Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian strongly defends Quinn Ewers following his NFL arrival

Quinn Ewers will finally get to live out his dream of becoming an NFL player, having been selected by the Miami Dolphins after a long wait. While some questioned the quarterback’s decision to take the leap rather than stay in college and explore options through the Transfer Portal, it was Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian who stepped up to defend him.

Sarkisian’s defense of Ewers’ decision-making centered on understanding why there’s been a shift in mindset, when it comes to how players approach their careers in today’s college football landscape.

“Everybody has got a comment about a kid who leaves a school and goes to another school for more money,” Sarkisian said via CBS Sports’ Josh Pate. “‘How could he do that? This is college football now? What’s going on with college football?’ All of a sudden, here’s Quinn Ewers, who decides not to go to another school and say ‘You know what, I’ve left a legacy at the University of Texas. I’m going to go chase my dreams and fulfill my dreams of playing in the NFL.’

“And now, those same critics, those same people, are saying ‘How could he not go take that money?’ … Sometimes, I just wonder. Who are we to judge and criticize a young man who’s making a decision on his future, who’s only done things the right way, to the best of his ability, gave everything to our program? And decided, ‘You know what? Now’s my time. To criticize him for not taking the money? Like, what are we talking about?”

Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns shakes hands with Quinn Ewers #3 during the second quarter at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.

Quinn Ewers’ legacy at Texas

While his journey now continues in the NFL, the mark Quinn Ewers left on the Longhorns could easily be considered a lasting legacy within the program. Steve Sarkisian recognizes this and deeply values everything the quarterback accomplished during his time at Texas.

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“Quinn Ewers decided to come to the University of Texas when we were a 5-7 football team,” Sarkisian said. “We owe a ton to Quinn. We all look at ‘Here’s a guy that started three years at quarterback for us. Battled injuries all three years. Leads up to two College Football Playoffs. Leads us to a Big 12 Championship. Leads us to an SEC Championship game our first year in the conference.’ That’s his legacy at Texas.

“His legacy, to me, is way bigger than that. Because if Quinn Ewers doesn’t come, I don’t know if the next five guys are coming. And if those next five guys aren’t coming, I don’t know if the next 10 guys are coming.”