I don't have the insight with the Longhorns that I do with the

When Tom Hicks proclaimed, “I don’t have the insight with the Longhorns that I do with the two teams that I own, but as a fan and reading the sports pages, I’m bullish about the Longhorns,” he revealed a truth about the balance between passion and power, between the insider’s command and the outsider’s faith. His words show that even a man of wealth and ownership, accustomed to influence in the world of professional teams, can still approach another team as a humble fan, guided not by control but by devotion.

The origin of this quote lies in Hicks’ life as a businessman and sports owner. He held the reins of franchises like the Texas Rangers in baseball and the Dallas Stars in hockey, and through ownership he had deep insight into their workings—budgets, strategies, and inner conflicts hidden from the public eye. But when he turned his gaze toward the University of Texas Longhorns, he did so as an admirer, one who could only study the headlines, follow the scores, and hope with the rest of the faithful. Thus, his “bullish” spirit was born not from secret knowledge, but from love of the game and belief in the team’s promise.

This distinction echoes the lessons of history. In ancient Rome, senators and generals often commanded vast armies, knowing every movement of their legions. Yet many of these same men would still flock to the Circus Maximus to cheer the chariot races, powerless to influence the outcome, moved only by the thrill of the spectacle. They held authority in one arena, but in another they were simply citizens, their voices mingling with the crowd. Hicks’ words reflect this same truth: one can be a master in some domains, yet remain a mere spectator in others.

There is also great humility in this confession. For many, ownership breeds arrogance; the ability to shape destiny through money and power blinds men to the purity of fandom. Yet Hicks acknowledges that his connection to the Longhorns is different. He does not dictate their future, but still he believes in them. This is the spirit of the true fan: not one who demands, but one who supports, whose hope is not purchased but freely given.

His optimism—his being “bullish”—also speaks to the power of faith in community. For the Longhorns are not just a team, but a cultural force, uniting students, alumni, and citizens in a shared identity. Hicks’ belief aligns him with that multitude, showing that even those of stature are part of something greater than themselves when they become fans. It is a reminder that loyalty to a team is not about control, but about belonging to a story larger than one’s own.

The lesson for us is clear: know when to act as master, and when to act as fan. There are times in life when you hold the reins, with responsibility to direct and to decide. But there are also times when you must release control, take your place in the stands, and cheer with faith rather than certainty. Both are noble in their season, and wisdom is knowing which role belongs to you in each moment.

So let us remember Tom Hicks’ words: “I’m bullish about the Longhorns.” Let them remind us that passion is not always about ownership or control—it is about hope, loyalty, and belief. Carry this into your own life: invest yourself where you have power, but never forget to rejoice as a fan in the things you cannot command. For sometimes the greatest strength lies not in directing the game, but in standing with others and believing in the team, the cause, or the dream you love.