Michael Taaffe Leaves Texas as a Leader On and Off the Field
Michael Taaffe’s final season at Texas was more than just a strong closing chapter to a college football career - it was a statement about what leadership looks like when the helmet comes off.
On the field, Taaffe was a steady force in the Longhorns’ secondary, racking up 70 tackles and two interceptions in his senior campaign. That kind of production, paired with his football IQ and consistency, earned him AFCA All-America honors. But it’s what Taaffe did beyond the numbers that truly set him apart.
This year alone, the Austin native led a substance abuse prevention initiative, raised over $100,000 for flood relief efforts, visited hospitals, and helped distribute food to families in need across the Austin area. His impact extended far beyond the stadium walls, and on Dec. 12, that work was recognized when he was awarded the Wuerffel Trophy - college football’s highest honor for community service and academic excellence. He was also named captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
But for Taaffe, the work is just beginning.
A Conversation That Sparked More
At the Home Depot College Football Awards, Taaffe had a moment that stuck with him. While speaking with Tim Tebow - a former Wuerffel Trophy winner himself - the message was clear: use your platform for more.
“If you work so hard at football,” Tebow told him, “why not work just as hard to serve others, to be in your community and give back when you have this perfect platform at the University of Texas?”
That challenge resonated. Taaffe already had the résumé, but that conversation added fuel to the fire.
Fighting Fentanyl with Purpose
Taaffe’s commitment to community service isn’t just about doing good - it’s deeply personal. In 2021, his former Westlake High School and Texas teammate, Jake Ehlinger, died from an accidental overdose caused by fentanyl-laced Xanax. The loss left a mark on Taaffe, and it helped him find his purpose.
“I think a lot of times people’s purpose in life is where their heart is hurting the most,” Taaffe said. “My heart was hurting a lot in 2021 when I found out Jake was poisoned with fentanyl. My purpose and my passion is geared toward not having that happen to anybody else on this planet.”
That passion led him to work with Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF), a nonprofit focused on fentanyl awareness and support for affected families. In November, Taaffe helped raise $60,000 to support fentanyl education in Texas public schools - a critical need, especially after a state law mandated awareness programs without providing funding.
“Not only raising money but spreading the awareness of what fentanyl does and how brutal it is and how relevant it is in our community,” Taaffe said. “They created a law where public schools have to talk about fentanyl awareness, but the problem is there is no money to fund it.”
Final Snap, Final Statement
Taaffe’s last game in a Texas uniform was a 27-17 win over No. 3 Texas A&M - a rivalry victory that meant more than just bragging rights.
After the game, a photo of Taaffe and fellow Westlake alum Connor Robertson sitting on the turf at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium went viral. Two hometown kids closing out their college careers in the most poetic way possible.
Taaffe won’t suit up for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against No. 18 Michigan on Dec.
- He’s declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, closing the book on a 9-3 season that just missed the College Football Playoff cut.
“I never live my life in regret,” Taaffe said. “But what is tough is if we were able to be out there - and I’m confidently saying this - I think we could win it all. I think we showed we could battle against anybody in the country.”
He added, “It’s hard knowing that you have to rely on the committee to see if your destiny - you put it in somebody’s hands - that was a tough thing, but I truly think I did everything I could here and got to walk away with a smile on my face.”
Looking Ahead - With a Familiar Number
Even as he prepares for the next level, Taaffe isn’t stepping away from the community work that’s become part of his identity. He plans to continue his charitable efforts in Austin - and he might not be doing it alone.
Arch Manning, who recently announced he’ll return to Texas for the 2026 season, could be part of that mission. Both wear No. 16 - and Taaffe hinted at the possibility of teaming up for community initiatives.
“There is that old adage that these cheers will turn into echoes really quick when you stop playing the game of football,” Taaffe said. “Which I do agree with, and I am grateful for my opportunities.
The Texas fanbase is so loyal and so supportive. There are guys who played in 2005 and they are still doing things that Longhorn fanbase is still showing up to.”
“You do it for the goodness of your heart,” he added. “It will be in the Austin area, but hopefully me and Arch have a little bit of a plan having the same number - No.
- Hopefully we can get something going, and we’ll see.”
A Legacy That Lasts
Taaffe joins a prestigious list of Wuerffel Trophy winners dating back to 2005 - a group that includes names like Tim Tebow, Sam Acho, and Isaiah Sanders. Each of them left their mark on the game, not just with their play, but with their purpose.
“He embodies his purpose,” Taaffe said of Danny Wuerffel. “I couldn’t have been more blessed to have him as a mentor. It was really cool.”
Michael Taaffe’s Texas career is over, but his impact is just getting started. Whether it’s through advocacy, mentorship, or simply showing up for his community, he’s proving that a college football legacy doesn’t stop at the final whistle.