Michael Taaffe Opens Up About Future, Potential NFL Plans

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe isn't sure what the future holds for him, but knows the legacy he wants to leave.

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One of the most beloved players on the Texas Longhorns roster, defensive back Michael Taaffe only has one year left as a Longhorn.

The Austin native started his journey as a walk-on and redshirted his freshman year in 2021. Taaffe finally took on the field in 2022, playing in 13 games with one start. His performance that year earned him a scholarship before the Alamo Bowl game against Washington.

Since then, Taaffe has grown to be one of the faces of Steve Sarkisian's team, but he is still unsure what his future holds when the playing days are over. One thing is for sure, though, Taaffe wants to keep inspiring the people around him.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) and Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) comfort each other while sitting on the bench after the Longhorns' loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won the game 28-14. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"A lot of people have told me I should be a coach," Taaffe said. "Whatever I want to do, I want to be a leader in life. I want to inspire others. I want to be significant."

A fifth-generation Longhorn, Taaffe went from a walk-on to an All-American, and when asked if the NFL Draft was in his near future, Taaffe avoided the thought.

“Yeah, I hate looking at the future, because future decisions, you got to make it based on your best decision for yourself," Taaffe said. "And I hate that because I care about the team. I could give a crap about success. I care about significance. I care about when I’m 60 years old and somebody is talking about Michael Taaffe being a legend at Texas. Because of what he did on the field and what he did as a leader.

"So that that sucks, that I have to make a decision, a selfish decision, but just weighing what's best for me. You know, I'll think about that for the next couple days, and I'll make a decision, but I know I came here to win a national championship, so gotta think long and hard about this decision."

Taaffe's mindset drew his teammates to hear him and respect him as a leader in the team, and that's everything he wants for his legacy.

"I want to be remembered for somebody who wants a legacy on other people's life," Taaffe said.

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