Andrew Zimmel
Andrew Zimmel is a sports and pop culture writer. He has previously worked in radio and television. A electronic media graduate from Texas State University. Twitter: @Andrew_Zimmel
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(Texas Football/Instagram)
Saturday, the Texas Longhorns will face one of its oldest rivals—Baylor—in a matchup that has all the makings of a do-or-die game for the Longhorn season.
<p>Last season, The University of Texas lost a back-and-forth game to Baylor 24-10 in Waco. This year will mark the 60th time the two programs face off against each other in the capital city, with Longhorns fans hoping that this season's home field advantage might play a role in a Texas victory. </p><p>Baylor, losers of their last conference game against West Virginia on Oct. 3, come to Austin in hopes of moving up the Big 12 standing and competing for a conference title at the end of the year.<br/></p><p>The Longhorns, and their fans, are still trying to get over the overtime loss to Oklahoma two weeks ago, which not only knocked Texas out of AP's Top 25 ranking but also put them at 1-2 in conference play. Add into the mix the debate over "The Eyes of Texas" still burning bright on Longhorn message boards, with the Longhorn band reported not to be traveling due to resistance to play the song. Even the school mascot Bevo isn't safe from controversy after being <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30161099/photographer-sues-handlers-texas-longhorns-mascot-pre-sugar-bowl-charge" target="_blank">sued by a photographer it charged at the Sugar Bowl in 2019</a>. <br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e4a61d128600a3f1e4a8cc094a5f75f8" id="6790a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1318341497109028866"><div style="margin:1em 0">Dear Baylor Bears: you’d better strap-down your helmets, the Longhorns are our for revenge.
Seriously, you’ll get… https://t.co/YebyNj45Vs</div> — Ed (@Ed)<a href="https://twitter.com/edw1414/statuses/1318341497109028866">1603152081.0</a></blockquote></div><p>One of the only bright spots has been senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger threw for 200 yards and rushed for 79 more against the Baylor defense last year. This season, Ehlinger has continued being dangerous with both his arm and his legs, leading the conference in passing yards (1,211) and touchdowns (16). Combined with his five rushing touchdowns, Ehlinger is the proven dual-threat quarterback in the conference. But even with Ehlinger and the offensive successes, the Texas defense still ranks near the bottom of the conference in <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi/_/view/efficiencies/group/4/sort/efficiencies.defefficiency/dir/desc" target="_blank">defensive efficiency</a>.<br/></p><p>The defense shouldn't be a problem this weekend however for the Longhorns. Baylor has struggled putting points on the board against good Big 12 competition, scoring only 21 points in two overtimes against West Virginia. </p><p>Longhorns fans of course are always nervous when senior quarterback Charlie Brewer comes to town. Brewer threw for a touchdown and rushed for one last season in the match up in Waco, but was forced to leave against West Virginia two weeks ago due to a shoulder injury. </p><p>After the Bears had to move their game last week against <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30142470/baylor-bears-resume-practice-surge-covid-19-cases" target="_blank">Oklahoma State back due to COVID concerns</a>, Brewer has had two weeks of rest and should be ready to go for Saturday's game. The Baylor quarterback's arm is still something for Texas fans to keep an eye on as the game progresses on Saturday.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b92292482a9a2a528655d391db8d0a14" id="0a697"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1318720682310701061"><div style="margin:1em 0">A Sam Ehlinger led football team has never beaten a Charlie Brewer led football team:
2015 - lost 35-14
2016 - inj… https://t.co/dT1f3JIIW9</div> — Kyle Umlang (@Kyle Umlang)<a href="https://twitter.com/kyleumlang/statuses/1318720682310701061">1603242485.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The match between the Bears and Longhorns will be ugly. These are two of the most penalized teams in the conferences, and something UT will have to cut down on if they want to win against Baylor. The Longhorns beat themselves on many drives against the Sooners by jumping offsides and committing penalties that took big plays off the board. </p><p>To beat Baylor it will come down to three key questions.</p><ol class="ee-ol"><li>Can the Texas offensive line allow Sam Ehlinger and red shirt sophomore receiver Joshua Moore enough time to move the ball down field and keep Baylor linebacker Terrel Bernard out of the picture?</li><li>Can the Texas defense contain Brewer?</li><li>Can Texas cut out all the different distractions that have been circling this team all season?</li></ol><p>The Longhorns are 12-4 coming off a loss in the Tom Herman era. The Longhorns season may be on the line as they try to protect home field against the Baylor Bears at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.</p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/longhorns-coach-in-hotseat" target="_self">Longhorns' head coach in the hot seat after loss against OU</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDUwNzU5NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTYxNzQ5OX0.VzM7vNjFdR5F6di9YGJ-jW_k7B6-qH-lPLJHyaSNxgQ/img.png?width=980" id="c7121" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="78724fdd1646ae47c1e111f43675cbc9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Longhorns' head coach in the hot seat after loss against OU
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(Austin FC)
Austin FC, Austin's newest pro soccer team, announced Thursday that the club would be entering a partnership with Austin based Netspend to be the team's official jersey sleeve sponsor.
