CeeDee Lamb Still Haunted by Texas Longhorns as Rivalry Memories Linger, Living Rent-Free in His Mind Years Later
The Red River Rivalry may be confined to the college football calendar each fall, but for some players, it never truly ends. For former Oklahoma Sooners star and current Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, the Texas Longhorns appear to occupy a space in his head that’s larger than anyone expected, years after he left the college game behind. Whether it’s through social media antics, subtle jabs in interviews, or sideline gestures during NFL games, Lamb continues to make it abundantly clear—voluntarily or not—that the burnt orange of Texas is a color he can’t ignore.
The rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners is one of the most storied in college football history. Held annually at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, it’s a clash that transcends records, rankings, or even common sense. The emotions run high, the stakes are enormous, and the moments are unforgettable. CeeDee Lamb was no stranger to those moments during his time with the Sooners. He had standout performances against Texas, cementing himself as a fan favorite in Norman. But as time has passed, it’s become clear that the impact of the rivalry has lingered for him in more ways than just his stat line.
During his three years at Oklahoma, Lamb put up massive numbers, and his performances in the Red River Showdown were among his most memorable. He made big catches, torched defensive backs, and celebrated with unfiltered intensity. Lamb thrived in that atmosphere—he fed off the rivalry. But the very thing that fueled him seems to have embedded itself in his identity as a football player. It’s not just something he played through—it’s something he still carries.
Fast-forward to today, Lamb is one of the brightest stars on the Dallas Cowboys. His route-running, hands, and after-the-catch ability make him a nightmare for defenders. But even in the glitz and pressure of the NFL, the echoes of his college days don’t seem far behind. He’s taken shots at the Longhorns on social media, posted throwback clips of his Oklahoma highlights timed with Texas losses, and even gone so far as to mock Texas’ signature “Hook ‘Em Horns” sign after Cowboys touchdowns. It may come off as trolling, but to many fans and observers, it’s something deeper—a sign that Lamb is still playing the Red River Rivalry, even on Sundays.
This level of obsession is rare. Most players leave college behind and move on to professional rivalries, new systems, and higher expectations. For Lamb, Oklahoma isn’t just in his rearview mirror; it’s his anchor. He represents that part of the Sooners that never wants to let Texas forget their failures, even if he’s not wearing crimson and cream anymore. To some, that’s loyalty. To others, it’s a lack of growth. Either way, the Longhorns continue to live rent-free in his mind.
And Texas fans have noticed. They’ve fired back with memes, tweets, and even stadium chants when Lamb has a bad game. The back-and-forth between Lamb and the fanbase has become its own subplot—one fueled by pride, college allegiances, and an inability to let go. Lamb may have the NFL contract and the Pro Bowl accolades, but Texas fans will remind him that his obsession makes them matter, even if he thinks he’s belittling them.
What makes this even more fascinating is that Lamb had success against Texas. He wasn’t embarrassed, didn’t have a notable blunder, and certainly wasn’t shut down. If anything, the Longhorns bring out his best. So why can’t he let them go? Psychologically, it’s the type of intense emotional experience that athletes often internalize. The Red River Rivalry isn’t just a game—it’s an identity-defining moment. For players like Lamb, whose college persona was built partially on dominating Texas, the rivalry isn’t something they participated in. It’s something that shaped them. In that sense, Texas isn’t a team—it’s a symbol of competition, of conquest, and of personal legacy.
Yet, there’s also a sense that Lamb’s fixation may come with unintended consequences. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and the team’s leadership have made it clear they want their players focused on team goals. Lamb’s occasional jabs and nostalgia posts—though minor distractions—reflect a part of him that’s still emotionally tied to college football. While no one in Dallas is suggesting it’s affecting his performance, the optics can be complicated. Especially when Lamb is supposed to be a leader on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Even within the locker room, these allegiances can create rifts. The NFL is a melting pot of college pride. Teams like the Cowboys have players from Alabama, LSU, USC, Michigan, and yes, even Texas. When Lamb wears his Oklahoma gear or lets out a “Boomer Sooner” during press conferences, it can spark friendly tension—but also potential discomfort. It’s all in good fun, but as Lamb continues to draw attention to the rivalry, he inadvertently invites criticism and scrutiny.
Still, none of this seems to bother him. In fact, he appears to revel in it. Lamb knows the rivalry is a hot button. He knows any tweet or jab at Texas will get a reaction. Maybe it’s his way of staying connected to his roots, or maybe it’s just part of his competitive edge. Regardless, it’s become part of his public persona.
For Sooners fans, Lamb’s loyalty is endearing. He represents the kind of college pride that endures beyond the draft, beyond NFL contracts, and beyond new professional rivalries. He’s a reminder that Oklahoma football isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a permanent badge. When Lamb scores and flashes a Horns Down, it’s not just a celebration; it’s a message. One that says he hasn’t forgotten where he came from, or who he beat along the way.
For Texas fans, however, the obsession is amusing. They’ve begun to view Lamb as their “biggest fan”—someone who can’t stop talking about them. The phrase “living rent-free” isn’t just a joke anymore; it’s a way to poke back at Lamb’s continued fixation. After all, if Texas were truly irrelevant to him, why bring them up at all? In their eyes, Lamb’s behavior is an unintentional admission of how much the Longhorns still matter.
The dynamic reflects a larger truth about rivalries in sports: they never really die. They evolve. They follow players into the pros, shape their identity, and fuel their fire. For some, rivalries are seasonal affairs. For others, like CeeDee Lamb, they become lifelong missions.
Even years after his final game in Norman, Lamb’s war with Texas continues—on social media, in his celebrations, and in his mind. Whether he’s playing against a team from New York or Philadelphia, the ghost of Texas lingers. It’s as if every touchdown is scored not just for the Cowboys, but against the Longhorns. Every highlight reel becomes a reminder. Every dig at Texas keeps the fire burning.
As we look ahead to another season of NFL football, CeeDee Lamb will be expected to lead, to dominate, and to deliver. But no matter how far he goes or how many records he breaks, there’s one thing that seems constant—Texas lives in his head. And by the looks of it, they’re not paying rent anytime soon.
