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Author: Russell Dowden

Dallas Reloads for a Critical 2026 Season

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NFL. No Comments on Dallas Reloads for a Critical 2026 Season

Can the Cowboys Finally Take Control of the NFC East?

Dallas Reloads for a Critical 2026 Season:
For nearly three decades, the Dallas Cowboys have entered every season carrying championship expectations.
The 2026 campaign is no different. After another offseason filled with aggressive moves, roster restructuring, and significant defensive investments, the Cowboys believe they have assembled one of their most complete rosters in years. The question now is whether Dallas can finally turn potential into postseason success and reclaim control of the NFC East.

Jerry Jones Goes All-In

The Cowboys made headlines throughout the offseason by aggressively reshaping the roster.
Dallas doubled down on its pass rush by acquiring veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary, adding another proven playmaker to a defense looking to become one of the NFC’s most disruptive units.

The Cowboys also continued building their defensive front through free agency and trades, signaling a clear commitment to winning with defense.

The organization also invested heavily in rebuilding the secondary, signing veterans such as Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson to provide leadership and stability in the defensive backfield.

 

A Draft Focused on Defense
The Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a mission: get younger and faster on defense.

Dallas selected Ohio State superstar safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick.
Many analysts considered Downs one of the best defensive players in the entire draft and a
potential cornerstone of the defense for years to come.

Later in the first round, Dallas added edge rusher Malachi Lawrence from UCF, giving the Cowboys another explosive pass-rushing weapon to pair with their veteran talent.
The Cowboys continued addressing defensive needs throughout the draft by selecting linebacker Jaishawn Barham, cornerback Devin Moore, and several developmental defensive prospects. The
class has been widely praised as one of Dallas’ strongest defensive drafts in recent memory.

Offensive Weapons Remain in Place
While much of the offseason attention focused on defense, Dallas still boasts one of the NFC’s most dangerous offensive groups.

Dak Prescott remains the leader of the offense, while wide receiver George Pickens enters another season after becoming one of Dallas’ most explosive playmakers. The Cowboys continue to view

Pickens and CeeDee Lamb as one of the league’s most dangerous receiving combinations.
The running game also received a boost with the emergence of Javonte Williams, who has established himself as the team’s lead back after a breakout season.
The NFC East Remains a Battlefield
The road to a division title will not be easy.

The Philadelphia Eagles remain the defending standard-bearer of the division, while Washington has emerged as one of the league’s fastest-rising franchises. New York continues rebuilding but remains dangerous within the division.

For Dallas to win the NFC East, the Cowboys must improve in divisional games and prove they
can consistently defeat elite opponents.

Why 2026 Feels Different

What makes this season intriguing is balance.
For years, Dallas relied heavily on offensive firepower. This roster appears far more complete.

The defense has added veterans and blue-chip draft talent. The offense remains loaded with proven playmakers. The coaching staff believes the team now possesses the depth necessary to survive a long NFL season.

If Caleb Downs develops quickly, Rashan Gary returns to elite form, and the Cowboys stay healthy,
Dallas could field one of the strongest rosters in the conference.

Prediction
The Cowboys have enough talent but can they win the NFC East?
The roster is deeper. The defense is faster. The secondary appears improved. The pass rush has more
firepower than it has had in years. The challenge remains mental as much as physical. Dallas has
repeatedly shown it can win regular-season games. The next step is proving it can finish when the
stakes are highest.

Will the Cowboys finally take the NFC East?

The answer may depend on whether this new defensive core can deliver the consistency and
toughness Dallas has lacked during previous playoff runs.

One thing is certain: The Cowboys have removed most of the excuses.
Now they have to deliver.

Spurs Suffer Historic Collapse in Game 4 Loss to Knicks

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NBA.

For San Antonio Spurs fans, Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be remembered as one of the most painful nights in franchise history.

 

After building what appeared to be a commanding and insurmountable lead, the Spurs watched the New York Knicks storm back in stunning fashion, eventually stealing the game by a single point. The comeback now stands as the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, a distinction no Spurs fan wanted to see attached to their team.

 

The collapse immediately brought back memories of another Texas sports nightmare—the 1993 AFC Wild Card game when the Houston Oilers squandered a 35-3 lead against the Buffalo Bills in what became known simply as “The Comeback.” More than three decades later, Texans have another heartbreaking comeback loss to add to the list.

 

The numbers tell the story.

