In March, the University announced that Longhorn Legend Colt McCoy would deliver this year’s commencement address, making his return to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, generating excitement from Longhorn fans, graduates and their families.
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The two-time Heisman Trophy finalist has accomplished a lot in DKR. Not only did he lead Texas to a Big 12 conference championship and the BCS National Championship Game as a senior in 2009, he also proposed to his now-wife Rachel on the field. Now, 16 years later, McCoy returned for another life milestone –– imparting wisdom to the newest graduating class of Longhorns in his keynote speech.
“The University of Texas shaped my life in so many ways, teaching me about leadership and the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than yourself,” McCoy said. “As many times as I ran onto the field at DKR in my football career, addressing our newest graduates with the opportunity to inspire what they do next is truly one of my greatest honors.”
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After his time as the Longhorn quarterback on the Forty Acres, McCoy played 13 seasons in the NFL and now works as managing partner and founder at commercial real estate firm HPI in Fort Worth. Earlier this year, he was appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he champions student success in public higher education statewide.
“Colt has applied the same leadership we saw on the field to everything he’s done since,” said UT President Jim Davis. “He’s an example to all Longhorns that no matter what they go on to do, the leadership skills they develop here will carry them far. We can’t wait to welcome Colt back to the Forty Acres to share his wisdom with our graduates.”
In his address, McCoy instructed graduates to catch a “touchdown pass” of advice. With their hands in the air, thumbs together, he spelled out three pieces of wisdom:
- Build your life on something that lasts, even if it takes a little longer.
- Start with the small things and stack wins each day.
- Make the right choices, even when they’re hard.
To close out his speech, McCoy channeled his days as quarterback, hyping the crowd up and having them repeat a phrase they used to yell in the Texas Longhorns locker room.
Watch McCoy’s full keynote address to the Class of 2026 below.
