An Epochal Open Letter from Brian Bosworth to the Oklahoma Sooner Football Team, Fans, and the Entire Sooner Community
To the Crimson and Cream family.
As I sit back and reflect on the path that took a youngster with high goals from Irving, Texas to the center of collegiate football excellence, one word echoes in my soul: thankfulness.
My name is Brian Bosworth, but long before “The Boz” became a household name, I was a young guy looking for purpose, ambition, and a platform to be more than others thought I could be. The University of Oklahoma and the Sooner football team provided me with more than just a platform; they also gave me a home. They handed me a legacy.
Thank you to Coach Barry Switzer and all of the coaches, teammates, and trainers that supported me. You did more than simply shape me into an All-American linebacker; you shaped me into a fighter, a leader, and a man who understood how to convert passion and discipline into success. You loved my fire, intensity, and, at times, recklessness, but you never turned away from me. Instead, you pushed me to be the best version of myself, on and off the field.
I owe everything to the Sooner Nation—those noisy, proud, and unwavering fans. Your cheers at Memorial Stadium still echo in my ears to this day. You embraced me like family, proudly yelled my name, and inspired me to walk taller, hit harder, and dream larger. Your belief in me served as the foundation for my confidence. Even when I stumbled, your loyalty remained unwavering. You reminded me that greatness is gained via both victory and perseverance.
And to the entire Oklahoma community, thank you for raising me in spirit, holding me accountable, and preserving the Sooner culture. Today’s players have the same fire in their eyes that I saw in our locker rooms decades ago. The heart of our program beats just as hard, and I am eternally happy to still call myself a Sooner.
Football was my platform, but the lessons I learned in Norman extended far beyond the gridiron. I learned about dedication, fraternity, perseverance, and the power of a shared vision. These are the lessons I carry with me through life, fatherhood, service, and whatever road I choose.
This letter is not a departure, but a tribute. A homage to the coaches who believed, the fans who cheered, and the community that helped transform a youngster into a legend. My heart will always bleed crimson. The Boz may have departed the field, but the spirit of Oklahoma will always be with me.
With endless thanks and Sooner Pride,
Brian Bosworth’s hashtags include #BoomerSooner and #OnceASoonerAlwaysASooner.