AUSTIN, Texas — When RT Young couldn’t find a children’s book about Texas Longhorn football to share with his son, he decided to write one himself.
Now, the result – “The Longhorn Alphabet: Texas Football A to Z” – is bringing generations of fans together through the alphabet, tradition and burnt orange pride.
The inspiration struck during backyard football games between Young and his son, sparked by old Earl Campbell highlight reels and stories of Longhorn legends. After acting out Campbell’s iconic runs – with Young often playing the defender – his son had one simple question: “Why isn’t there a kids’ book about the Longhorns?”
Young, a lifelong Texas fan and writer, took the challenge to heart.
“The Longhorn Alphabet: Texas Football A to Z” blends nostalgia with modern-day heroes. From “D is for DKR,” to “J is for Derrick Johnson,” the book introduces young readers to Longhorn legends across decades. The final pages include current stars like Bijan Robinson, a nod to today’s fandom.
“I wanted it to appeal to kids who are fans now,” Young said. “So I had to make sure Bijan was in there. I got creative with how I ended the book.”
Young worked with an illustrator from Romania to bring the project to life, partnering with longtime Longhorn supporters along the way. Johnson, a Texas linebacker from 2001 to 2004, even makes an appearance on the cover.
“It warms my heart to see myself as an animation in this book,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of cool for my kids to see that – almost like superheroes.”
Beyond the football, Young made sure to include elements of the program’s complex history, including its delayed integration in 1970. He highlights Julius Whittier, the first Black letterman in Texas football history, who is now honored with a statue at the stadium’s north end zone.
“My seats are right by that statue,” Young said. “My son and I pass it every time we go in. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come.”
At its core, “Texas Football A to Z” isn’t just about teaching kids their ABCs; it’s about connecting families through a shared love of the game.
“When you talk about literacy and Longhorn football, you’re talking about tradition,” Young said. “Hopefully this book creates some cool shared experiences – not just in reading, but in memories made around the TV or at games together.”
The book is available now online and through select retailers.