Remember that heartbreaking day on October 19 when Steve Sarkisian and Texas suffered their first and only defeat of the season? Yeah, it was against the SEC powerhouse Georgia. So it was an important game that ended in the misery of the Longhorns fans. But that heartbreak set the stage for the rise of a knight called the “Angry Texas Fan.” But don’t let the title fool you, because what he’s done is something most of us can only wish a lifetime for. 

Fame isn’t something anybody can handle but Grant Walther handled it like a pro. In an X post on November 23, The Daily Texan stated, “@UTGovernment sophomore Grant Walther is channeling his game into fundraising for cancer research after being dubbed “Angry Texas Fan” from cameras catching his comically negative reaction to @TexasFootball’s loss to Georgia.” The report also added that the campaign which raised “over $7,800 so far” will give all proceeds to @UTAustin cancer. 

Let’s rewind to when the Longhorns lost 30-15 to Georgia. Grant Walther was just one guy among the devastated fans but it’s his dusty, bushy hair that stood out. Coupled with his angry reaction, the media felt that the title of the “Angry Texas Fan” felt quite befitting for him. He later described the emotion that ran through the stands as Texas was losing to the Bulldogs saying, “That was the moment when we all realized there was no coming back from the score difference there… It was crushing.”

While Walther thought his viral meme would subside soon, the warm reaction he got from his school only gave him more confidence. He channeled his popularity to start a fundraiser for UT cancer research after he and his mother decided that “when something good happens to you, the best thing to do is just pass it forward.” And this will not be the end of Walther’s noble ventures who also announced that he’s collaborating with the American Cancer Society for another fundraiser. It’s heartwarming to know how something this brilliant can stem out of a situation that many would view as unfortunate. But as far as football losses are concerned, Texas is determined not to disappoint again.

Texas continues its push for the playoffs

Steve Sarkisian is aiming to relive last year’s glory when he led Texas to win the Big 12 Championship game. Despite being a new SEC member, the Longhorns have justified their dominance as their path to the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff looks promising. But the HC also warned them by reminding them of last season’s fate. 

Sark said, “I tell this to all of Longhorn Nation, we’re 9-1 for the second year in a row. We’re competing for a conference championship for the second year in a row. We’re competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff for the second year in a row. Don’t forget what the last decade looked like. Let’s just remember how good we got it right now and appreciate this team for how good they’re playing right now.” For Texas to reach their ultimate goal, they’ll have to triumph in the upcoming Texas vs Kentucky game and win it out in the final SEC battle against Texas A&M.