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Author: Russell Dowden

The History of Texas Memorial (DKR) Stadium

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in UT FOOTBALL.

The History of Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR)

Where Legends of the Longhorns Are Born

No stadium in Texas holds quite the same reverence as Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Known simply as DKR, this storied venue is more than just the home of the Texas Longhorns football team — it is a living monument to the spirit of the University of Texas and a tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest and loudest stadiums in America, DKR is where burnt orange pride shines brightest on game day.

Origins and Early Years

The idea for a dedicated football stadium at the University of Texas was born in the post–World War I era. In 1923, university leaders sought to honor the Texans who fought and died in the war. The stadium was initially named War Memorial Stadium when it opened on November 8, 1924, with seating for 27,000 fans.

Texas defeated Baylor 28–10 in its inaugural game, and a new chapter in Longhorn athletics began.

Evolving Name & Purpose

Over the decades, the stadium underwent several expansions and a name change:

  • In 1948, it became known as Memorial Stadium to honor all Texans who served in the military.

  • In 1996, the university renamed it Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, honoring legendary head coach Darrell K Royal, who led the Longhorns from 1957 to 1976, capturing three national championships and building UT into a national powerhouse.

Royal’s influence on Texas football was immeasurable. His wishbone offense changed the college game, and his leadership elevated the program to one of the most respected in the country.

Photo: UT Athletics

Stadium Growth & Modernization

DKR has grown with the Longhorns:

Year Capacity Milestone
1924 27,000 seats
1955 60,000+ seats
1971 77,809 seats
2009 100,119 seats (after North End Zone expansion)
Today ~100,119 seats, making it the largest stadium in Texas and among the top 10 in the U.S.

Earl Campbell, The Tyler Rose

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

Earl Campbell, known as The Tyler Rose, is not just a football icon—he is a powerhouse
figure in the history of the University of Texas at Austin. His name is etched into the heart of the
Forty Acres, where his legacy continues to inspire generations of Longhorns. From the moment
he stepped onto campus in the mid-1970s, Campbell brought more than just raw power to the
football field. He brought pride, hope, and national recognition to UT Austin and the city.
Born in Tyler, Texas, in 1955, Campbell came from humble beginnings. He is one of 11 children
raised by a single mother after the passing of his father. His high school football career at John
Tyler High was legendary, but it was his decision to stay in-state and attend UT Austin that
helped elevate the Longhorns program to new heights. At a time when African American athletes
were still fighting for equal recognition, Campbell became a symbol of excellence and
perseverance in Lone Star State football.

AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 17: The Earl Campbell statue outside the stadium prior to start of Big XII game featuring the Texas Longhorns and the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire)

Campbell played for the Longhorns from 1974 to 1977 under historic head coach Darrell K
Royal. From his freshman season onward, he made his presence felt with a rare combination of
speed, size, and elite physicality. By his senior year, Campbell reached his collegiate prime,
rushing for 1,744 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns in 1977. His dominance on the field earned
him the Heisman Trophy, making him the first Longhorn to win the award.
Campbell’s success helped elevate the national profile of UT Austin. The 1977 season placed
Texas back in the spotlight as a national title contender, with Campbell as the face of the
program. His Heisman win wasn’t just a personal accolade; it was a proud moment for the
university the represented the strength of Texas football and the caliber of athletes the school
could produce.

Beyond his statistics, Earl Campbell represented the values UT Austin strives to instill in all its
students: resilience, leadership, and excellence. His influence continues to be seen across
campus. The university has honored him with a statue at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial
Stadium and no one else will ever wear his number 20 jersey. He remains involved with UT
Athletics and often returns for games and university events, serving as a mentor and role model
for current student-athletes and alums.

Even after his professional career with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints, Campbell’s
bond with UT Austin has remained strong. Though his body has endured the toll of his physical
playing style—he’s been transparent about living with spinal stenosis—Campbell still uses his
platform to advocate for health awareness and support for former athletes.