<p><a href="https://www.netspend.com/" target="_blank">Netspend</a> is a payments and digital solutions provider connecting people and brands to innovative payment products. Netspend products and affiliated technologies will also be integrated within the stadium to enhance the speed and safety of food, beverage, and merchandise transactions, according to the club.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a6959b2dc3606aeeb37024f3d46a55a6" id="fec83"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1319279364962279425"><div style="margin:1em 0">We’re very proud to announce our new Partnership with Austin FC. Like and follow @AustinFC to keep up with all the… https://t.co/HSst5uRZ7H</div> — Netspend (@Netspend)<a href="https://twitter.com/Netspend/statuses/1319279364962279425">1603375686.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Netspend joins St. David's HealthCare and Yeti as founding partners of Austin FC, but the newest member of the Austin sporting community wants to add more local brands to the mix.</p><p> "We are proud to incorporate an Austin-based brand on the sleeve of our authentic jersey collection that will be worn by our players and available at select retail locations," said Andy Loughnane, president of Austin FC.<br/></p><p>As a Jersey Sleeve Partner, the Netspend logo will appear on the right sleeve of Austin FC's primary and secondary jerseys, which are set to be revealed before the start of the 2021 season, the clubs inaugural year. The patch will be on fan jerseys as well on digital eSports jerseys in video games like FIFA. </p><p>The partnership also means the launch of community-focused programs. The first joint-initiative will take place Thursday at Burnet Middle School in Austin. Netspend and Austin FC will reportedly donate $10,000 in Netspend cards for purchase of school supplies to the staff at the local school. </p><p><strong>More on Austin FC:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-fc-stadium-seats" target="_self">Austin FC stadium one seat closer to opening this spring</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU0NDg4MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDY0NzMxNH0.9AIdxqIrxk1aMUd-KVup8nZ_c-hgh0oayAl_KNcNEWg/img.jpg?width=1200&coordinates=0%2C580%2C0%2C260&height=800" id="2853b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1b7c3b012c818423e68fb1612269a51e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Austin FC stadium one seat closer to opening this spring
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Longhorn band to skip out on Saturday game due to members not agreeing to play "The Eyes of Texas"
21 October
(Shutterstock)
The latest in a line of University of Texas controversies, The Daily Texan reports Wednesday that the Longhorn band will not attend this Saturday's football game due to band members voting they did not want to play "The Eyes of Texas."
