The Texas Longhorns have long been a powerhouse when it comes to producing NFL-ready talent, and this year’s marquee rookie event is yet another glowing testament to the program’s consistent pipeline to professional football. As the NFL rolls out the red carpet for its incoming stars during the league’s premier rookie showcase, three former Longhorns are among the headline attendees — a moment that reflects both individual triumphs and the broader success of the Texas football program.
For the trio of standout athletes — each carrying unique journeys and varying styles of play — their presence at the event represents not only their personal transitions to the professional stage but also the pride of an entire state. Texas football is more than just a game; it’s a culture, a tradition, and for many, a lifelong identity. Seeing three former Texas Longhorns representing the burnt orange at one of the most-watched rookie events in the NFL calendar reinforces the impact the university continues to have on the sport.
For years, the Texas Longhorns have developed a reputation for being able to prepare athletes for the next level. While the program has faced its share of ups and downs, it continues to produce top-tier talent who are ready to make immediate contributions in the NFL. This year is no exception. All three former Longhorns invited to the rookie showcase had dominant collegiate careers and were selected in various rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, but now find themselves reunited on the national stage, surrounded by peers, scouts, media, and fans eager to see what the future of football holds.
Among the three, perhaps the most widely recognized name is wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Known for his blistering speed and game-breaking ability, Worthy has been on the radar of NFL teams since his freshman season. At Texas, he established himself early as one of the most dangerous weapons in college football, routinely turning short passes into long gains and stretching defenses with his elite top-end speed. He broke multiple school records and was a consistent nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators throughout his time in Austin. Worthy’s performance at the NFL Combine only further solidified his status as a first-round talent, particularly after he recorded a historically fast 40-yard dash that sent shockwaves through social media and front offices alike.
Worthy’s selection in the first round marked a significant milestone, both for himself and for the Texas program. For NFL teams looking for a dynamic playmaker who can take the top off a defense, Worthy was too tantalizing to pass up. His route running, acceleration, and ability to make plays in space make him an ideal fit in today’s pass-heavy league. As he walked the carpet at the rookie event, wearing a tailored suit and his signature confident smile, it was clear that this was a moment he had been preparing for his entire life. Cameras flashed, media interviews flowed, and fans called his name. The spotlight didn’t seem to faze him. If anything, he welcomed it.
Joining Worthy at the event is T’Vondre Sweat, the 6-foot-4, 362-pound defensive lineman who dominated SEC opponents after Texas transitioned into the conference. Sweat was a constant force on the interior of the defensive line, routinely taking on double teams and still managing to collapse pockets and stuff the run. His size alone makes him an intimidating presence, but what sets Sweat apart is his athleticism and motor. He’s not just a space eater — he’s a disruptor.
Sweat’s journey to the NFL was defined by gradual improvement and a relentless work ethic. By his senior year, he had become a leader in the locker room and a feared presence on Saturdays. He earned consensus All-American honors and was awarded the Outland Trophy, solidifying his reputation as one of the top linemen in the country. His draft-day slide into the second round was more a reflection of positional value than talent, and his new NFL team believes it got one of the steals of the draft. At the rookie event, Sweat carried himself with quiet confidence, towering over many of his fellow rookies but smiling warmly as he posed for photos, greeted fans, and spoke about what it meant to represent Texas on such a grand stage.
The third member of the Longhorn trio at the event is linebacker Jaylan Ford, a player who embodied the heart and soul of the Texas defense. Ford may not have received the same level of national attention as Worthy or Sweat during the pre-draft process, but those who watched Texas football closely knew just how vital he was to the team’s success. With sideline-to-sideline speed, excellent instincts, and a nose for the football, Ford was one of the most productive linebackers in the country over the past two seasons. He led the Longhorns in tackles and was often the player making the crucial stop when it mattered most.
Ford’s rise wasn’t meteoric; it was earned. He went from being a rotational player to the unquestioned leader of the defense through years of dedication, film study, and relentless effort. His draft selection may have come later than expected, but that chip on his shoulder is only likely to motivate him more at the next level. At the rookie event, Ford spoke passionately about the lessons he learned at Texas, the relationships he built, and his desire to prove he belongs in the league. He smiled as he reminisced about rivalry games and packed stadiums, but there was a fire in his eyes when he discussed what lies ahead.
The presence of these three players at the marquee NFL rookie event is about more than personal success. It’s a reminder that the Texas Longhorns remain a force in the world of football. Each player comes from a different background and brings a different skill set to the table, but they all share one thing in common — a foundation built at the University of Texas. From the weight room to the practice field to the roar of 100,000 fans inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, their experiences in Austin shaped them into the men they are today.
The NFL rookie event is, in many ways, a celebration — a coming-out party for the league’s next generation of stars. But for these three Longhorns, it’s also a responsibility. They carry the hopes of their hometowns, the pride of their university, and the expectations of a passionate fanbase that has watched their growth every step of the way. They know that their journey is only beginning and that every moment from here on out will be scrutinized and celebrated in equal measure.
As the event unfolds — complete with media interviews, promotional appearances, and on-field drills — the Longhorns continue to make their presence known. Whether it’s Worthy dazzling with his speed, Sweat anchoring the defensive line in team walkthroughs, or Ford making the right read in a coverage drill, each player is already showing why they belong.
It’s also worth noting the symbolic power of this moment. In a year where the Longhorns had a strong showing in the NFL Draft and made noise on the national stage during the college season, the image of three former Texas players standing tall at the league’s most prominent rookie showcase sends a message to recruits, rivals, and fans alike — the Texas Longhorns are back in the national conversation, and they’re here to stay.
The NFL is always hungry for fresh talent, and these three Longhorns have the potential to carve out long, impactful careers. They arrive at this rookie event not just as representatives of their new teams but as ambassadors of the Texas legacy. That legacy, built on grit, excellence, and tradition, continues to evolve — and with players like Worthy, Sweat, and Ford leading the way, the future looks as bright as ever.
In the end, this moment is about more than just football. It’s about dreams realized, hard work rewarded, and the journey from the Texas heat of two-a-days to the bright lights of the NFL. For the three former Longhorns, this event marks the next chapter in their stories — stories that began on the fields of Texas and will now play out on Sundays in stadiums across the nation.