Earl Campbell is more than a Hall of Famer; he is a pillar of UT Austin’s athletic identity. His
time on the Forty Acres was transformative not only for him, but for UT Austin itself. Today, the
spirit of Earl Campbell still runs through Texas Memorial Stadium every time the Longhorns
take the field.’

 

Image: Texas Athletics

Sport: Football (1974-77)
Position: Back
Inducted: 1988
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

 

• 1977 Heisman Trophy winner, when he led nation in rushing (1,744 yards)
• Rushed for 100-plus yards 10 times as a senior
• All-American in 1975 and 1977 and three-time All-SWC selection
• Team captain and team MVP in 1977
• Ended career with 4,443 rushing yards
• First pick in 1978 NFL draft by Houston Oilers
• Had stellar pro career with Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints
• 1978 NFL Rookie of the Year and five-time All-Pro
• Career totals include 9,407 yards and 74 scores
• Member of NFL Hall of Fame
• Has served UT as Special Assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs since 19

Longhorns Fall on a Buzzer-Beater

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

It was the kind of ending that defines March Madness—and devastates a fanbase.
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball had clawed their way through the 2026 tournament as an 11-seed, playing with grit, confidence, and just enough swagger to believe something special was unfolding. From surviving the First Four to knocking off higher seeds, Texas had become one of the tournament’s most dangerous Cinderella stories.
And then, in a matter of seconds, it was over.
A Run That Captured Texas
Texas opened the tournament by edging out NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball in a tight First Four battle, followed by a statement win over BYU Cougars men’s basketball. By the time they stunned Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball in the second round, the Longhorns weren’t just surviving—they were surging.
Suddenly, burnt orange was everywhere again.
The Sweet 16 matchup against Purdue Boilermakers men’s basketball felt like a measuring stick. A 2-seed powerhouse. A Final Four contender. A team that, on paper, should have ended Texas’ run.
But March doesn’t care about paper.
The Final Seconds
Inside a roaring arena, Texas and Purdue traded blows for 40 minutes. Every possession felt like it carried the weight of a season. Texas led late. Purdue answered. The Longhorns hit a clutch jumper to tie it.
77–77.
Eight seconds left. Purdue in bounded. The Longhorns defense tightened, forcing the ball toward the sideline. The clock ticked—5…4…
Then came the moment. A Drive at the cup . . and last-second tip in by Kaufman-Rene in for 79-77 loss as  an off-balance shot, and a tip in ball as the buzzer sounded.
Nothing but net.
79–77.
Silence from the Texas side. Explosion from the other.
The Aftermath
Texas players stood frozen. One dropped to his knees at mid-court. Another stared at the scoreboard as if it might change. It didn’t.
For a team that had fought through the bracket, defied expectations, and reignited belief across Austin, the ending felt cruel.
This wasn’t a blowout. This wasn’t a missed opportunity early.
This was a game they had—until they didn’t.
More Than a Loss
For the Longhorns, this tournament run was about more than wins. It was about identity. It was about proving they belonged among the elite again. And in many ways, they did. They went toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s best and came within a single shot of the Elite Eight.
But March Madness has no mercy.
It gives you magic—and sometimes, it rips it away just as fast.
A Bitter Ending, A Bright Future
In the locker room afterward, there were no easy words. Just the quiet understanding that something special had slipped away.
Yet, as painful as the loss was, it also marked a turning point.
Texas didn’t just show up in this tournament.
They reminded the country who they are.
And if this run was any indication, the Longhorns aren’t done making noise in the month 0f March.
Not even close.

Michigan graduate Tarik Black lands in Texas after transfer.

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

Michigan Wolverine wide receiver Tarik Black stated this week on his Instagram that he is transferring to Texas for the fall. The former Wolverine made the decision to move on from Ann Arbor following a three-year career as a Wolverine.

