“Forever Starts Here”: Cedric “CJ” Baxter Jr. Engages Texas Longhorns Softball Star Reese Atwood in Unforgettable Moment that Stuns NCAA Community…
By Lone Star Sports Daily | June 16, 2025
In a moment that transcends the playing field and touches the heart of every Texas Longhorns fan, star running back Cedric “CJ” Baxter Jr. has announced his engagement to none other than Reese Atwood, the All-American catcher and team captain of the Texas Longhorns softball team. The news—shared in a stunning public proposal at the heart of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium—has sent ripples through the NCAA sports world and captured national headlines.
It’s a love story that began within the walls of one of the most storied athletic programs in the country and now blooms in the bright orange spotlight of Longhorn pride. For Baxter and Atwood, the proposal marks the union of two of the most beloved athletes on the Forty Acres. But for fans, teammates, and alumni, it’s something even deeper: a symbol of unity, loyalty, and Longhorn legacy.
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A Texas Love Story Born on Campus
Cedric “CJ” Baxter Jr., the bruising yet electrifying running back who took over the starting job during the 2024 season, has become a household name in Texas athletics. Known for his explosive acceleration, vision, and powerful running style, Baxter has helped lead Texas to back-to-back 10-win seasons and a resurgence in national title contention.
Reese Atwood, on the other hand, is no less legendary in her domain. As the face of Texas Softball, she holds school records for slugging percentage and RBIs and was instrumental in leading the Longhorns to the Women’s College World Series in both 2023 and 2024. Off the field, she’s equally admired for her leadership, charisma, and relentless work ethic.
The couple met during an inter-athletics charity event in 2023, where members of the football and softball teams partnered up for community service. Sparks reportedly flew during a friendly wiffle ball game in which Baxter jokingly struck out swinging while facing Atwood.
“She had this competitive energy, and I loved it immediately,” Baxter said in an exclusive interview with Longhorn Life Magazine. “I didn’t just fall for her power at the plate. I fell for her heart.”
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The Proposal: A Moment Etched in Texas History
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, what appeared to be a routine team photoshoot turned into a magical, life-altering moment. With both teams present, CJ Baxter surprised Atwood by walking onto the 50-yard line of the stadium with a microphone in hand.
Dressed in a tailored burnt orange suit, he addressed the assembled crowd:
> “This field has given me so many memories, but today, I want it to be the place where I make the most important play of my life.”
He then dropped to one knee and revealed a diamond-studded ring custom-designed with the Longhorns logo subtly etched on the side. The crowd—made up of teammates, coaches, friends, and family—erupted into cheers as Atwood said yes through joyful tears.
As the Jumbotron displayed “SHE SAID YES,” the stadium PA played “The Eyes of Texas” in a fitting tribute to what some are already calling “The Longhorn Proposal.”
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Social Media Frenzy: Longhorn Nation Rejoices
Within minutes, social media exploded.
The official Texas Athletics Twitter/X account posted:
> “TWO LEGENDS. ONE HEART. CJ & Reese are ENGAGED! Congratulations to our Longhorns!”
ESPN’s College Gameday tweeted:
> “Power Couple of the Year? Texas RB CJ Baxter proposes to softball phenom Reese Atwood in the most Texas way possible—ON THE FIELD.”
Peyton Manning reposted with a simple comment:
> “Hooked for life. Congrats, CJ & Reese!”
On Instagram, the couple shared a joint post featuring their intertwined hands against the stadium sky, captioned: “Forever starts where it all began. #HookEm4Life ”
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Reactions From the NCAA Sports World
Former and current athletes across all NCAA divisions chimed in to celebrate the couple.
Arch Manning, Texas QB:
> “I’ve thrown game-winning touchdowns, but CJ just threw the best pass of all. Congrats, bro.”
Cat Osterman, Texas softball legend:
> “From one Longhorn power couple to another—welcome to the legacy.”
Bijan Robinson, former Texas running back and current NFL star:
> “CJ and Reese… y’all just made Texas history. Wishing you all the love and blessings.”
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A Deeper Bond: How Athletics Strengthened Their Love
Both Baxter and Atwood credit their athletic journeys for strengthening their relationship. The intense demands of Division I sports—early-morning lifts, late-night practices, film sessions, and road trips—require a level of discipline that few understand. The couple says that shared understanding helped them build mutual respect and admiration.
“We’re both chasing excellence every day,” Atwood explained. “When one of us is down, the other is there. When one of us wins, we both celebrate. It’s always been a team effort—even in love.”
Their bond was often evident in subtle ways. Atwood frequently attended Baxter’s games wearing his jersey number, while Baxter was spotted in the front row of nearly every home softball game in 2024, sometimes leading cheers.
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The Power Couple’s Future—On and Off the Field
As the 2025 season approaches, both athletes have unfinished business.
CJ Baxter is entering what could be his final college season before declaring for the NFL Draft. He’s currently projected as one of the top-5 running backs in the nation and a possible second-round pick. Texas fans are hoping his return, alongside Arch Manning, helps bring the Longhorns their first national title since 2005.
Reese Atwood, meanwhile, has one final season of eligibility left and is determined to bring home a WCWS title for Texas Softball, especially after falling short in last year’s semifinals.
Marriage plans are tentatively set for Summer 2026, pending the couple’s professional and athletic decisions.
“I told her I’d wait until after the championship parade to talk wedding venues,” CJ joked during an interview on the Paul Finebaum Show.
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The Broader Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Longhorns
Beyond the glitter and glamour, Baxter and Atwood’s engagement has sparked inspiration among younger athletes, particularly at Texas. Coaches and mentors are already using the couple’s story as a testament to what can happen when discipline, love, and purpose align.
“They’ve shown that it’s possible to chase greatness and still nurture something beautiful off the field,” said Texas Women’s Athletics Director, Christine Plonsky. “This isn’t just a fairytale. It’s a reminder that heart matters just as much as hustle.”
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Conclusion: A Love Written in Burnt Orange
In a world where college athletics often feels like a revolving door of transfers, NIL deals, and fleeting commitments, the story of CJ Baxter and Reese Atwood reminds us that some things still run deep—like loyalty, legacy, and love.
Two of Texas’ brightest stars have now become partners not just in sports, but in life. And as they prepare for the most important seasons of their athletic careers, they do so hand-in-hand—ready to write the next chapter of their story under the bright lights of Longhorn glory.
Hook ’em, forever.
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