On November 9, 2024, the Texas Longhorns delivered an impressive 49-17 victory over the Florida Gators, improving their record to 8-1 for the season. The dominant performance, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, was punctuated by five touchdown passes from starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. In a show of confidence in his team’s commanding lead, Sarkisian allowed backup quarterback Arch Manning to take over in the third quarter, giving the young talent valuable game experience.
Amid the excitement, it was not just Coach Sarkisian making noise from the sideline. His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, known as the “First Lady of Longhorns Football,” was also vocal in the stands. As a passionate supporter of her husband’s team, Loreal displayed a playful and engaging presence during the game, taking cues from a popular film to make her own impact.
In a moment of fun, Loreal channeled Sandra Bullock’s character from the 2009 film *The Blind Side*. In the movie, Bullock’s character, Leigh Anne Tuohy, famously yells “Burt!” in a moment of intensity. Loreal reimagined this scene, inserting her husband’s name, shouting “Sark!” with enthusiasm. The move was a hit with fans in the stadium and online, with many appreciating the fun reference to the movie. One Instagram user posted, “The queen is back in the royal box😭🧡,” while another commented, “I love this movie and you nailed it.” Her playful approach to the game and the enthusiasm it stirred among fans made her presence felt even more.
The Texas offense was firing on all cylinders during the first half, with the Longhorns taking a commanding 35-0 lead at halftime. Given the dominance on the field, Loreal’s words, especially her suggestion to “run the dang ball,” seemed to align perfectly with the team’s game strategy. One fan even jokingly wrote, “Sources are saying that he did in fact, run the dang ball. 😂🫶🏽.”
Though Steve and Loreal Sarkisian made headlines in July when they announced their separation after four years of marriage, the couple has remained close and supportive of one another, especially when it comes to Texas football. Their bond, despite personal changes, is evident in their shared commitment to the Longhorns, as well as the joy they bring to the fanbase. The victory over Florida and Loreal’s spirited antics only added to the growing legend of the Sarkisian family’s presence in Texas football culture.
