As Super Bowl LX approaches, the Texas Longhorns will once again have a presence on football’s biggest stage. At least three former UT standouts are set to suit up when the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks on February 8, continuing a proud tradition of Longhorn representation in the NFL’s championship game.
Texas has now been represented in the Super Bowl 82 times, a number that includes active players, those on injured reserve, and even practice squad contributors. Last year, it was a Longhorn-versus-Longhorn showdown when Kansas City’s Charles Omenihu and Xavier Worthy squared off against Philadelphia’s Moro Ojomo, ensuring at least one former Texas player would go home with a ring. That same storyline is in play this season.
On one side, Brenden Schooler will be suiting up for the Patriots. On the other, the Seahawks will feature punter Michael Dickson and rising defensive lineman Byron Murphy II, with veteran safety Quandre Diggs also contributing from Seattle’s practice squad.
Let’s take a closer look at the Longhorn trio making noise on the active rosters.
Michael Dickson: The Aussie Specialist Still Booming
Dickson’s journey from the University of Texas to NFL standout has been anything but ordinary. The Australian punter spent three seasons in Austin, where he led the Big 12 in punting yards twice and earned All-American honors in 2017. His powerful leg and pinpoint accuracy made him a standout, and that skillset has only sharpened in the pros.
Now in his eighth season with Seattle, Dickson is still one of the league’s top punters. He’s averaging 49 yards per punt this season, with nearly 39% of his punts landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line - a stat that speaks to both his leg strength and his control. That precision earned him second-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press, a testament to his continued excellence in the often-overlooked art of field position.
Byron Murphy II: A Breakout Year on the Big Stage
If you watched Texas football in 2023, you saw Byron Murphy II dominate the line of scrimmage. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year after anchoring a Longhorns defense that helped the team reach the College Football Playoff for the first time. His college résumé includes 70 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks over three seasons.
Murphy didn’t waste any time making an impact at the next level. Drafted in the first round in 2024, he’s already showing why Seattle invested in him.
In just his second NFL season, Murphy has racked up 62 tackles and seven sacks, establishing himself as a disruptive force in the trenches. His blend of power and quickness has made him a key cog in the Seahawks' defensive front - and a player to watch closely when the lights are brightest in the Super Bowl.
Brenden Schooler: From Versatile Collegian to Special Teams Standout
Schooler’s college career took a few twists and turns before he found his footing in the NFL. He began at Oregon as a safety, switched to wide receiver, and then transferred to Texas, where he moved back to the defensive side of the ball. In his final season with the Longhorns, he tallied 50 tackles and forced a fumble, showcasing the kind of versatility and hustle that NFL teams covet - especially on special teams.
The Patriots picked him up as an undrafted free agent, and he’s carved out a niche as a special teams ace over the past four seasons. Schooler’s impact doesn’t always show up in the box score, but his ability to cover kicks, make open-field tackles, and bring energy to the third phase of the game has made him a valuable piece of New England’s roster.
Longhorn Legacy Marches On
With Dickson, Murphy, and Schooler all playing key roles for their respective teams, Texas fans have plenty to cheer for in this year’s Super Bowl. Whether it’s flipping the field, collapsing the pocket, or making a crucial stop on special teams, these former Longhorns are proving that their college success was just the beginning.
And while only one team will hoist the Lombardi Trophy, one thing is guaranteed: once again, a Longhorn will leave the Super Bowl with a ring.