Texas Tech kicker Reese Burkhardt made headlines on Saturday with a stunning play that showcased his athleticism and a bold political statement. During the second quarter against TCU, Burkhardt pulled off a fake field goal, taking a pitch around TCU defenders to secure an unexpected touchdown, setting the crowd alight.
After crossing the goal line, Burkhardt surprised fans by lifting his jersey to reveal a shirt with “Trump 24 MAGA” emblazoned across it. The celebratory move quickly gained attention, sparking mixed reactions from the audience and setting social media abuzz with commentary from both supporters and critics.
Burkhardt’s touchdown marked a milestone for the Texas Tech kicker, who rarely gets opportunities to score in such dramatic fashion. The play demonstrated his athletic versatility and underscored the trust his coaches had in him to make a complex, high-stakes play against a major conference opponent.
Following the touchdown, Burkhardt’s gesture resonated with some fans in the crowd, who cheered his unexpected political statement. Others were caught off-guard, as political messages in college sports are typically subtle, if present at all, making Burkhardt’s display highly unusual.
Best thing you’ll see all day. Texas Tech kicker Reese Burkhardt pulls off the fake field goal and celebrates by showing off his support for Trump and MAGA!
LEGEND! 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/868pU018m0
— David J Harris Jr (@DavidJHarrisJr) October 26, 2024
In the press conference following the game, Burkhardt expressed his admiration for former President Trump, calling the shirt reveal a “shoutout” to someone he respects. “I thought it was the right moment,” Burkhardt said, noting that he wanted to make his support clear in a “fun and memorable way.”
The play and Burkhardt’s statement added an extra layer of excitement to Texas Tech’s game, drawing significant attention beyond the athletic feat. Fans across social media shared and commented on Burkhardt’s touchdown run and his Trump-themed shirt, with reactions quickly polarizing.
For Texas Tech, Burkhardt’s standout play was a key highlight in a challenging game, proving instrumental in boosting the team’s momentum. The successful fake field goal came as a surprise to TCU defenders and showcased the creativity of Texas Tech’s coaching strategy.
However, Burkhardt’s celebration raised questions about the intersection of sports and politics, an issue that has gained prominence across various sports leagues in recent years. Some fans applauded Burkhardt’s boldness in using his platform to express personal beliefs, while others argued it was inappropriate for a college athlete to display political endorsements on the field.
Critics also pointed to the NCAA’s policies, which typically discourage political displays during games, though enforcement varies. Texas Tech’s athletic department released a statement acknowledging Burkhardt’s touchdown but did not comment on the shirt reveal, leaving some to wonder if the incident might prompt internal discussions.
Burkhardt’s unexpected touchdown and subsequent statement may ignite broader discussions on personal expression within college sports. Athletes in professional leagues have faced both support and backlash for similar actions, and Burkhardt’s gesture could prompt NCAA officials to revisit policies related to player expression.
On social media, Burkhardt received both praise and criticism, with some fans hailing him as a “patriot” for his pro-Trump gesture. Others argued that political endorsements should remain separate from sports events, particularly in collegiate athletics where diverse fan bases and communities are involved.
For Burkhardt, the game marked not only a career-defining moment but also a public declaration of his political stance, a rarity in the college sports world. As the story continues to gain traction, fans and media alike will be watching closely to see if there are any follow-up actions or responses from Texas Tech’s athletic department or the NCAA.
Ultimately, Burkhardt’s touchdown and tribute to Trump have sparked an enduring debate on the role of athletes as public figures and their right to express personal views in public arenas. His performance on Saturday will likely be remembered for both the skillful play and the controversial message that followed, securing his place in Texas Tech football lore.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.