Fans split over Matthew McConaughey’s air time on ESPN as he watches Texas fall to Ohio State in Cotton Bowl
It was no surprise to see Matthew McConaughey on the Texas sideline in a leather jacket and cowboy hat during Friday’s devastating 28-14 Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State. The Austin native, program donor and die-hard Longhorns fan is a fixture at all games in Texas, where he is regularly recorded by ESPN and Fox Sports cameras.
But as McConaughey’s Longhorns saw their national title hopes dashed by the Buckeyes, who now face Notre Dame in the national title game, fans seemed to sour on the Hollywood star.
“We get it,” one fan wrote. “He’s a Texas fan. Sheez.”
“Can someone please let him know he’s not on the team,” another added.
Others compared McConaughey to Texas mascot Bevo or the Kansas City Chiefs’ most famous fan.
“We say a lot more about Matthew McConaughey than we do about Taylor Swift on football broadcasts,” one fan commented.
Actor Matthew McConaughey watches from the sidelines during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl
The Austin native, program donor and die-hard Longhorns fan is a fixture at all Texas games, where he is regularly recorded by ESPN and Fox Sports cameras
But not everyone was upset with McConaughey, who felt the need to make a statement after the loss.
“A great fight tonight guys of @TexasLonghorns football,” he wrote on It was a season to be proud of. Until eternity.’
The comments on the post show the other side of the debate over McConaughey, who has built a strong bond with the Longhorns faithful over the years.
“Thanks for being a good guy,” one fan from Texas wrote.
“Spoken by a true Longhorn fan who understands life and football,” another added.
Even the Ohio State marching band couldn’t resist showing its appreciation for McConaughey on the sidelines before the game.
In a video on social media, McConaughey is seen greeting band members as they walk past in single file.
“Just read your book,” one band member said as he bumped fists with the Hollywood actor.
“Thanks, man,” McConaughey replied cheerfully.
Each band member seemed to get a fist bump from the Lincoln Lawyer star.
McConaughey appeared to attend the game with his Camila and their children Levi, Vida and Livingston. However, it appeared as if his family took their seats in the stands before the game as he continued to pace the sidelines.