Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington returned to Austin for another season, but not for reasons you might expect. Whittington found security in his home away from home on the Forty Acres.
The Cuero product discussed his internal struggle in a letter to Texas fans via The Players Tribune.
“Tonight’s the NFL draft, but my name won’t be getting called,” Whittington shared. “I decided to return to Texas for one more year. At first … I just said the normal athlete things. We have unfinished business. I’m coming back to win the Big 12. I want to help lead our team.”
Whittington continued, “The truth is more complicated. It has to do with something you won’t hear that many athletes talk about: fear.”
Whittington doubted his ability to make a career in football. He felt a duty to provide for his family through a career in the NFL. Without it, he felt lost. Now, he’s using the uncertainty as fuel to be his best.
“I made the decision to come back for one last season at Texas, so I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure it’s special,” Whittington wrote.
The goals are still present. The Longhorns wide receiver still wants to make it in the NFL and help his team to its first Big 12 title since 2009, but it’s bigger than that. It’s about embracing the process of being his very best.
To read his full letter in The Players Tribune, click here.
“The truth is more complicated. It has to do with something you won’t hear that many athletes talk about: fear.”
Wide receiver @J_Whitt3 opens up about why he is returning to play for @TexasFootball.https://t.co/kG4MCGtc6r
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 27, 2023
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