Sports
Jamaal Charles Reflects on Red River Rivalry Moments

ARLINGTON, Texas – Jamaal Charles, a Texas Longhorns legend and former NFL star, shared his experiences from the iconic Red River Rivalry during a recent interview. As the Longhorns prepare to face the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Charles reminisced about his own pivotal moments from the fierce rivalry.
Charles, who played for the Longhorns from 2005 to 2007, became a household name after a stunning 80-yard touchdown run during his freshman year. This memorable play came in 2005 when Texas defeated Oklahoma 45-12, snapping the Sooners’ five-game winning streak in the series. “Ain’t nobody could touch me,” Charles recalled, emphasizing his speed that enabled him to break free.
Raised in Port Arthur, Texas, Charles reflected on his roots, saying that his upbringing helped shape his personality. He recently partnered with Bush’s Beans, promoting their Mike’s hot honey grillin’ beans, and was excited to showcase a pair of tailgating boots designed for the occasion. “Being from Texas, you’ve got to come big and bold,” he stated.
Despite his fond memories, not all moments from the rivalry have been positive. In 2007, Charles fumbled at the Oklahoma 5-yard line, an error that contributed to Texas losing the game 28-21. “That was one of the hardest, most hurt feelings ever. I can’t even swallow it,” he admitted, showcasing the lasting impact of that mistake.
Charles discussed the importance of the rivalry and its significance in his career. He recalled how Texas coach Mack Brown sought his commitment to help the team beat Oklahoma, telling him they needed someone to swing the series back in their favor. “If you beat Oklahoma, we’ve got a chance to make it anywhere we’ve got to,” Charles explained, describing the Sooners as the biggest obstacle in the Big 12.
Looking ahead, Charles expressed concern about the current Longhorns roster. He believes they lack a standout running back capable of making a significant impact this season, particularly with five-star quarterback Arch Manning leading the offense. “We’ve got to find the right running back to build the Texas legacy up and I feel like we’re missing it right now,” he said.
As Texas prepares for the Cotton Bowl clash, the stakes are high. A loss would effectively eliminate them from contention for the SEC Championship and a potential College Football Playoff bid. With Oklahoma currently undefeated, the matchup promises to be a fierce battle on the field.
As the Longhorns aim to secure victory and improve their season, they look to Charles’s inspiring legacy and strive to make their own mark in the ongoing rivalry.