Steve Sarkisian highlights Matthew McConaughey’s impact on Texas football

While “Texas Secretary of Culture” is ultimately an unofficial title, it is a job for a Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey takes seriously. And so far Texas Football head coach Steve Sarkisian When it comes to this, the actor is truly a die-hard Longhorns actor.

McConaughey, a Texas native and UT graduate, is a frequent visitor to Texas games and events and will be in attendance Saturday when Texas hosts Georgia. But Sarkisian shared on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday that the actor’s fan base hasn’t waned with the team’s success.

“Games like that all come out,” Sarkisian said. “But I will say this about Matthew McConaughey: It doesn’t matter. It’s week in, week out, this guy supports us.”

The head coach explained more about McConaughey’s passion and his appreciation for it.

“I think it’s great,” Sarkisian said. “And you know, Matthew has been a great supporter of Texas football for a long time. And so this guy was there in the good times, even in some tough times, supporting this cause.”

To reinforce Sarkisian’s point, McAfee recalled a relatively recent interaction with McConaughey that showed his determination to be there to support Texas.

It was early in Texas’ dominant win against Michigan in Week 2 and McAfee noticed McConaughey on the sidelines in the Big House.

“I saw him on the sidelines in Michigan and I didn’t know because I had no service because there are so many people and phones – I have to figure this out. Therefore, I couldn’t receive any SMS or updates. I guess he was close to missing kick-off and I guess that was because he was very ill. … He gets there and I say, ‘God, you look so good.’ And he says, ‘I’ve lost like 10 pounds in the last 24 hours, bro,'” McAfee said.

And that brought Sarkisian to another McAfee-McConaughey moment as the duo stood in front of the ESPN cameras as Texas hit a long touchdown pass against Texas Alabama in Tuscaloosa last season.

“How about last year during the Bama game, you guys are standing right there for the touchdown [Xavier] Worthy right in front of you. That’s a great shot, man,” Sarkisian said.

“And it’s real happiness. Pure joy,” McAfee said.