Why Texas' Michael Taaffe – Wuerffel Trophy winner – leads fight against fentanyl off field

Texas safety Michael Taaffe leads a substance abuse prevention program, raised more than $100,000 for flood prevention, visited hospitals and distributed food to those in need in the Austin, Texas area this year. 

He also had 70 tackles and two interceptions in his final season with the Longhorns, which earned him AFCA All-America honors. Yet it was a conversation with Tim Tebow at the “Home Depot College Football Awards" on Dec. 12 that pushed Taaffe to work even harder. 

"He was telling me, 'If you work so hard at football, why not work as hard to serve others, to be in your community and give back when you have this perfect platform at the University of Texas?'" Taaffe told AllSportsPeople. 

Taaffe won the Wuerffel Trophy and was named the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team on Dec. 12. The award —– named for former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel — is given to a college football player who excels in academics and community service. Taaffe — an Austin native who played at Westlake High School — continues to be an example of hard work on the field and giving back through community service. 

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Michael Taaffe's work with Texas Against Fentanyl 

On May 6, 2021, Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger died of an accidental overdose of what was believed to be Xanax laced with fentanyl. Ehlinger and Taaffe were high school teammates before going to Texas. 

"I think a lot of times people's purpose in life is where their heart is hurting the most," Taaffe said. "Obviously, my heart was hurting a lot in 2021 when I found out Jake was poisoned with fentanyl. My purpose and my passion in purpose is geared toward not having that happen to anybody else on this planet. Everything I can do, I hope I can avoid for a mom or a friend or a brother to pick up that phone and get the same news we got."

Texas Against Fentanyl (TXAF) is a non-profit charity with a mission to create awareness about fentanyl, provides resources and support families that have been impacted by the drug. Taaffe helped raise $60,000 at an event in November to spread fentanyl awareness to Texas public schools.

"Not only raising money but spreading the awareness of what fentanyl does and how brutal it is and how relevant it is in our community," Taaffe said. "They created a law where public schools have to talk about fentanyl awareness, but the problem is there is no money to fund it." 

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Michael Taaffe closes Texas career strong 

The Instagram post of Taaffe and center Connor Robertson — another Westlake teammate — sitting on the turf at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium after the 27-17 victory against No. 3 Texas A&M on Nov. 28 gained popularity in the aftermath of that rivalry game. 

Taaffe helped Texas to a nine-win season. He is entering the 2026 NFL Draft and will not play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Bowl against No. 18 Michigan on Dec. 31. The Longhorns finished 9-3 and did not make the College Football Playoff this season. 

"I never live my life in regret, but what is tough if we were able to be out there — and I'm confidently saying this — I think we could win it all," Taaffe said. "I think we showed we could battle against anybody in the country. It's hard knowing that you have to rely on the committee to see if your destiny — you put it in somebody's hands — that was a tough thing, but I truly think I did everything I could here and got to walk away with a smile on my face." 

Taaffe also plans to continue his charitable efforts in the Austin area — and he might even get help from quarterback Arch Manning in the future. Manning announced he will stay with the Longhorns for the 2026 season. 

"That's the plan," Taafe said. "There is that old adage that these cheers will turn into echoes really quick when you stop playing the game of football, which I do agree with and I am grateful for my opportunities. The Texas fanbase is so loyal and so supportive. There are guys who played in 2005 and they are still doing things that Longhorn fan-base is still showing up too.

"You do it for the goodness of your heart," Taaffe said. "It will be in the Austin area, but hopefully me and Arch (Manning) have a little bit of a plan having the same number — No. 16. Hopefully we can get something going, and we'll see."

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Past Wuerffel Trophy winners

Here's a look at the past Wuerffel Trophy winners — an award that was first given out in 2005. Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy in 1996 and continues to be an ambassador for the award in his name. "He embodies his purpose," Taaffe said about Wuerffel. "I couldn't have been more blessed to have him as a mentor. It was really cool." 

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