<p>According to The Daily Texan, members of the Longhorn Band were surveyed asking if they would be willing to play the song, with the results coming back showing that the band would not have the instrumentation for this weekend if asked to play.</p><p>This news comes on the heels of <a href="https://austonia.com/sports/university-of-texas-longhorns-reform-" target="_blank">the university community speaking out against</a> "The Eyes of Texas" earlier this year, citing the divisiveness of the song and its racist history. A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/alumni-resolution-to-re-dedicate-the-eyes-of-texas-as-the-school-song-of-the-university-of-texas" target="_blank">petition with over 8,000 signatures </a>has made its way around the internet calling for a "re-dedication" of the song. </p><p>"All of us on staff will do everything we can to create and maintain space for conversations," Longhorn Band Director Scott Hanna said in a message to band members, obtained by The Daily Texan. The message also stated that the results of the survey would not impact whether the band plays and performs at future games, both home and away.</p><p>On Wednesday evening, UT President Jay Hartzell said that a recording of the song will still be played at the game this Saturday and will continue to be played at future games.</p><p><span></span>In July, Hartzell said in a statement that he wanted "The Eyes of Texas" to be a uniting song that the university, students and athletes had the power to define, or redefine, and that the the university would be held accountable to the institutions core values. </p><p><span></span>Just two weeks ago, senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and others were hailed as heroes by boosters and alums for standing and singing "The Eyes of Texas" after the four overtime defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners. </p><p>Athletic Director Chris Del Conte told fans in his <a href="https://texassports.com/news/2020/10/14/forty-acres-insider-oct-14.aspx" target="_blank">weekly email last Wednesday</a> that the University would continue to play "The Eyes of Texas" while also looking into the songs history and what the contemporary meaning of a song over 100 years old is.<br/></p><p>"I do want to clarify that I have had many conversations with our head coaches outlining my expectations that our teams show appreciation for our University, fans, and supporters by standing together as a unified group for "The Eyes," while we work through this issue," Del Conte wrote last week.</p><p><em>This story was edited from its first publication to add the comment from the UT president.</em></p><p><strong>More on the issue: </strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/sports/university-of-texas-longhorns-reform-" target="_self">Longhorn football players ask University of Texas to get rid of 'Eyes of Texas,' create more inclusive campus</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM5MDYwMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzE5Mjg3M30.5lfzWEz69xjv3eoeGlKkhe8S1rUXgICgnyjjHFiR-2Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="66412" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ef54ddabe543068f96e12c8cad12c88f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Longhorn football players ask University of Texas to get rid of 'Eyes of Texas,' create more inclusive campus
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(Austin FC/Facebook)
Austin FC is one seat closer to opening the doors to its new stadium for the 2021 Major League Soccer season.
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6e740949dde8192ce5bcef44525886db"><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AustinFC/posts/626207471406427"></div></div><p>On Tuesday, the organization posted to Facebook that the club installed the first stadium seat of the Austin FC Stadium at <a href="https://www.statesman.com/news/20180222/mckalla-place-the-good-bad-and-ugly-for-possible-mls-stadium-site" target="_blank">McKalla Place</a>. The stadium, located near the Domain, will reportedly hold 20,000 plus fans when it opens for the team's next season. <span></span></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-hidden="false" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3441.7050557034395!2d-97.72175558487675!3d30.387732081758692!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8644cbd96a7af0dd%3A0x79427365a674ed87!2sAustin%20FC%20Stadium!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1603231798317!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border:0;" tabindex="0" width="600"></iframe></div><p>Austin FC also launched their <a href="https://www.austinfc.com/post/2020/10/19/verde-listos-campaign-highlights-austinites-legendary" target="_blank">"Verde Listos" campaign</a>, highlighting local Austinites in an effort to better connect with the Austin community. The campaign includes Austin musician Shakey Graves, Valentina's pitmaster Eliana Gutierrez and muralist Chris Rogers among others.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4c0fec0199595722ba3a0471b22db4b2" id="aa5d2"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1318201472417452032"><div style="margin:1em 0">Join us... #VERDE... #LISTOS https://t.co/KY7YspS4C1</div> — Austin FC (@Austin FC)<a href="https://twitter.com/AustinFC/statuses/1318201472417452032">1603118696.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The Austin FC season starts in the spring. Season tickets <a href="https://www.austinfc.com/tickets/season-tickets" target="_blank">went on sale in August</a> and sold out, however, fans can add themselves to the <a href="https://www.austinfc.com/tickets" target="_blank">waitlist for when tickets</a> become available again. </p>
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After a heartbreaking 53-45 loss on Saturday to rival Oklahoma in four overtimes, the Texas Longhorns fall out of the Top 25 rankings for the first time this season. The questions for Longhorns' faithful have turned from "Is Texas back?" to "Is Head Coach Tom Herman the right coach?"