The Knicks dominated the second half, outscoring San Antonio 58-30 after halftime. What had looked like a comfortable Spurs victory slowly turned into a disaster as New York’s defense tightened and the Spurs’ offense unraveled.

 

Guard De’Aaron Fox struggled down the stretch and committed several costly turnovers as the Knicks chipped away at the lead. The game’s final moments added another layer of controversy when Fox appeared to absorb contact on a potential game-winning layup attempt. No foul was called, leaving Spurs players, coaches, and fans frustrated as the final seconds expired.

 

Despite the historic collapse, the series is far from over.

 

San Antonio now returns home for a must-win Game 5. The Spurs will need to win out to capture the championship, beginning with defending their home court in Texas. Should they survive Game 5, a daunting Game 6 awaits back in New York, where Madison Square Garden will undoubtedly be at its loudest.

 

The silver lining for Spurs fans is that a potential Game 7 would return to Texas, giving San Antonio one final opportunity to complete a remarkable comeback of its own.

 

The challenge now is simple: forget history and make some new history.

The Spurs have spent an entire season proving they belong on basketball’s biggest stage. After suffering the greatest collapse in NBA Finals history, they must now show the resilience that championship teams are made of.

The Knicks may have delivered a devastating blow in Game 4, but the Spurs still have life.

 

Game 5 will determine whether this Finals becomes a story of collapse—or redemption. :::

 

Spurs Punch Back in NBA Finals, Defeat Knicks in Game 3

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NBA.

The San Antonio Spurs are back in the 2026 NBA Finals.

 

Facing a daunting 0-2 series deficit and playing in front of a hostile Madison Square Garden crowd, the Spurs responded with their biggest win of the season Monday night, defeating the New York Knicks 115-111 in Game 3 to cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1.

 

San Antonio came out aggressive from the opening tip, attacking the paint and pushing the tempo. The Spurs built an early lead before New York answered with a dominant second quarter, using a 42-24 run to seize control and take a halftime advantage. Rather than folding, San Antonio regrouped and delivered its strongest stretch of the Finals in the second half.

 

 

Victor Wembanyama once again proved why he is becoming one of the league’s defining superstars. The 7-foot-4 phenom finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks, controlling the game on both ends of the floor while making several clutch plays in the final minutes.

 

Rookie Stephon Castle delivered perhaps the biggest performance of his young career, adding 23 points while providing critical offensive energy throughout the game. Castle’s shot-making and composure helped keep the Spurs within striking distance during key stretches when New York threatened to pull away.

 

 

The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson’s 32 points, but San Antonio’s defensive pressure and timely execution down the stretch proved to be the difference. The victory snapped New York’s remarkable 13-game playoff winning streak and handed the Knicks their first postseason loss since April.

 

 

For San Antonio, Game 3 represented more than just a win—it may have saved the series. No NBA team has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, and the Spurs understood the urgency. Head coach Mitch Johnson described his team’s mentality as “attack mode,” and his players responded accordingly.

 

 

Now the pressure shifts to Game 4 on Wednesday night in New York. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1, but the Spurs have regained momentum and confidence. If Wembanyama and Castle continue playing at this level, the 2026 NBA Finals suddenly look far from over.

 

 

Series: Knicks lead 2-1

Game 3 Final: Spurs 115, Knicks 111

Next Game: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Madison Square Garden

Longhorns Return to Omaha —

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

Longhorns Return to Omaha — And a Red River Showdown Could Be Waiting

The Texas Longhorns are headed back to Omaha.

 

After surviving a dramatic Super Regional battle against Oregon in Austin, Texas punched its ticket to the 2026 Men’s College World Series for a record 39th appearance, further cementing its status as one of college baseball’s premier programs.

 

The Longhorns didn’t celebrate with an on-field dogpile after clinching the Super Regional. That wasn’t an accident.

At Texas, Omaha is the expectation—not the accomplishment.

 

“We’re not done yet” has been the attitude throughout the Jim Schlossnagle era, and the Longhorns now arrive in Nebraska with legitimate national championship aspirations. Texas enters the College World Series at 45-13 and will open against SEC powerhouse Georgia, another team looking to end a lengthy national title drought.

 

But while Georgia stands directly in front of Texas, Longhorn fans are already looking at a potentially explosive matchup deeper in the bracket.

Oklahoma is coming to Omaha, too.

