Historical Move: Earl Campbell Donates $18.2 Million to Mike Sarkisian for New Texas Longhorns Stadium
In a groundbreaking gesture that underscores his enduring bond with the Texas Longhorns, former football legend and Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell has donated a staggering $18.2 million toward the construction of a new stadium for the University of Texas football program. The historic contribution, announced on Sunday, marks one of the largest single donations in the program’s history and signals a powerful show of support for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the future of Longhorns football.
Campbell, a Texas icon who rose to fame in the 1970s and later had a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, emphasized that his heart has never strayed far from Austin. “Texas Longhorns pride lives within me wherever I go,” he said during the announcement ceremony. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about building a legacy for the future — for the players, the fans, and the next generation of Longhorns.”
The donation will be directed toward the ambitious new stadium project spearheaded by Coach Sarkisian and the athletic department, which aims to elevate Texas’s athletic facilities to match its historic legacy and future ambitions. While details of the new stadium plan are still being finalized, the project is expected to include state-of-the-art training centers, expanded seating, modern fan experiences, and advanced technology that will position Texas as a leader in collegiate athletics infrastructure.
Coach Sarkisian praised Campbell for his “unmatched generosity and unwavering dedication to the Longhorns,” calling the donation “a transformative moment for our program.” He added, “Earl’s gift is not just financial — it’s symbolic. It reflects the strength of our community and the depth of support we have as we build a championship future.”
Campbell’s commitment also comes at a pivotal time, as Texas prepares to transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a move that brings increased competition and visibility. The donation is seen as a strategic boost to ensure the Longhorns remain competitive on and off the field.
Fans and alumni have reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm, lauding Campbell’s legacy as both a player and a lifelong ambassador of the Texas spirit. As the stadium plans move forward, officials say Campbell’s name will be prominently honored in the design — a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to shape the heartbeat of Longhorn Nation.
With this monumental gift, Earl Campbell is once again carrying the ball for Texas — not on the field, but in the hearts of fans and the future of Longhorns football.