<p>Saturday, the Longhorns looked like the same undisciplined team that fans saw two weeks ago against Texas Christian University and voice their displeasure of the program on Twitter.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1acc40e7b35d9c32c880cd149471f0a4" id="bef4d"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1315031690260119561"><div style="margin:1em 0">Charlie Strong was fired from Texas after three years, going 1-2 against Oklahoma.
Tom Herman, in Year 4 at Texas,… https://t.co/Cz9J3Fm3Jd</div> — RedditCFB (@RedditCFB)<a href="https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/statuses/1315031690260119561">1602362961.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5a00bf8424decc4718d7b1a5aad2c574" id="93db6"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1315322884722765824"><div style="margin:1em 0">Does Herman have a buyout if he's fired for cause? Like cause he sucks and cause we want him gone? Asking for a few million friends.</div> — Eric T (@Eric T)<a href="https://twitter.com/Taylorical/statuses/1315322884722765824">1602432387.0</a></blockquote></div><p><span></span>At Herman's weekly press conference on Monday, the head coach was questioned about a fan base that has seen a Longhorn program come up short back-to-back years, along with the impression of rejecting tradition by some players not participating in the "Eyes of Texas" song. <br/></p><p>"We thank (the fans) for their support," Herman said. "We understand that at the University of Texas they've got tremendously high expectations, and I can assure you that our players are working there ever-living you-know-what off to achieve those very high standards and expectations; I can assure you that our guys hold themselves to the highest of standards."</p><p>The Longhorns tripped over themselves from opening kick to the last Sooner score on Saturday. Texas racked up 10 penalties, had a punt and field goal attempt blocked, and saw senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger throw two interceptions and junior running back Keaontay Ingram fumble the ball away. </p><p>Herman, who signed a <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-longhorns/2019/05/23/texas-drives-home-its-commitment-to-football-coach-tom-herman-with-2-year-contract-extension/#:~:text=Without%20much%20drama%20or%20fanfare,and%20%246.75%20million%20in%202023." target="_blank">two year contract extension in 2019</a>, is reported to make $6.5 million in 2022. Meaning, that a "buyout" of Herman's contract would be in the ballpark of around <a href="https://www.hookem.com/story/20191120/whys-texas-tom-herman-isnt-going-anywhere-big-decisions-loom-2020/" target="_blank">$20 million</a>. </p><p>Less than two years ago, Herman was riding high after a win against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl, and now he's getting ranked in the <a href="http://coacheshotseat.com/CoachesHotSeatRanking.htm" target="_blank">top 10 of coaching hot seats</a>. There is already a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/buy-tom-herman-out-of-texas" target="_blank">GoFundMe page</a> dedicated to raising the money to buy out the coach's contract. </p><p><br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="545dc01d62ad64d488d5e48a6b10f7eb" id="20c74"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1312746353152450562"><div style="margin:1em 0">Texas fans are pounding the table for Urban Meyer. Tom Herman is on the books for $6 million in 2021, $6.5 million… https://t.co/Nfywf45MzU</div> — Anwar Richardson (@Anwar Richardson)<a href="https://twitter.com/AnwarRichardson/statuses/1312746353152450562">1601818094.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Herman cited that the Longhorns are still playing with effort and that even though the outcomes aren't what they hoped for so early into the season, that the team that went to New Orleans and won the Sugar Bowl against Georgia also had lost back to back games that season. </p><p>Herman shouldn't, and most likely can't, get fired now. Even for the University of Texas, $20 million is a bit steep of a price to pay someone to not show up for work. It is just another example, however, of the time it takes to build a program. In Ehlinger's final Red River Rivalry game, the quarterback will finish with similar stats as Longhorns greats like Colt McCoy and Vince Young, but will also finish with a 1-4 record against Texas' biggest (and only) true rival. </p><p>Herman is at a crossroads. With an unranked Texas team having a bye week this Saturday before playing Baylor at home, this is the time for Herman to return to the motivator that he was back at the University of Houston and go back to the creativity you can use when you have a dynamic playmaker like Ehlinger on your team. </p>
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(Texas Longhorns/Instagram)
The Longhorns season has already hit a speed bump coming in the form of a 33-31 loss to unranked Texas Christian University last Saturday. This Saturday's Oklahoma University game, taking place in Dallas, could possibly be the biggest game of the season for the Longhorns and one of the most anticipated Red River Rivalry games in recent memory.
