When Nobody is Watching

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching” ~John Wooden

Last season after the Texas vs UTSA game, Arch Manning talked with the media in the post game. 

We had been working on questions for Manning since his freshman year, but honestly did expect the moment to come until this 2025 season. 

Against UTSA Manning threw nine completions for 223 yards and four touchdowns, then ran a 67 yard touchdown leaving the secondary in the dust.

We got to ask Manning a question and then witnessed his answer play out in real-time in a great moment nobody saw, expect for us.

This was last season right after the UTSA. Listen carefully to what Manning says. 

Fast forward to 8/25/2025 right after coach Sarkisian held his first Monday Press Conference (Longhorn Network) of the season and several players talked with the media.

We asked Manning how his little brother Heid Manning helps keep him grounded. 

After Manning was done with his time fielding questions from the media, he walked off and another player sat down for a few questions.

What happened next was a great moment nobody saw.  I did, but only by accident.

After Manning finished, he walked over to football staff and changed out of his Texas polo for his regular t-shirt.

Then he picked up a box of pizza like he was a delivery person.

Manning lifted it high with his right hand like he’s done this before. Texas provides meals for the players and media during these get together.

Manning leaves to goes back to the locker room carrying a pizza for him and his teammates.  On his way back he stops. There was one person, a UT student who was tasked with opening the door for guests as they arrived or departed the Texas Hall of Fame building.

Nobody was around. The area by the doors had three people there: Manning, a student, and myself walking out the door.  I was two steps from leaving the building.

Manning stops, smiles at his fellow student and says, “Would like a piece of pizza?”  Startled, surprised, and in awe, the young lady softly says, “oh, oh no, thank you.”  Manning replied, “no really, you sure? Take a piece.”

Not sure if the young lady ever did take a slice as I continued out the door and did not hear the rest of the conversation.

As I walked out the door, Manning’s words flashbacked to me from last season when he shared,  “My grandfather (Archie Manning) taught me first off be a good guy. That’s kind of his thing. He came to just about every practice in high school. So, um, I guess you could say he’s one of my biggest role models and I have learned so much from him.”

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching” ~John Wooden

This story could easily have been any player at Texas.

Football is a great sport that brings friends and families together to enjoy a battle or greatness.

Families (grandmothers, grandfathers, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles), they are our role models who build our character so that we can become great.

Life is Good!

#HookEm