Former Texas quarterback and 13-year NFL veteran Colt McCoy will deliver the keynote address at the University of Texas’ 143rd commencement ceremony, the school announced Friday.
The ceremony will take place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, May 9.
Widely recognized for his leadership on and off the field, McCoy was appointed this year by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he contributes to statewide efforts to support student success in public higher education.
“Colt has applied the same leadership we saw on the field to everything he’s done since,” said UT President Jim Davis in a statement. “He’s an example to all Longhorns that no matter what they go on to do, the leadership skills they develop here will carry them far.”
Sports Roundup
McCoy led Texas to a Big 12 conference championship and the BCS national championship game as a senior in 2009. In recognition of his impact on Texas athletics, UT retired McCoy’s No. 12 jersey. He is a member of the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.
“The University of Texas shaped my life in so many ways, teaching me about leadership and the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than yourself,” McCoy said in a statement.
“As many times as I ran onto the field at DKR in my football career, addressing our newest graduates with the opportunity to inspire what they do next is truly one of my greatest honors.”
This year’s commencement ceremony will recognize more than 10,000 graduates from 18 degree-granting colleges and schools. In addition to McCoy’s remarks, the ceremony will feature student performances, fireworks and a drone show.