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="89a1ca3ba43f6b8a59b0647b08c5609e" id="63a90"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1313150179521040385"><div style="margin:1em 0">Red River 🤘 https://t.co/aHKM0tq5VB</div> — Texas Football (@Texas Football)<a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball/statuses/1313150179521040385">1601914374.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The No. 22 ranked Longhorns are coming into the matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners in a difficult position. On one hand, Texas has averaged 51 points in their first three games—the most in the Sam Ehlinger era. On the other hand, the overtime win against a less talented Texas Tech team and the two-point loss last week against TCU makes Longhorns fans very anxious for this season's Cotton Bowl matchup against the Sooners.<br/></p><p>The Sooners, winners of four of the last five meetings, come into the game almost as anxious with a losing streak not seen since 1999. This is also the first time they are unranked since 2014. Losses to Kansas State and Iowa State by a combined 10 points leaves OU fans looking at the match up against Texas as the catalyst to restart their season. </p><p>Texas fans can be on the lookout for Spencer Rattler, the redshirt freshmen who takes the touch as the next great Oklahoma quarterback. Longhorns Head Coach Tom Herman praised the young quarterback in his <a href="https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2020/10/05/what-texas-head-coach-tom-herman-said-about-oklahoma-spencer-rattler/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Big 12 media teleconference</a> earlier this week.</p><p>"I'm really impressed for a guy that, you know, is just taking over the starting role, he's got a great command of the offense," Herman said. "Can make plays with his feet, phenomenal thrower of the football, very quick release, very accurate, strong arm can throw from multiple different arm angles. So kind of the total package, if you will."<span></span></p><p>This Cotton Bowl will be unlike any other game in the historic venue <a href="https://247sports.com/Article/Red-River-Showdown-ticket-attendance-information-Texas-Longhorns-Oklahoma-Sooners-Cotton-Bowl-Dallas-25-percent-capacity-COVID-19-150345972/" target="_blank">with only 25% stadium capacity</a>. Based on seating capacity, both schools will likely get around 10,000 tickets each to their respective fan bases. </p><p>For the Longhorns to win this game, it will take players like junior linebacker Joseph Ossai to contain Rattler. <a href="https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2020/10/06/texas-vs-oklahoma-preview-and-prediction-2/" target="_blank">Since 2000</a>, Oklahoma has lost the game before playing in the rivalry three times, and every time they have gone on to beat Texas. </p><p>As for the Texas offense, Sam Ehlinger continues to climb in the Longhorn history books. In his three previous games playing in the Cotton Bowl, Ehlinger has averaged over 300 yards passing. Even though Ehlinger has racked up the stats, he hasn't been able to get over the hump and beat Oklahoma in his past three tries, including a Big 12 Championship loss. Longhorns quarterbacks are judged on two things: national championships and the times they've beaten OU. </p><p>The Texas Gov. Greg Abbott feels confident in the Longhorns this weekend, betting a full plate of Texas BBQ after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt went on Twitter to tell Oklahoma and Texas fans alike that he would be willing to bet a plate of Oklahoma prime rib eye. When these two teams play, everyone gets involved.</p>
<div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7daf48c3129b4b8bfa45e577d0211639" id="491e7"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1314643472834531328"><div style="margin:1em 0">I’m in.
