AUSTIN -- Texas Longhorns men's basketball coach Rodney Terry sparked a fiery debate in college sports last month when he confronted UCF players for flashing the famed "Horns Down" hand signal following Texas' 77-71 loss on Jan. 17. Terry faced criticism for the way he handled the situation, with many Texas fans disagreeing with his stance.
But who better to ask about the "Horns Down" conversation than a beloved Texas legend himself?
Fox News did just that, asking former Longhorns star and current Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson about this thoughts on the hand sign. Robinson was in attendance for Texas basketball's 76-72 overtime loss to No. 4 Houston on Monday.
For those familiar with Robinson, his lighthearted response in defense of the Longhorns was no surprise, but he made it clear that it's all part of what makes trash talk fun.
"Honestly, yeah," Robinson said jokingly when asked if there should be consequences for 'Horns Down.' "But I mean, that’s just me being biased because I just loved the University of Texas. I love everything about it. But I mean, for me, like, it shouldn’t affect you because that’s the sign of smack talk for other teams."
Like many critics of Terry have said, Robinson admitted the only way to make anti-Texas fans look "dumb" is by winning. Though Robinson and the Longhorns didn't win a conference title during his time on the Forty Acres, Texas silenced many of its haters this past season by winning the Big 12 and earning a trip to the College Football Playoff.
"I feel like you’ve just got to laugh it off and just enjoy the moment because if you win, they can’t do it no more," Robinson said. "Like, they can’t put the horns down. It’ll just look dumb. I can’t really let it affect me at all. I don’t think it affects too many people. But when it does, like you get thrown out then. Oops, should’ve never have done it in the first place."
Robinson, 22, was the No. 8 overall pick by Atlanta in the 2023 NFL Draft. He won the Doak Walker Award during his final season at Texas in 2022, leading the nation with 1,894 total scrimmages yards (1,580 rushing, 314 receiving) and finishing second in total touchdowns (20). He also led the Big 12 in carries (258), rushing yards (1,580) and rushing touchdowns (18) during the regular season.
During his rookie season with the Falcons, Robinson posted 214 carries for 976 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He added 58 catches for 487 receiving yards and four more scores.
He's one of five finalists for the NFL's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Feb. 8.
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