Over the last few years, Michale Taaffe has become one of the Longhorns most well-known players. The Austin native has gone from being a walk on to a key starter on defense. While he has been a human highlight reel on Saturday’s he has made an impact on the community.
In September, the Longhorns’ defensive back was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Each year, 22 players and one head coach are recognized for their extraordinary commitment to community service. For Taaffe, it is not an honor that he takes for granted.
“It’s a super cool accomplishment,” Taaffe said. “The award is all about everyone else but yourself, which I think is cool. In this day of college with NIL, everybody is trying to promote themselves, and this award does the opposite. I take great pride in trying to do what God has called me to do, and I believe that’s to lead and inspire others in my community.”
Today I had the opportunity to interview Longhorns star defensive back Michael Taaffe.
We talked about his work in the community and how he has grown into a leadership role at Texas.
This is a little preview of the full interview, which will be out later this week. pic.twitter.com/tWozJ7yWvL
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) October 13, 2025
Since Taaffe has stepped on campus, he has gotten involved in the community in various ways. That includes through Taaffe’s Tackles for Fentanyl Awareness, an organization the Longhorns star launched in memory of his Texas quarterback Jake Ehlinger.
“I started a campaign that I think is really cool,” said Taaffe. “It goes to Texas against Fentanyl, an organization that helps spread awareness about the dangers of Fentanyl. It’s a non-profit that is dear to my heart because I lost a dear friend to fentanyl poisoning. I’m trying my best to spread awareness so no one else has to answer that phone call.”
As Taaffe has emerged as a leader of the field, he has become one of the most respected players in the Longhorns locker room. During his college career, he has recorded 192 total tackles and three sacks. The talented senior has also added 13 pass deflections and six interceptions to his resume. For Taaffe, it has been a journey he will never forget.
Texas SAF Michael Taaffe is having an All-American level season. He’s especially cleaned up his tackling as his missed tackle rate is down nearly 19.0% from last year. Taaffe a tone setting safety with good coverage skills..
🔘 90.6 run defense grade
🔘 88.7 coverage grade
🔘… pic.twitter.com/llvoqZo2d4— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) October 13, 2025
“It wasn’t easy,” Taaffe said. “I think it was a mental grind, it was a physical grind. Every single day, I tried to get an advantage by competing with the guys next to me. The other part where I could really separate myself from an average walk-on was that I truly care about the University of Texas. Everything I’ve done has been for the team. I just looked up and my dreams were in front of me, and it was really cool.”
While Taaffe’s ultimate goal is bringing a championship to Texas, he has shown that helping those in need is just as important. For those dealing with Fentanyl issues, he will always be an ally, trying to make a difference to the best of his abilities.
“For anyone dealing with fentanyl addiction, the number one thing is just to talk to someone,” Taaffe said. “It doesn’t have to be somebody that you don’t trust. It can be someone in the same situation, and you just don’t know the right answer, and want to get some emotions out. It can seem that taking Fentanyl every day is harmless, but the facts behind it are that it’s super dangerous.”
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: EXCLUSIVE: Michael Taaffe reflects on special Allstate AFCA honor