Texas will beat @OU_Football just like 2 years ago.
I’ll wager the best BBQ in America—knowing that I’l… https://t.co/XgMJayVbBd</div> — Greg Abbott (@Greg Abbott)<a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/statuses/1314643472834531328">1602270403.0</a></blockquote></div>
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<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/austin-nascar-race" target="_self">Austin is off to the races with NASCAR coming to town</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQzNDYxOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMDEwMjQ1MH0.pO_vYqpSpjHQX5jZrw54Z6foj6fvzAkkxEAFsT7sbYM/img.jpg?width=980" id="a5648" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="494471d2cd68b7d044dd938e1bb65b36" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Austin is off to the races with NASCAR coming to town
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(Flickr)
Austin's own Chris Bosh has made the jump from basketball to music officially producing his first single "I Want It All" with Bastrop artist Deezie Brown.
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</div></blockquote></div><p>Bosh, a two-time NBA champion, was forced to retire from his basketball career in 2016 after having a blood clot issue known as pulmonary embolism. After his career's abrupt ending, many fans wondered what the 32-year-old champion would do with all his spare time.<br/></p><p>In an interview with <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/2019/03/25/chris-bosh-miami-heat-jersey-retirement-lebron-james-dwyane-wade-pat-riley?xid=socialflow_twitter_si&utm_campaign=sinow&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated</a> in 2019, Bosh told Rohan Nadkarni about his music aspirations. </p><p>"I'm an aspiring record producer," Bosh said. "I've made many friends, I've had a lot of conversations, I've had some great moments making music with people, learning about music. Putting records together, working with artists, that has brought me a lot of joy. And I'm glad that I'm in a place where I can really, really put myself into that and learn the craft. It's been four years now. I'm getting better and more savvy in the space. I'm super happy that I have music. That was another thing, when I asked myself, what am I going to do? I had a guitar in my hand, and the next thing you know I was producing music." </p><p>Bosh and young artiest <a href="https://twitter.com/deeziebrown?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deezie Brown</a> first met in 2018 when Bosh <a href="https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2020/10/deezie-brown-releases-i-want-it-all-produced-by-nba-great-chris-bosh-in-tribute-to-kobe-bryant/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">was given a tip from a local Austin radio station</a> about Brown's talent. For the past two years, Bosh has been working with Brown to help develop a unique sound. </p><p>The song, which was released before Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, was a tribute to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The single is on all streaming platforms now.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c144b7b24c7659d5b189705dd8737cc" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" type="lazy-iframe" scrolling="no" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnyYIHUUR28?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">I Want It All -- Produced By Chris Bosh Ft. Deezie Brown</small>
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</p><p><br/></p><p><strong><br/>More on Chris Bosh:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/college-athletes-election-day-off" target="_self">College athletes get a win with Election Day off every year, effort led by local NBA champ Chris Bosh</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxNzQ0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNDgwNjMwMX0.RDLoOZCYV4aW8Qy6xrqHkxCg1aKHjx24THkoE-FoajU/img.jpg?width=980" id="87b2e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fa04ae05426420c7ee22a15154714002" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />College athletes get a win with Election Day off every year, effort led by local NBA champ Chris Bosh
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(Erik Drost/CC)
Baker Mayfield is one of multiple big name athletes that comes from Austin.
Austin is known for many things, prying itself as the Live Music Capital of the World. What sometimes gets overlooked, however, is the countless athletes who come out of the area.
Here's a non-comprehensive look at the athletes who call Austin home.
