Longhorn Sundays: Texas Players in the NFL

For years, the segment at Red River where they showed both teams’ “Players in the NFL” was incredibly disheartening. The Longhorns’ highlights consisted of specialists—long punt, made kick—while the Sooners rolled out multiple starting quarterbacks and big-time wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb.

[Sign up for Inside Texas TODAY and get the BEST Longhorns coverage!]

Now, though, the NFL offers Texas fans an extension of their Saturday fandom—for the disillusioned Cowboys fan, the fantasy-obsessed, or the person who never picked a pro team.

The league is littered with Longhorns, and week two of the preseason was a preview of what Sundays will look like this fall. Here are some notable moments from Texas players:

(Thanks to Justin Nash of NashTalksTexas for the clips)

Jaylan Ford doing Jaylan Ford things
Ford was one of the best ball-hawking linebackers in Texas history. The Frisco native notched six career interceptions in Austin, four during his epic 2023 season. After his 2024 was cut short due to injury, it was great seeing him back to form in a New Orleans Saints jersey.

Longhorn rookie Vernon Broughton also recovered a fumble for New Orleans.

Quinn Ewers makes it look easy
When Ewers gets on the move and plays backyard pitch-and-catch, football looks effortless. Longhorn fans know the feeling well. After a terrible debut with the Miami Dolphins, Ewers bounced back with a strong showing against the Lions. He threw two touchdowns in a clean performance that helped Miami to victory.*

*He still needs more help from his wideouts, who’ve had a bad case of the drops in both of his NFL games so far.

Gunnar Helm goes up
Helm climbed the ladder for Titans QB Brandon Allen and is starting his NFL career like he ended his time in Austin. He’s going to be a weapon for Cam Ward in Nashville.

Andrew Mukuba Pick Six
Mukuba was a steal in the second round for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. He’s a reminder that the league is separated by the smart teams who don’t overthink things and the ones who do. Besides his interception and touchdown, Mukuba also had a fumble recovery for Philadelphia.

Other highlights include…

A D’Shawn Jamison forced fumble.

Jahdae Barron tackle for loss with Denver.

A dime from everyone’s favorite Longhorn, Sam Ehlinger.

[Order THE LONGHORN ALPHABET: Get your little Longhorns ready for Texas Football this Fall!]