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Michael Taaffe honors Texas flood victims with special tie at SEC Media Days

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs07/15/25grant_grubbs_
Michael Taaffe
Michael Taaffe (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Earlier this month, Texas was devastated by a series of flash floods. Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located in Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, especially received national attention due to 27 people at the location being killed in the floods. At the 2025 SEC Kickoff on Tuesday, Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe donned a tie that had the initials of each of the victims who died in the floods at Camp Mystic.

According to a report from The Washington Post, Camp Mystic executive director Richard “Dick” Eastland began evacuating campers at 2:30 a.m. on the night of the flood. He had received a severe flood warning on his phone from the National Weather Service at 1:14 a.m.

The alert reportedly did not include an evacuation order. Eastland died in the floods attempting to rescue some of the youngest girls at the camp. At its peak, the Guadalupe River surged to 37.5 feet, according to measurements taken by the U.S. Geological Survey after the floodwaters receded.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Texas Longhorns showed support for flood victims. Texas quarterback Arch Manning announced he was donating money to organizations aiding in the state’s recovery and encouraged others to join him.

“Hey everyone, this is Arch Manning. The flooding in Central Texas has devastated communities and caused enormous loss. My heart goes out to everyone that’s been affected,” Manning said on Instagram. “Please join me in donating to the four organizations below who are providing vital support as recovery efforts get underway. Thank you.”

Manning’s Instagram specifically cited the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, Texas Search and Rescue, Mercy Chefs and the United Cajun Navy as needing financial support to carry out their heroic efforts in the Texas Hill Country. Now, Michael Taaffe is following in Manning’s footsteps by showing love to the Texas families who lost so much.

Taaffe is entering his fifth and final season with the Longhorns. He tallied a career-high 78 tackles last season, along with two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. For his efforts, he was named a 2024 Associated Press All-America Second Team selection.

Texas will kick off its 2025 campaign with a showdown against reigning national champion Ohio State on at noon ET on Aug. 30. The game will air live on FOX. The Longhorns will undoubtedly have their fellow Texans on their minds as they take the field.