A former four-star recruit out of Ceshire (CT) Cheshire Academy, Black was a part of Jim Harbaugh’s 2017 class at Michigan. The former U.S. Army All-American chose Michigan over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Mississippi State and several others. The wide receiver room in Austin was stacked over the last few years, but departures from Lil’Jordan Humphrey and 2020 draftees Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay left Texas young at the position.

Texas typically used big-bodied wide receivers like Black at the “X” position where their size provides a chain moving target for the quarterback on the outside. Collin Johnson served in that role for years in this offense, and Brennan Eagles has spent some time lined up there as well. It’s unclear how Texas offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich plans to use Black moving forward, but his presence as a veteran wide receiver should help to elevate a talented but young wide receiver room.

Reported by Horns247.com

NFL Alumnus Jon Kitna Back Having Impact on High School Student-Athletes

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

When Cowboys owner Jerry Jones brought in a new coaching staff last January, the team’s outgoing quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna did not have to travel far for his next job.

Kitna, 47, was named Athletic Coordinator & Head Coach at Burleson High School located outside Ft. Worth. It’s not as unusual a  career change as it might appear.

Kitna played quarterback for four teams during a 16-year NFL career (1997-2011, 2013).  After his playing career, he began coaching at his alma mater Lincoln High School in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

He moved his young family to Texas in 2015 and continued coaching on the high school level in Waxahachie. In 2018, he took another high school coaching position in Phoenix before then-head coach Jason Garrett recruited him to the Cowboys to work with Zak Prescott last season. Garrett now is the Giants offensive coordinator and Kitna has resumed his high school head coaching career.

“I can’t think of a better environment for a young man than to play high school ball in a program run by Jon”, says Garrett. “He has brought out the best in those around him at every level he has coached. The significant impact he will have on his student-athletes at Burleson will be felt for the rest of their lives.” 

Kitna’s return to high school coaching  will be an opportunity to work on the field with his two teenage sons. QB Jalen will be a senior at Burleson this fall and already has been recruited by colleges from Oregon State to Yale. J.T. is a younger 14-year old son who also will  enroll and play at the school.

“One of the things I missed last year with the Cowboys was coaching Jalen,” says the elder Kitna, “but I am super excited about being able to finish coaching him this fall and then J.T. who’s coming up behind him.” 

We at NFL Alumni wish the entire Kitna family (including mom Jennifer) much success and good health in their exciting new environment.

Horns upset #22 Tech

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Longhorns have been on a tear giving a spark in recent weeks as the end of the regular season play nears. Shaka Smart’s young team is seeking a push for redemption and a NCAA Tournament bid. Tech has been a very stingy 13-2 at home coming into Saturday’s game against Texas. However, the Horns stayed the course out rebounding and out shooting the Red Raiders late in the 2nd half of Saturdays contest pulling away with a huge 68-58 win against No. 22 Texas Tech.

The Horns will have a chance at a third straight victory Tuesday night against Oklahoma. The Longhorns upset No. 20 West Virginia last Monday in Austin and have been playing injured and with sick players as of late, but have shown a lot of heart.

Texas is on the outside looking in as the season comes to a close in hopes for a bid in the NCAA Tournament in 2020. Missing out last year still bore the fruit of a NIT Title for the Shaka Smart lead team that has been largely viewed by most critics as mediocre at best.

Currently they are (18-11, 8-8 in Big 12). Texas will travel to Norman tomorrow night to face the Sooners and then will play their final game of the season at home against OSU. Game Airs on TV/ ESPN2 & Radio: Longhorn Radio Network, Sirius XM 385.

Read September Edition

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

FOOTBALL IS BACK! After a great year for the Texas Longhorns and a deep run in the State High School Playoffs for several local teams in central Texas, we dig right in to the ACTION! Dallas Cowboys and Texans revamp for playoff runs this season. Listen to our new RADIO SHOW on 104.9 THE HORN FM as THE FRIDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN RETURNS 6:30-7:15pm every Friday Night. Take a look at our preview edition and reserve your ad space this season!