Jarrett Allen
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTYwMjIzNn0.cHUIpNyo1NKwCBdF1aX6gtstUOd1QPM7rbQdBaubeTg/img.jpg?width=980" id="16300" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1fa36ce262d6bc2660128db557b42e36" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Erik Drost/Flickr)
<p>The former first round pick by the Brooklyn Nets began his career at Round Rock High School before transferring to St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin. While in high school, Allen impressed scouts and fans with his athleticism and rebounding, helping the team become the <a href="https://www.statesman.com/news/20160829/st-stephens-allen-earns-mcdonalds-all-american-nod" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">McDonald's All American team in 2016</a>. In 2016, Allen was named the International Basketball Federation Americas Under <a href="https://www.usab.com/history/u18-mens/tenth-fiba-americas-u18-championship-for-men-2016.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">18 Championship team</a> for the U.S., where Allen and his team won gold against Brazil. After two state titles with St. Stephens, Allen decided to stay in Austin and committed to the University of Texas where he played one season for the Longhorns. Allen averaged 13 points and eight rebounds his lone freshmen season. His standout moment while at UT was his 22 point,19 rebound game against the University of <a href="https://texassports.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2016-17/kansas/boxscore/9908" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kansas</a>. Allen was the 22nd pick in the 2017 draft and has averaged 10 points and 7.8 rebounds in his three NBA seasons.</p>Drew Brees
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY0OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzQxMDA5M30.Rn-CUAo-q6Vt1hK189B614p2KW7ZKzl8ms3R6cIi3Xc/img.jpg?width=980" id="533fd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="eae16337b02771bd66a5f160139afb36" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Seatacular/Flickr)
<p>Before he was throwing touchdown passes on Sundays, the New Orleans Saints quarterback was lighting up the scoreboard for the Westlake Chaparrals. After moving to Austin with his family as a kid, Brees excelled in baseball and football. In 1996, his junior year of High School, Brees led the 16-0 Chaparrals to the state championship winning Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player in the process. In the two years as a starter for Westlake, Brees threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, making a 28-0-1 record. Even with all the high school success, Brees did not receive any scholarship offers from UT or Texas A&M. Brees would eventually end up in New Orleans, winning the franchise only Super Bowl and setting countless NFL records in the process.</p>Mark Calaway "The Undertaker"
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY1Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjMwODgwOX0.AGlz5MKpCnDvVk_vJ1YI_ye_CG7NfgtPgDav4nrnsmw/img.jpg?width=980" id="17122" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="94963ecc9f9cccdc5c21644b24aea733" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>One of the most famous wrestlers alive, Mark Calaway otherwise known as "The Undertaker," is an Austinite. The longest tenured wrestler with a 30-year career, The Undertaker is also a seven time world heavyweight champion with the World Wrestling Federation which later became World Wrestling Entertainment. Starting in the late 1980's Calaway began wrestling on the Texas circuit before moving from the World Champion Wrestling to the the WWF where he made his debut as Kane the Undertaker. The Undertaker is universally recognized as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and has had fellow Austin legend Mark Henry, the<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/world-s-strongest-man-mark-henry-names-strongest-wwe-superstar/story-tdBtVsTbA48B7JDPEIBocP.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> World's Strongest Man</a>, and WWE chairman Vince McMahon both say that The Undertaker is their favorite. Calaway is now semi-retired and living in Austin.</p>Nick Foles
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NDA0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDU5MzQyMX0.EBqKH9XdP4lcZ8kFwQTRIkKUKrbdE3KJyRz65-Htn_A/img.jpg?width=980" id="b85d9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5e110d68e31794d6271defb29122ddf3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Born and raised in Austin, Foles also played for the Westlake Chapparrals football team graduating in 2007. As the starting quarterback for two years, Foles threw for 56 touchdowns and 5,600 yards. Foles broke many of the records that Drew Brees had set while playing for Westlake. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Foles was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. After a short stint with the Eagles, he was traded to the St. Louis Rams for former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford before eventually ending back up on the Eagles team in 2017. Foles would take over for an injured Carson Wentz and lead the Eagles to an improbable 2018 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, winning Super Bowl MVP honors in the process. Foles currently plays for the Chicago Bears.</p>Michael Griffin