The Sooners secured their spot in the College World Series by sweeping Kansas in the Super Regionals, earning their 12th trip to Omaha and joining Texas as one of five SEC schools in this year’s field.

 

And because of the way the bracket is structured, a Texas-Oklahoma showdown is absolutely on the table.

Texas opens against Georgia while Oklahoma faces Alabama. If both programs continue winning, the longtime Red River rivals could collide in one of the biggest games of the tournament. Even if one team stumbles early, the double-elimination format still creates multiple paths for a meeting in Omaha.

The storyline practically writes itself.

For decades, Texas and Oklahoma have defined one of college sports’ fiercest rivalries. Whether it’s football at the Cotton Bowl, basketball, softball, or now SEC competition, the two programs rarely need extra motivation when they meet.

 

 

A College World Series matchup would elevate that rivalry to an entirely new level.

 

The stakes would be enormous: a trip deeper into the national championship bracket, SEC bragging rights, and another chapter in one of the sport’s most bitter rivalries.

 

 

The Longhorns have not won a national championship since 2005. Oklahoma has not captured a baseball national title despite making several deep postseason runs, including a trip to the championship series in 2022.

 

 

Now both programs arrive in Omaha with legitimate title hopes.

 

Before any Red River showdown can happen, Texas must handle Georgia and Oklahoma must get through Alabama. Neither task will be easy.

 

But college baseball fans across Texas already know what everyone else is thinking:

 

There may be no bigger matchup possible in Omaha than Texas vs. Oklahoma with a national championship hanging in the balance.

 

And for the first time since both schools joined the SEC, that dream scenario is suddenly within reach.

 

Suggested Headline: LONGHORNS OMAHA BOUND: Red River Rivalry Could Take Center Stage at College World

Series

 

Subhead: *Texas secures its record 39th trip to Omaha, while Oklahoma joins the field—setting the stage for a potential postseason showdown between college baseball’s newest SEC rivals.*

 

The History of Texas Memorial (DKR) Stadium

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in UT FOOTBALL.

The History of Texas Memorial Stadium (DKR)

Where Legends of the Longhorns Are Born

No stadium in Texas holds quite the same reverence as Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Known simply as DKR, this storied venue is more than just the home of the Texas Longhorns football team — it is a living monument to the spirit of the University of Texas and a tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest and loudest stadiums in America, DKR is where burnt orange pride shines brightest on game day.

Origins and Early Years

The idea for a dedicated football stadium at the University of Texas was born in the post–World War I era. In 1923, university leaders sought to honor the Texans who fought and died in the war. The stadium was initially named War Memorial Stadium when it opened on November 8, 1924, with seating for 27,000 fans.

Texas defeated Baylor 28–10 in its inaugural game, and a new chapter in Longhorn athletics began.

Evolving Name & Purpose

Over the decades, the stadium underwent several expansions and a name change:

  • In 1948, it became known as Memorial Stadium to honor all Texans who served in the military.

  • In 1996, the university renamed it Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, honoring legendary head coach Darrell K Royal, who led the Longhorns from 1957 to 1976, capturing three national championships and building UT into a national powerhouse.

Royal’s influence on Texas football was immeasurable. His wishbone offense changed the college game, and his leadership elevated the program to one of the most respected in the country.

Photo: UT Athletics

Stadium Growth & Modernization

DKR has grown with the Longhorns:

Year Capacity Milestone
1924 27,000 seats
1955 60,000+ seats
1971 77,809 seats
2009 100,119 seats (after North End Zone expansion)
Today ~100,119 seats, making it the largest stadium in Texas and among the top 10 in the U.S.

Earl Campbell, The Tyler Rose

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

Earl Campbell, known as The Tyler Rose, is not just a football icon—he is a powerhouse
figure in the history of the University of Texas at Austin. His name is etched into the heart of the
Forty Acres, where his legacy continues to inspire generations of Longhorns. From the moment
he stepped onto campus in the mid-1970s, Campbell brought more than just raw power to the
football field. He brought pride, hope, and national recognition to UT Austin and the city.
Born in Tyler, Texas, in 1955, Campbell came from humble beginnings. He is one of 11 children
raised by a single mother after the passing of his father. His high school football career at John
Tyler High was legendary, but it was his decision to stay in-state and attend UT Austin that
helped elevate the Longhorns program to new heights. At a time when African American athletes
were still fighting for equal recognition, Campbell became a symbol of excellence and
perseverance in Lone Star State football.

AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 17: The Earl Campbell statue outside the stadium prior to start of Big XII game featuring the Texas Longhorns and the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire)

Campbell played for the Longhorns from 1974 to 1977 under historic head coach Darrell K
Royal. From his freshman season onward, he made his presence felt with a rare combination of
speed, size, and elite physicality. By his senior year, Campbell reached his collegiate prime,
rushing for 1,744 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns in 1977. His dominance on the field earned
him the Heisman Trophy, making him the first Longhorn to win the award.
Campbell’s success helped elevate the national profile of UT Austin. The 1977 season placed
Texas back in the spotlight as a national title contender, with Campbell as the face of the
program. His Heisman win wasn’t just a personal accolade; it was a proud moment for the
university the represented the strength of Texas football and the caliber of athletes the school
could produce.

Beyond his statistics, Earl Campbell represented the values UT Austin strives to instill in all its
students: resilience, leadership, and excellence. His influence continues to be seen across
campus. The university has honored him with a statue at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial
Stadium and no one else will ever wear his number 20 jersey. He remains involved with UT
Athletics and often returns for games and university events, serving as a mentor and role model
for current student-athletes and alums.

Even after his professional career with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints, Campbell’s
bond with UT Austin has remained strong. Though his body has endured the toll of his physical
playing style—he’s been transparent about living with spinal stenosis—Campbell still uses his
platform to advocate for health awareness and support for former athletes.

Earl Campbell is more than a Hall of Famer; he is a pillar of UT Austin’s athletic identity. His
time on the Forty Acres was transformative not only for him, but for UT Austin itself. Today, the
spirit of Earl Campbell still runs through Texas Memorial Stadium every time the Longhorns
take the field.’

 

Image: Texas Athletics

Sport: Football (1974-77)
Position: Back
Inducted: 1988
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

 

• 1977 Heisman Trophy winner, when he led nation in rushing (1,744 yards)
• Rushed for 100-plus yards 10 times as a senior
• All-American in 1975 and 1977 and three-time All-SWC selection
• Team captain and team MVP in 1977
• Ended career with 4,443 rushing yards
• First pick in 1978 NFL draft by Houston Oilers
• Had stellar pro career with Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints
• 1978 NFL Rookie of the Year and five-time All-Pro
• Career totals include 9,407 yards and 74 scores
• Member of NFL Hall of Fame
• Has served UT as Special Assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs since 19

Longhorns Fall on a Buzzer-Beater

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

It was the kind of ending that defines March Madness—and devastates a fanbase.
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball had clawed their way through the 2026 tournament as an 11-seed, playing with grit, confidence, and just enough swagger to believe something special was unfolding. From surviving the First Four to knocking off higher seeds, Texas had become one of the tournament’s most dangerous Cinderella stories.
And then, in a matter of seconds, it was over.
A Run That Captured Texas
Texas opened the tournament by edging out NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball in a tight First Four battle, followed by a statement win over BYU Cougars men’s basketball. By the time they stunned Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball in the second round, the Longhorns weren’t just surviving—they were surging.
Suddenly, burnt orange was everywhere again.
The Sweet 16 matchup against Purdue Boilermakers men’s basketball felt like a measuring stick. A 2-seed powerhouse. A Final Four contender. A team that, on paper, should have ended Texas’ run.
But March doesn’t care about paper.
The Final Seconds
Inside a roaring arena, Texas and Purdue traded blows for 40 minutes. Every possession felt like it carried the weight of a season. Texas led late. Purdue answered. The Longhorns hit a clutch jumper to tie it.
77–77.
Eight seconds left. Purdue in bounded. The Longhorns defense tightened, forcing the ball toward the sideline. The clock ticked—5…4…
Then came the moment. A Drive at the cup . . and last-second tip in by Kaufman-Rene in for 79-77 loss as  an off-balance shot, and a tip in ball as the buzzer sounded.
Nothing but net.
79–77.
Silence from the Texas side. Explosion from the other.
The Aftermath
Texas players stood frozen. One dropped to his knees at mid-court. Another stared at the scoreboard as if it might change. It didn’t.
For a team that had fought through the bracket, defied expectations, and reignited belief across Austin, the ending felt cruel.
This wasn’t a blowout. This wasn’t a missed opportunity early.
This was a game they had—until they didn’t.
More Than a Loss
For the Longhorns, this tournament run was about more than wins. It was about identity. It was about proving they belonged among the elite again. And in many ways, they did. They went toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s best and came within a single shot of the Elite Eight.
But March Madness has no mercy.
It gives you magic—and sometimes, it rips it away just as fast.
A Bitter Ending, A Bright Future
In the locker room afterward, there were no easy words. Just the quiet understanding that something special had slipped away.
Yet, as painful as the loss was, it also marked a turning point.
Texas didn’t just show up in this tournament.
They reminded the country who they are.
And if this run was any indication, the Longhorns aren’t done making noise in the month 0f March.
Not even close.

