tall outside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, immortalizing the Hollywood star whose deep-rooted connection to the university has spanned decades.
The bronze statue, commissioned by the Texas Athletics Department and funded by a blend of alumni donations and private sponsors, portrays McConaughey in a familiar pose: donning a burnt orange blazer, flashing his signature smile, and offering the iconic “Hook ’em Horns” hand sign.
The likeness was sculpted by noted artist Glenna Goodacre Jr., daughter of the late Glenna Goodacre, and took nearly a year to complete.
The dedication ceremony was held Friday morning with hundreds of students, alumni, athletes, and fans in attendance. University President Jay Hartzell and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte praised McConaughey’s unwavering loyalty, passion, and contributions to the Texas Longhorns community.
“Matthew isn’t just a fan — he’s a part of our team, our family,” said Del Conte. “From his motivational locker room speeches to his mentorship of student-athletes and creative input on gameday experiences, he’s always shown up. This statue is our way of saying thank you.”
McConaughey, a UT alum who earned his film degree in 1993, has served as the university’s “Minister of Culture” since 2019. He has been a fixture at games, team practices, and university events, and even helped design elements of the football team’s new player facilities.
Known for his famous “Just keep livin’” mantra, McConaughey has also promoted wellness, leadership, and philanthropic causes through his foundation and collaboration with the university.
During the ceremony, McConaughey gave a heartfelt speech, blending humor with humility.
“I didn’t see this one coming,” he said, grinning. “I just came here to support the team I love. To be cast in bronze for it? That’s alright, alright, alright with me.”
He went on to thank his family, the university, and the generations of students and athletes who “make burnt orange not just a color, but a spirit.”
The statue has already become a popular photo spot for fans and tourists, especially those arriving for the upcoming 2025 football season. It joins a select group of commemorative tributes on campus that honor iconic figures in Texas Longhorns history.
As President Hartzell concluded, “This isn’t just a statue of a man. It’s a celebration of the bond between a university and a believer who never stopped showing up.”