Texas Longhorns Launch Most Expensive Statue Yet to Honor Legendary Coach Mack Brown…
AUSTIN, TEXAS – June 19, 2025
In a moment steeped in pride, history, and deep reverence, the University of Texas at Austin unveiled what is being described as the most expensive statue ever commissioned in the university’s history—a larger-than-life monument dedicated to the iconic and beloved former football coach, Mack Brown.
Set against the golden backdrop of a Texas sunset, the bronze-and-gold alloy statue now proudly stands just outside the south entrance of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, where Brown’s name still echoes in the hearts of fans, players, and alumni. The statue is more than just a tribute to a man who changed the landscape of Texas football—it is a multi-million dollar investment in the legacy of leadership, resilience, and championship culture that Brown brought to the Longhorns.
A Monument to a Texas Legend
The statue, which reportedly cost $5.5 million, was funded through a combination of private donations, university endowments, and support from former players and boosters. Designed by world-renowned sculptor Elena Forlani, who previously crafted historical monuments across Europe and Asia, the Mack Brown statue captures not just the coach’s likeness but his soul.
Standing 18 feet tall and positioned mid-clap with his famous sideline smirk, the statue features incredibly detailed craftsmanship. Every wrinkle in his iconic burnt-orange polo, every crease on his forehead from decades of game-day intensity, and even the texture of his headset cord were painstakingly rendered over a three-year creative process. At its base, etched into polished Texas granite, are the words:
> “For every young man who ever wore the Longhorn helmet, this is your story too.”
– Mack Brown
Behind the statue stands a custom-designed reflecting wall, listing the names of every player coached by Brown between 1998 and 2013, along with team accomplishments, bowl victories, and most notably, the legendary 2005 National Championship win.
A Fitting Tribute to an Unparalleled Legacy
Mack Brown, who coached the Longhorns from 1998 to 2013, brought Texas back to national prominence with his charisma, discipline, and unmatched recruiting prowess. Under his leadership, Texas became a national powerhouse, capturing 10-win seasons repeatedly and solidifying one of the most dominant periods in program history.
Brown’s crowning moment came on January 4, 2006, when Texas defeated USC 41-38 in the Rose Bowl, in what is widely considered the greatest college football game of all time. Led by quarterback Vince Young and orchestrated by Brown’s calm leadership, the win delivered Texas its first national title in over three decades.
By the time Brown stepped down in 2013, he had amassed a record of 158–48, two Big 12 Championships, and had coached numerous players who went on to succeed in the NFL and in life.
Mack Brown Reacts: “I’m Humbled Beyond Words”
During the statue’s unveiling ceremony, Mack Brown—now 73 and looking as sharp and energetic as ever—stepped to the podium to an extended standing ovation. Surrounded by his family, former players, coaches, and University of Texas officials, Brown’s trademark Southern charm and humility were on full display.
> “I’ve never been speechless until now,” Brown began. “This isn’t about me. It’s about all the people who made this journey possible—the young men who gave everything on the field, the coaches who fought alongside me, and the Longhorn faithful who never stopped believing. I’m honored, I’m grateful, and I’m proud to call Texas home forever.”
Brown paused, visibly moved, as a chant of “Mack! Mack! Mack!” erupted from the crowd.
He continued:
> “A statue is made of metal, but what truly lasts are the values you instill, the lessons you pass on, and the love you share for the people you lead. If this statue represents anything, let it represent the unity of Longhorn Nation.”
Fan Reactions and Nationwide Praise
Fans began gathering outside the stadium as early as 5 a.m., many dressed in retro Mack Brown-era jerseys and waving burnt-orange flags. Former players such as Colt McCoy, Ricky Williams, and Jordan Shipley were seen embracing their former coach, some holding back tears as the statue was revealed.
Longhorn fan and alumnus Tammy Martinez said:
> “I remember my father yelling ‘Hook ’em’ in our living room during the 2005 Rose Bowl. Mack Brown is more than a coach—he’s part of our family. This statue means everything to Texas.”
The unveiling quickly became national news, with ESPN, FOX Sports, and college football analysts praising the gesture. Kirk Herbstreit called it:
> “A gold-standard tribute to a coach who represented college football with class, intensity, and integrity.”
Even former rivals chimed in. Bob Stoops, the former Oklahoma coach, tweeted:
> “We had fierce battles, but I always respected Mack. This honor is well-earned. Congrats, Coach.”
The Design Behind the Monument
Sculptor Elena Forlani gave some insight into the complexity of the statue:
> “Coach Brown’s face was one of the hardest I’ve ever had to sculpt. Not because of its structure, but because of what it means. His face tells a story of a thousand Saturdays, of heartbreak and triumph, of building boys into men. I had to get it right—not just for him, but for Texas.”
She also revealed that hidden in the base of the statue is a time capsule, filled with personal letters from players, old game-day programs, a playbook from the 2005 season, and even a worn headset that Mack used in his final year.
The area surrounding the statue is now being called “Mack’s Circle,” and will serve as a gathering space for fans on game day, complete with benches, LED lights for nighttime displays, and a new memorial walkway tracing key moments from Mack Brown’s coaching tenure.
Legacy Set in Stone
This monument is not just about football. It’s a symbol of perseverance, of leadership, and of the powerful bond between a coach and his community.
President Jay Hartzell, during his remarks, said:
> “In a time when college football is rapidly changing, let us never forget the timeless qualities that Mack Brown brought to Texas: character, commitment, and class. This statue reminds us that legends don’t just live in wins and trophies—they live in the lives they touch.”
As the ceremony concluded, Coach Brown and his wife Sally stood hand-in-hand at the base of the statue, taking in the moment.
> “Forever a Longhorn,” Brown whispered.
Final Thoughts: A Testament for Generations to Come
With the unveiling of this grand and emotionally charged monument, the University of Texas has etched into the heart of its campus a reminder of the greatness that once guided its football program to the top—and of the man whose legacy will forever loom large over Austin.
Mack Brown’s statue is not just made of bronze, gold, and stone. It’s built on the foundation of a legacy that inspired a generation—and will now inspire countless more to come.
Hook ’em Horns.
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