An Honor to Reciprocate the Gesture: Texas Longhorns Erect Statue of Matthew McConaughey, a.k.a. “Mr. Longhorns,” in Courtesy of His Enduring Legacy
Austin, TX — June 19, 2025
In a moment that felt as scripted as a scene from one of his iconic films, the University of Texas at Austin unveiled a statue honoring Oscar-winning actor and die-hard Longhorns supporter Matthew McConaughey. Known affectionately around campus as “Mr. Longhorns,” McConaughey’s larger-than-life bronze likeness now stands proudly outside Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium — hat tilted, horns raised, and smile intact.
The statue commemorates not only McConaughey’s unwavering passion for Longhorns athletics but also his long-standing contributions to the university. A 1993 UT alum, McConaughey has served as a visiting professor, a spirited sideline motivator, and a generous donor — funding athletic programs, film studies, and student scholarships through his foundation, just keep livin.
University President Jay Hartzell spoke at the dedication ceremony, saying, “Matthew has never been just a celebrity fan — he’s a brother to the Forty Acres, a mentor to our students, and a symbol of what it means to show up fully, every time.”
The statue, designed by Texas-based sculptor Glenna Goodacre’s protégé Miguel Santoro, captures McConaughey mid-chant during a 2019 Longhorns home game, when his signature “Alright, alright, alright” echoed through the stadium.
For McConaughey, who was visibly moved during the unveiling, the honor was a full-circle moment. “This place shaped me,” he said. “Everything I’ve given back is just a thank you — and this right here, this statue? Man, I’m honored beyond words.”
Fans and students have already begun referring to the statue as a new gameday tradition: a selfie spot, a meeting point, and a permanent reminder that being a Longhorn is, indeed, “a state of mind.”