10 Yard Penalty: Improper Hydration

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

By Coach James Bills

As football season approaches many high school players are preparing themselves for the gridiron. Student athletes are getting ready to start two-a-days by running and lifting weights. Kids are getting in to see their doctors and getting physicals per the UIL and NCAA rules. However, many now days are just crawling out of the cave or what is actually their bedroom where they have spent most of their summer drinking sodas, eating junk and building up finger muscles from playing video games. And all this while wearing headphones cussing out guys as old as 30 yr olds that still live in their parents’ basement.  

The problem is we expect them to jump up and put on heavy gear and go running out on a football field in 105 degree weather and compete.  Compete with guys that eat and sleep the game.  Compete with multiple sport athletes that play baseball, run track and play pick up basketball or actually play with their high school. I am not saying they shouldn’t play.  Im saying they shouldn’t play like that.  

 It is up to us as parents to make better decisions on their extracurricular activities in summer.  It is up to the parent to not coddle these kids and not allow them to binge on junk food and sugar loaded drinks if they are planning to take that field in August.  Limit that time or risk that chance where your kid may not be acclimated in life threatening temperatures.  Everyone loves to point to the coaches failure of hydrating the kids during practice properly but many never talk about how the parents should have seen to it that their kids drank more than Coke or Pepsi and ate more than popcorn all week.  

Every year the volume of injuries on the football field goes up. The number of deaths that could have been avoided does too. The temperatures are the same as when we were kids.  Technology and rules are better.  More questions are raised with often more rules being established. The ignorance is mind boggling.  Just look at the kids with lack of time out in the summer weather.  

As a baseball coach and former multiple sport athlete, I remember being prepared come football season because I spent most of my summer out in the heat.  I had a job most of the time not indoors and spent most of the week playing homerun derby and tackle football at the park. When I strapped that football helmet on I actually felt like a sissy considering I had spent most of my summer with busted lips and bloody noses from getting closed line running a ball.  

Ultimately, it is up to you as a parent to see to it that your kid is prepared for that first day.  When you boil that new mouth piece for him for football season and its the first time he has tasted water for the whole summer, just know that all the equipment in the world can’t protect him from dehydration.  

Coach James Bills, President of Texas Pitching Coaches Association, is a former high school and college coach.  Coach Bills has been a professional scout for 8 years as well as has trained 100’s of college and professional athletes.  He is also the owner of The University of Baseball located in Leander Texas and a managing partner with Silverstone Sports Management out of LA.     Podcast: In Your Face Sports

Email: jbills3750@gmail.com

Texas Sports Combo

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in Football, TEXAS SPORTS.

Texas Sports Monthly is currently reserving Ad Space for our radio show on 104.9 The Horn FM  – The Friday Night Countdown.Our Show Highlights the best match-ups in High School Football with coaches interviews, team stats, highlights, our game of the week, and player profiles. Families and fans listen while on the way to the Stadiums for game night.6:15 -7:00pm Before Lake Travis Games.

  • Banner ad on TexasSportsMonthly.com
  • Full Color print ad in Texas Sports Monthly magazine
  •  8 :30 Spots Monthly on 104.9 Horn FM.

10,000 Copies Available in All HEBs & Randal’s in Austin Area.
Deadline Aug 15th Call Russell @ 512-897-7823

Summer Edition: Digital

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, Uncategorized.

This edition of TSM covers the red hot Houston Astros and all the local High School Baseball Playoffs. THE MLB Draft, Big 12 Football Power Rankings, Horns Youth Baseball and a preview of the High School All Star game at the Dell Diamond. We will return this September for our 2019 High School Football edition. Have a great Summer!

Available now at All HEBs & Randall’s.

https://www.facebook.com/TexasSportsMonthly/videos/480659449173616/