Longhorns' Sam Ehlinger wins Jason Witten man of the year award

AUSTIN — Sam Ehlinger had no clue someone was about to drop in on his interview. And he definitely didn’t expect the interloper to be a trophy-toting Dallas Cowboys legend.

A few days ago, recently re-retired NFL tight end Jason Witten crashed an interview to present Ehlinger with the former's eponymous collegiate man of the year award. The former Texas quarterback (2017-20) was one of three finalists for the honor, along with Alabama running back Najee Harris and Notre Dame defensive lineman Daeline Hayes.

“That was unreal,” Ehlinger said Tuesday. “Just not expecting Jason Witten at all. And then him banging on the door and walking in with the trophy in his hand, it was really cool. Then got to go to The Star (in Frisco) and do the interview with him. It was just like a surreal moment being in his presence, you know, even being included with him. It’s a honor truly to be recognized for some of the off-the-field leadership, and on the field as well.”

Ehlinger, who moved up to Fort Worth to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft, was “recognized for demonstrating an outstanding record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship.”

One of the most prolific quarterbacks in Texas history, Ehlinger also left a substantial mark away from the game. Last year he helped raise nearly $200,000 for charities related to COVID-19 relief through online fundraising. Those funds helped aid the Austin Boys & Girls Club, the Central Texas Food Bank and Austin Pets Alive, among others.

“Just hearing (Sam) talk, he embodies everything that you want any young athlete to become,” Witten said in a statement. “I have two boys, and that’s what you want them to look up to. He has a good head on his shoulders, he’s humble, he’s a competitor, you can obviously see that he wants to have more success, he wants to chase something bigger than what he’s just experienced now, and that’s what this game’s all about.

“He’s just so deserving of this award. He embodies everything that this award’s all about, he’s a great role model and he’s got a bright future for sure.”

Ehlinger has been in draft prep mode since declaring Jan. 3. He signed with agent Erik Burkhardt, who also represents former teammate and current Dolphins safety Brandon Jones.

And like Jones did ahead of last year’s NFL draft, Ehlinger is in the process of watching every single snap from the 2020 season. He hopes to compile a hefty analytical binder to bring along during the interview process.

“I kind of always start off my day with some film,” Ehlinger said. “And what I've been doing is, I've actually started to break down every NFL offense, just trying to learn systems and tendencies, personnel. Breaking down each team and kind of, you know, filling it out from their red zone offense, third-down offense, and really just getting a grasp for the type of play calls and systems that each team runs.”

Ehlinger never captured the Big 12 title he promised to bring to Austin. He never reached the College Football Playoff or attended a Heisman Trophy ceremony.

But Ehlinger’s impact on Texas, which had entered its darkest period in decades prior to his arrival in 2017, is undeniable. He led the Longhorns to four straight bowl wins, a run highlighted by a sophomore-season Sugar Bowl win over No. 5 Georgia in 2018, and accumulated some truly astounding stats.

Ehlinger is one of only three players in FBS history to throw for at least 11,000 career yards and rush for more than 1,500 yards. He’s also one of only three players to throw for at least 90 touchdowns and rush for 30. Ehlinger's 127 touchdowns responsible for rank as the fourth-most in Big 12 history, and his 94 passing touchdowns are the seventh-best tally by a Big 12 quarterback. And his 27 wins as a starter rank fourth in school history.

Now, with one more accolade in hand, Ehlinger can look to the next chapter in his life. Asked about personal legacy, he paused for just moment.

“I loved this team, loved this university, loved the role of being the quarterback at the University of Texas, and tried to do it with the utmost class on and off the field and lead his team on and off the field, and always gave it his all.” Ehlinger said. “I feel like I've left the program in a better place.”