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjQ1ODQ4N30.e4amI_Ki5CVEuxKFWmtww6RhxygxOIlwu5Oa2VHay-c/img.jpg?width=980" id="2330a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2273c4ca926080083ee98068c8044c8e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Michele Moore/ CC)
<p>The Austin native attended Bowie High School where he was a two-year starter at running back and defensive back, winning district and state honors in the process. Griffin decided to stay at home and attend the UT where he started his college career as a true freshman. Griffin is ranked in the top ten in tackles at UT and his eight blocked kicks ranks second all time in NCAA Division I history. Griffin was also a major piece for the 2005 National Champion Longhorns team that was able to defeat the University of Southern California in what some considered the <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2019/08/12/best-games-college-football-history-rankings" target="_blank">greatest college football game ever played</a>. Griffin intercepted a pass at the goal in what was a major turning point in the game. The two time All American was drafted in the first round in 2007 by the Tennessee Titans making two Pro Bowls and being named second team all pro in 2010 during his nine-year career. Griffin and former college teammate Brian Orakpo co-own <a href="https://gigiscupcakesusa.com/pages/bee-cave-austin-texas" target="_blank">Gigi's Cupcakes</a> in Austin recently.</p>Baker Mayfield
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjAwNTEyOH0.p78HK38i4mvFhB0HypLfI_6enZoojCi5s9kEj4_i1R8/img.jpg?width=980" id="f3ec5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8f5fdbc4185f58ca09cf0cc63b9d9bf8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Erik Drost/CC)
<p>The former Heisman Trophy winner started his career playing football at Lake Travis playing for the Cavaliers. While in High School, Mayfield had a 25-2 record winning the 2011 4A State Championship. Two years as the starting quarterback, the eventual No. 1 overall pick threw for more than 6,000 yards and 67 touchdowns. After starting his college career at Texas Tech, Mayfield eventually ended up playing for the Oklahoma Sooners where he had one of the best careers in <a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/the_50_best_college_quarterbacks_of_all_time/s1__27528233#slide_24" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">college football history</a>. The two time All American is the only walk-on ever to win the Heisman Trophy, college football's most prestigious award given to the most <a href="https://www.heisman.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">outstanding player</a>. Mayfield also had the third highest number of first <a href="https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/baker-mayfield/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">place votes ever for the award</a>, totalling 732 first place votes. In 2018, the Cleveland Browns drafted Mayfield first overall. Baker showed that the Browns made the right choice quickly by setting the rookie quarterback touchdown record with 27. During the coronavirus pandemic, Mayfield had his Browns' wide receivers <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/baker-mayfield-inviting-receivers-to-work-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over at his Austin home to train.</a></p>Andy Roddick
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1NTY3Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTYzMzY2Nn0.oj2vC-N4oCIyf0W3bG7sqjpMT68oFTn-pVZ2gKsRIHI/img.jpg?width=980" id="e6ca6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5c43d008e0698997a9c44b96ab666fef" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(CC)
<p>The former No. 1 player Andy Roddick moved to Austin with his family and lived there for seven years before moving to Boca Raton, Florida to help further his brother's tennis career. Roddick had his first major victory when in 2000 he won the Australian Open junior singles title at 17. Entering the pros at 18, Roddick proved he was the real deal after beating No. 4 Pete Sampras in the Miami Masters. Later that year he beat No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten and had excellent finishes in the 2001 French Open and Wimbledon. In 2003 at 21 years old, Roddick achieved his goal of being the No. 1 player in the world, becoming the youngest American to hold the rank. In 2017 Roddick was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Austin. </p><p><strong>More sports:</strong></p>
<h2><a href="https://austonia.com/nick-foles" target="_self">Austin's own Nick Foles returns to spotlight in come-from-behind NFL win</a></h2>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NDA4OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTcyNzAwMX0.rpY21BHf7lE4pUjP9YQqE6qQICE6ZzmTzj4vGL6ldiI/img.jpg?width=980" id="f48b4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="736243f74b30f0d1a2ea7e4d27118e22" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Austin’s own Nick Foles returns to spotlight in come-from-behind NFL win(Matt Smith/Shutterstock)
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