A Heartfelt Thank You from Matthew Golden to Quinn Ewers
To my teammate, my brother, Quinn,
Where do I even begin? As I sit down to put my thoughts into words, I find myself struggling to convey just how much you mean to me, both as a teammate and as a person. There are so many layers to our journey together, both on and off the field, and it’s hard to encapsulate everything I feel in a letter. But I’m going to try.
First and foremost, I want to thank you for being the incredible quarterback and leader that you are. From the moment I arrived at Texas, I saw something in you that not everyone gets to see in a player. It wasn’t just your arm strength or your ability to make plays under pressure—it was your unwavering dedication, your leadership, and the way you consistently put the team first. You make everyone around you better, Quinn, and that’s not something I take for granted.
When I look at the way you’ve handled every challenge that’s come your way—whether it was stepping into the starting role as a freshman, navigating the ups and downs of college football, or leading us to big victories—I am truly in awe. It’s easy for people to forget how much work goes into what you do, the pressure you face every single day, and the mental toughness it requires to maintain a level of excellence. But I see it. I see the hours you put in on and off the field. I see the effort you give, the sacrifices you make, and the way you always push yourself to be better for the team.
I know I speak for everyone when I say that your ability to stay calm under pressure is something that stands out. As a receiver, there’s nothing more reassuring than knowing that when you’re out there, in the heat of the moment, you’ll make the right call, execute the right play, and lead us to where we need to be. That confidence you instill in all of us—it’s a rare quality, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m so grateful to have you as our quarterback.
It’s easy to see why people talk about you the way they do, Quinn. Your talent is undeniable. Your arm strength is second to none, and your ability to read defenses and make the right decisions is something that comes with both experience and innate football IQ. You make it look effortless, and I know that a lot of people don’t realize the level of skill, preparation, and focus it takes to perform at the level you do. But I see it all.
Beyond that, your leadership is something I want to touch on. Leadership isn’t just about making big plays on the field; it’s about inspiring your teammates, pushing them to be their best, and showing them that you have their back no matter what. From the huddle to the locker room, you are the heart and soul of this team. You know when to give us a pep talk, when to lead by example, and when to keep things light. There’s a balance you strike that makes everyone around you want to play their hardest for you.
You’ve been through a lot in your journey to get here—ups and downs, wins and losses, and moments that tested your resilience. But you’ve never wavered. You’ve never backed down from a challenge. And that’s what makes you so special. You show up every day with the same energy, the same focus, and the same passion for the game. That fire is contagious, and it pushes all of us to be better.
In addition to your leadership, I want to thank you for always making me feel like a part of the offense. As a receiver, I know that our success is tied directly to the connection we have with our quarterback. You’ve done an incredible job of getting to know me as a player—knowing when to throw the ball deep, when to hit me on a quick out, and when to give me a chance to make a play after the catch. Your accuracy and timing have made my job so much easier. But it’s more than just the X’s and O’s. You’ve taken the time to get to know me off the field, and that has made all the difference in how we communicate on the field. It’s that trust we’ve built that allows us to execute at such a high level.
And it’s not just about me. I see the way you connect with all of our teammates. You’ve built a strong bond with each of us, whether it’s the running backs, the offensive line, or the other receivers. You understand that football is a team game, and you treat everyone with respect and dignity. That humility is something I admire deeply. You could easily be the type of player who gets caught up in the hype, who lets success go to their head. But you’ve never done that. You stay grounded, focused on the task at hand, and dedicated to the team.
I’ve also been amazed by your ability to adapt and grow. You’ve faced adversity throughout your career, but you’ve always used those experiences to become a better player and a better person. It takes a special kind of person to be able to take criticism, learn from mistakes, and continue to evolve. And you’ve done that time and time again. Whether it’s improving your mechanics, learning new offensive schemes, or dealing with injuries, you’ve shown resilience that not many quarterbacks have. You’ve set an example for all of us that no matter what happens, we have to keep pushing forward and keep striving to be better.
I also want to thank you for the fun you bring to the game. Football is a grind, and sometimes it can feel like the pressure is overwhelming. But you have this unique ability to make everything feel a little less serious, to remind us that we’re playing the game we love. Whether it’s cracking a joke in the huddle or making a play that leaves everyone on the sidelines in awe, you remind us that we’re here to enjoy the ride. You help to create an atmosphere where everyone can thrive, and that’s something that makes this team so special.
As a freshman, I was still adjusting to the speed of the game, still figuring out my role and where I fit in. But you, Quinn, you were always there to encourage me. Whether it was through a kind word or a subtle nod of acknowledgment, you made me feel like I belonged. You’ve helped me grow not just as a player, but as a person. I’ve learned so much from you in such a short time, and I’m grateful for the mentorship you’ve provided. You’ve shown me what it means to be a true competitor, a true teammate, and a true leader.
At the end of the day, football is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about the relationships we build, the lessons we learn, and the memories we create. I’m fortunate to be able to share this journey with you. Your passion for the game, your drive to be the best, and your ability to make everyone around you better have made a profound impact on me, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way. You’ve left an indelible mark on this program, and I can’t wait to see what else you accomplish in your career.
Thank you, Quinn. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and for the countless memories you’ve helped create. I’m proud to be your teammate, and I’ll be forever grateful for everything you’ve done for me and this team.
With all my respect and admiration,
Matthew Golden