Michigan graduate Tarik Black lands in Texas after transfer.

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

Michigan Wolverine wide receiver Tarik Black stated this week on his Instagram that he is transferring to Texas for the fall. The former Wolverine made the decision to move on from Ann Arbor following a three-year career as a Wolverine.

A former four-star recruit out of Ceshire (CT) Cheshire Academy, Black was a part of Jim Harbaugh’s 2017 class at Michigan. The former U.S. Army All-American chose Michigan over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Mississippi State and several others. The wide receiver room in Austin was stacked over the last few years, but departures from Lil’Jordan Humphrey and 2020 draftees Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay left Texas young at the position.

Texas typically used big-bodied wide receivers like Black at the “X” position where their size provides a chain moving target for the quarterback on the outside. Collin Johnson served in that role for years in this offense, and Brennan Eagles has spent some time lined up there as well. It’s unclear how Texas offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich plans to use Black moving forward, but his presence as a veteran wide receiver should help to elevate a talented but young wide receiver room.

Reported by Horns247.com

NFL Alumnus Jon Kitna Back Having Impact on High School Student-Athletes

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

When Cowboys owner Jerry Jones brought in a new coaching staff last January, the team’s outgoing quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna did not have to travel far for his next job.

Kitna, 47, was named Athletic Coordinator & Head Coach at Burleson High School located outside Ft. Worth. It’s not as unusual a  career change as it might appear.

Kitna played quarterback for four teams during a 16-year NFL career (1997-2011, 2013).  After his playing career, he began coaching at his alma mater Lincoln High School in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

He moved his young family to Texas in 2015 and continued coaching on the high school level in Waxahachie. In 2018, he took another high school coaching position in Phoenix before then-head coach Jason Garrett recruited him to the Cowboys to work with Zak Prescott last season. Garrett now is the Giants offensive coordinator and Kitna has resumed his high school head coaching career.

“I can’t think of a better environment for a young man than to play high school ball in a program run by Jon”, says Garrett. “He has brought out the best in those around him at every level he has coached. The significant impact he will have on his student-athletes at Burleson will be felt for the rest of their lives.” 

Kitna’s return to high school coaching  will be an opportunity to work on the field with his two teenage sons. QB Jalen will be a senior at Burleson this fall and already has been recruited by colleges from Oregon State to Yale. J.T. is a younger 14-year old son who also will  enroll and play at the school.

“One of the things I missed last year with the Cowboys was coaching Jalen,” says the elder Kitna, “but I am super excited about being able to finish coaching him this fall and then J.T. who’s coming up behind him.” 

We at NFL Alumni wish the entire Kitna family (including mom Jennifer) much success and good health in their exciting new environment.

Horns upset #22 Tech

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Longhorns have been on a tear giving a spark in recent weeks as the end of the regular season play nears. Shaka Smart’s young team is seeking a push for redemption and a NCAA Tournament bid. Tech has been a very stingy 13-2 at home coming into Saturday’s game against Texas. However, the Horns stayed the course out rebounding and out shooting the Red Raiders late in the 2nd half of Saturdays contest pulling away with a huge 68-58 win against No. 22 Texas Tech.

The Horns will have a chance at a third straight victory Tuesday night against Oklahoma. The Longhorns upset No. 20 West Virginia last Monday in Austin and have been playing injured and with sick players as of late, but have shown a lot of heart.

Texas is on the outside looking in as the season comes to a close in hopes for a bid in the NCAA Tournament in 2020. Missing out last year still bore the fruit of a NIT Title for the Shaka Smart lead team that has been largely viewed by most critics as mediocre at best.

Currently they are (18-11, 8-8 in Big 12). Texas will travel to Norman tomorrow night to face the Sooners and then will play their final game of the season at home against OSU. Game Airs on TV/ ESPN2 & Radio: Longhorn Radio Network, Sirius XM 385.