Texas Longhorns' Michael Taaffe Reveals Difference-Making Strategy with NIL

NIL has been one of the biggest and most impactful changes to the world of college football for both programs and athletes.

For some affluent programs, NIL has allowed them to climb back up to be a college football powerhouse, and for those without a track record of great success in the sport its allowed them to gain a seat at the table.

And for the players, they are likely the biggest beneficiaries of it all, finally being able to be financially compensated for the efforts and hard work they put into their programs. However, one Texas Longhorns star has taken a different route when navigating the world of NIL.

Michael Taaffe Discusses his Use of NIL

Texas Longhorns Football Michael Taaffe — Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) celebrates after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

With Longhorn star safety Michael Taaffe, whether on or off the football field, is one of the best representatives of the Texas program, there's no better example of that than how the senior has approached NIL and optimized it.

“I think NIL, for me, has been a little bit different because there’s opportunities that I have taken to get a little cash in the wallet, in the pocket,” Taaffe told On3. “But I think, would you much rather have this little success? This little financial success that at the end of the day, when you have to go buy a house, when you have to get a car, when you have to pay rent, this little success isn’t going to matter in the long-term? Or, would you rather have success and significance to the University of Texas that will last 100 years? I chose that route.”

While Taaffe was a part of a few partnerships with outside brands and companies, his main focus was on partnering with Texas Against Fentanyl, where he helped raise nearly $60,000 for the organization through a fundraiser, which he said helped cover the organization’s yearly budget.

Taaffe's efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was recognized with the Wuerffel Trophy, which is the premier award for community service and recognizes athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change and who exemplify community service, academic excellence, and athletic achievement.

Not only was Taaffe heavily involved with raising awareness of substance abuse, but before the 2025 season, he played a big role in the relief efforts after the flooding at Camp Mystic. The safety participated in a fundraiser for the families and, during SEC Media days, wore a special tie to honor the victims.

Texas DB Michael Taaffe is wearing a tie at SEC Media Days with the initials of the campers & counselors who died at Camp Mystic in the Texas floods🧡

(via @levonwhitt_tv) https://t.co/pEVRDURnuN pic.twitter.com/Tz7Dz2Fshs
— On3 (@On3sports) July 15, 2025

The Longhorns' star has used his platform to give back to communities in need and to try to make a difference in those communities, which he says hold plenty of importance to him.

“I don’t fault anybody for the routes they take,” Taaffe said. “But I just knew that I believe being significant is way more important than being successful.”