Did Kevin Durant Just Crown Arch Manning the King of Texas?
In the world of sports, where hot takes fly faster than a basketball, sometimes a simple meme can speak volumes. And when that meme comes from NBA superstar Kevin Durant, you know it’s going to make waves. After the Texas Longhorns pulled off a stunning 27-17 upset against the previously undefeated Texas A&M Aggies, Durant, a Longhorns legend himself, couldn’t resist a little victory lap on social media.
Kevin Durant Loves a Good Underdog Story
The Phoenix Suns forward took to his Instagram story to share a meme that was as savage as it was simple. Picture this: a ridiculously buff dog labeled “Archibald Manning” standing triumphantly over a tiny, whimpering dog labeled “The best A&M team in decades.” Ouch. For a player known for his “Easy Money” persona, Durant showed no mercy, and frankly, we’re here for it. It was the perfect, sarcastic mic drop to a game that had everyone talking.
Let’s be real, the lead-up to this game was a narrative goldmine. The No. 3 ranked Aggies were riding high on a perfect season, looking like an unstoppable force destined for the SEC title game. On the other side, you had the No. 16 Texas Longhorns and their quarterback, Arch Manning—a guy with a legendary last name but a truckload of doubters. Critics had been circling for weeks, calling him a flop and questioning if he had what it takes to lead a team against a powerhouse like A&M.
For the first half, it looked like the critics might be right. Manning and the Longhorns’ offense were sputtering, managing a measly 112 yards. At halftime, with the score at 10-3, the doubters were probably patting themselves on the back. But then, something clicked. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli, came out of the locker room looking like a different player. He led a second-half surge that was nothing short of cinematic.
Manning’s Redemption and Durant’s Delight
The second half was Arch Manning’s coming-out party. He finished with 179 passing yards and, more importantly, 53 crucial yards on the ground. The game-defining moment came in the fourth quarter when Manning broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run, sealing the deal and shattering Texas A&M’s perfect season. It was a classic “eat your words” moment for all the haters, and you could almost feel the collective schadenfreude from Longhorns fans everywhere.
Kevin Durant, watching from afar, was clearly one of them. By reposting that glorious meme, he wasn’t just celebrating a win; he was throwing his support behind Manning and giving a virtual middle finger to all the naysayers. It was a message: this is our team, this is our quarterback, and you just got beat. For a player who has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his career, Durant’s post felt personal, like he was vicariously enjoying Manning silencing his own critics.
Durant Has Been a Longhorn for Life
This isn’t the first time Durant has shown love for the Longhorns’ football program. Back in 2022, when Arch Manning first committed to Texas, KD was one of the first to celebrate the news. He shared Manning’s announcement on Twitter with a simple but powerful message: “Let’s get it, Arch.” It’s clear that Durant, who had a legendary one-and-done season with the Longhorns’ basketball team in 2006-07, still bleeds burnt orange.
His loyalty is a testament to the bond athletes feel with their alma mater. It doesn’t matter how many NBA championships you win or how many teams you play for; college pride runs deep. Durant’s public support is more than just a celebrity endorsement; it’s a stamp of approval from one of the greatest to ever wear the Longhorns uniform. It’s a reminder that no matter how big he gets, a part of Kevin Durant will always be in Austin, cheering on his team. And after a win like that, who can blame him for being a little bit smug about it?
