“We Remember”: Michael Taaffe Reflects on Danny Stutsman’s T-Shirt Stunt and Red River Rivalry Motivation
One year ago, the Texas Longhorns suffered a gut-wrenching 34-30 defeat to their arch-rival, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the heart of Dallas. The aftermath of that game sparked a memorable moment that still resonates as Red River Rivalry week approaches.
Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman, alongside head coach Brent Venables, was photographed wearing provocative t-shirts featuring Stutsman smoking a cigar, flashing the infamous ‘horns down’ gesture, and donning the Golden Hat trophy on his head. On the back of those shirts, bold words declared: “Oklahoma only fears God. Texas fears Oklahoma.”
The bold jab has not been forgotten—especially not by Texas safety Michael Taaffe.
“Yeah, it’s a new season. We’ve got a whole new team. I’m not too focused on what they did last year,” Taaffe said. “We remember. I specifically remember everything. I don’t forget. But we’re so focused on us right now that nobody talks about it. We’re locked in on what we did in practice today and how to get better in the game plan. Because OU deserves our full attention.”
For Stutsman, the rivalry runs just as deep. Speaking at SEC Media Days this summer, the linebacker revealed how much the matchup consumes his thoughts—and even inked his devotion on his skin with a real Longhorn tattoo.
“When I go to bed, I think about Texas and that game. It is what it is… I know what that game means to me and every single Sooner fan,” Stutsman said. “I have a Longhorn tattooed on my body… That’s how much it means. You think about the whole state of Oklahoma and Texas, and how much this game means to them.”
For Taaffe, the significance is just as profound. Over the past three years, he’s endured two heartbreaking losses and celebrated one dominant victory over the Sooners. That mix of emotions only fuels his fire to take down Oklahoma.
But beyond the rivalry and the spotlight, Taaffe’s commitment is clear: the team comes first.
“The memories of my last three years have been special,” he shared. “This rivalry, this game, it’s really special. It’s no different than any other game, but as a Longhorn fan, growing up bleeding burnt orange… I always say this team matters more to me than anything else. More than individual accolades. This team means everything. I’m willing to die for this team. I do everything for this team. Getting to play games like this is a true honor.”
As the Longhorns prepare to face their fiercest rivals once again, the motivation goes beyond the headlines, beyond the t-shirts, and beyond the tattoos. It’s about pride, passion, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
From : Oklahoma Sooners Shirts
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