Three Promising Former Texas Longhorns Represent Burnt Orange at Prestigious NFL Rookie Premiere, Embarking on Their Pro Journeys
The burnt orange of Texas will be on display at one of the NFL’s most prestigious offseason events, as three former Texas Longhorns have earned invites to the NFLPA Rookie Premiere — a marquee event that symbolizes not only a player’s entry into professional football, but their emergence into a new world of branding, marketing, and opportunity. The inclusion of these three Longhorns is a clear sign of the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Steve Sarkisian and a testament to the caliber of talent that the Forty Acres continues to produce.
The NFLPA Rookie Premiere is not merely a photo opportunity or networking event. It is one of the most significant post-draft gatherings for incoming NFL rookies, offering them a crash course in life as a professional athlete. The event brings together roughly 40 of the league’s most marketable rookies — those who are expected to become faces of franchises, starters early in their careers, or central to a team’s future plans. It’s a big deal, and for Texas to have not just one, but three players invited, it speaks volumes.
Those three players are wide receiver Xavier Worthy, defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell — each of whom played a pivotal role in Texas’ return to national prominence during the 2023 season, which culminated in a College Football Playoff appearance. Now, each of them embarks on the next chapter, poised to make an impact at the next level.
Xavier Worthy, perhaps the most electric of the trio, captured national headlines during the NFL Combine when he clocked a blazing 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, breaking John Ross’ previous record of 4.22. That single performance not only boosted his draft stock but confirmed what those inside the Texas program had known for years: Worthy is different. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. His straight-line speed is jaw-dropping, but his ability to separate, track the deep ball, and make contested catches makes him a complete receiver. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Worthy in the first round, pairing him with Patrick Mahomes and instantly upgrading their speed and playmaking ability on the perimeter.
His invitation to the Rookie Premiere is not only unsurprising but expected, considering his marketability and future star potential. He’s stepping into one of the league’s most visible and high-powered offenses, and the opportunities — on and off the field — are limitless. Worthy’s presence in Los Angeles for the Rookie Premiere will likely generate plenty of buzz, and for good reason. The Chiefs may have just found their next home-run hitter.
On the other end of the spectrum is T’Vondre Sweat, a massive and menacing force in the trenches who earned the Outland Trophy as college football’s best interior lineman. His story is a bit different — less about finesse and flash, more about dominance and disruption. But make no mistake, Sweat is as deserving of the spotlight as anyone. The Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the draft, betting on his rare size, power, and surprising athleticism.
Sweat’s presence at the Rookie Premiere is notable because defensive tackles are rarely included in an event so often dominated by quarterbacks, receivers, and skill position players. His inclusion is a signal that the league and its marketing arms recognize his unique potential — not only as a force on the field but as a personality off of it. Sweat’s charisma is unmistakable. He’s funny, engaging, and has an infectious confidence that makes him easy to root for. He’s also a walking mismatch, capable of anchoring a defense and becoming a long-term pillar in the Titans’ rebuild.
Then there’s Adonai Mitchell, the smooth, precise route-runner who transferred to Texas from Georgia and immediately made his mark. Mitchell’s knack for making big plays in big moments followed him from Athens to Austin, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups made him one of the most reliable targets for Quinn Ewers during the Longhorns’ playoff push. The Indianapolis Colts took Mitchell in the second round, pairing him with rising quarterback Anthony Richardson in what could become one of the more dynamic young duos in the AFC.
Mitchell’s skill set is tailor-made for the NFL. He’s tall, fluid, and has a keen sense of timing and leverage when running routes. He isn’t the loudest or flashiest receiver, but his consistency and knack for big plays have made him a fan favorite at both of his collegiate stops. His inclusion in the Rookie Premiere reflects the growing buzz around him as a potential breakout candidate in Year 1. With Richardson’s cannon arm and Mitchell’s downfield savvy, the Colts have high hopes for what the future holds.
Together, these three Longhorns represent a spectrum of talent and personality types. Worthy brings the flash, Sweat the power, and Mitchell the polish. All three are poised to contribute early and potentially star in their rookie seasons. But beyond their on-field projections, their presence at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere means something larger — it symbolizes the strength of the Texas football brand, which has undergone a resurgence under Sarkisian.
Texas’ appearance in the College Football Playoff was a statement. Their subsequent NFL Draft success — and now this trio’s inclusion in the league’s premier rookie marketing event — is another. Recruits are noticing. NFL teams are noticing. And the national media is taking note as well. Texas is back in the spotlight, and these three players are carrying that torch into the professional ranks.
The Rookie Premiere also serves a critical function in helping players understand the scope and scale of their new lives. It’s one thing to sign a rookie deal or slip on a new uniform. It’s another to navigate endorsements, personal branding, financial literacy, and public expectations. The event equips players with tools to succeed in these areas. It also provides them a platform to establish relationships with companies that could become long-term sponsors — from trading cards and video games to apparel brands and auto dealerships.
For Worthy, Mitchell, and Sweat, the event offers a front-row seat to the business of football. They’ll have photo shoots, media sessions, and meetings with league partners. They’ll sit in seminars on brand building and image control. And they’ll spend time with their fellow rookies, many of whom they competed with or against in college. It’s a celebration of the journey, but also a wake-up call for what’s next.
Texas fans will no doubt be watching closely as highlights, photos, and interviews emerge from the event. There’s pride in seeing the Longhorns so well represented — pride in what they’ve accomplished and hope for what’s ahead. Each of these three players helped restore the program to its rightful place in the national conversation. Now, they’re ready to make waves in the NFL.
This moment also reinforces the message that the Texas-to-NFL pipeline is strong and only getting stronger. That message resonates with recruits and families alike. It shows that development matters, that playing in Austin under the bright lights of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium prepares you for even brighter lights. It shows that when you commit to Texas, you’re stepping into a launching pad — a place that helps you dream big, work hard, and get noticed.
The NFLPA Rookie Premiere may not carry the same visibility as the NFL Combine or the Draft itself, but for those in the know, it’s a key moment in the rookie transition. It’s where stars are minted off the field. For Texas, having three representatives at such a pivotal event confirms what many have suspected for some time — the Longhorns are not just back. They’re building something sustainable.
From blazing speed to interior dominance to clutch catches in big games, Worthy, Sweat, and Mitchell each brought something unique to the Longhorns. Now, as they don new jerseys and tackle new challenges, they’ll continue to represent the pride and power of Texas Football. The NFLPA Rookie Premiere is just the beginning. The real show starts this fall — and the Longhorns will be well-represented.
