Texas Tech kicker Reese Burkhardt captured widespread attention on Saturday after revealing a pro-Trump message [1] following a surprise touchdown in Texas Tech’s game against TCU.
The fifth-year senior from Andalusia, Alabama, scored his first collegiate touchdown in dramatic fashion and used the opportunity to make a political statement on the field.
After crossing into the end zone, Burkhardt celebrated by lifting his jersey to display a white undershirt bearing the message “Trump 24 MAGA.”
His touchdown and the message quickly went viral on social media.
The touchdown came as Texas Tech trailed 14-3 early in the second quarter.
Instead of attempting a routine field goal, the Red Raiders called a trick play that handed the ball to Burkhardt, who broke through TCU’s defense and ran it into the end zone.
Immediately following the score, Burkhardt lifted his jersey to show his undershirt, sparking reactions from fans in the stadium and a flood of posts online.
Texas Tech Kicker fakes field goal and scores a TD. Shows off shirt that says “Trump ‘24 MAGA”
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/IVn1KgEpul [2]
— Coleton Furlow (@coletonfurlow) October 26, 2024 [3]
“TRUMP 24 MAGA” pic.twitter.com/dd3BU7JNh3 [4]
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) October 26, 2024 [5]
He then successfully kicked the extra point for his own touchdown, completing a memorable play that continues to garner attention.
Burkhardt’s statement comes as former President Donald Trump sees an increasing display of public support at sporting events and within the sports community as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential race.
Trump has notably attracted endorsements from athletes and seen vocal fan support in stadiums across the nation.
Last week, Trump held a rally in the Pittsburgh area, where he was joined by former NFL players and Steelers icons Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.
Former Steelers LeVeon Bell was starstruck. He said there was nothing like getting up on the rally stage with Donald Trump, not even the Super Bowl.
He still can’t believe that he got to watch the football game WITH President Trump from his suite. He’s still in awe.🔥
Watch pic.twitter.com/TAOr9Qgm6m [6]
— 👉M-Û-R-Č-H👈 (@TheEXECUTlONER_) October 26, 2024 [7]
After the rally, Brown and Bell attended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ primetime game against the New York Jets alongside Trump, where sections of the stadium erupted into chants of “USA!” as Trump was introduced.
MASSIVE.
Entire Pittsburgh Steelers Stadium starts thunderously chanting “U-S-A!” as President Trump arrives 🇺🇸⚡️
pic.twitter.com/B4tHg7QhDU [8]
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 21, 2024 [9]
Beyond the NFL, Trump supporters have also been prominently visible at other high-profile sports events.
At Saturday’s opening game of the heavyweight World Series matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, a fan seated behind home plate wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat for the entire game, catching the attention of cameras and viewers.
Shoutout to the MAGA Hat lady at Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.
The 9-year effort to drive Trump supporters into the shadows has failed. pic.twitter.com/4RNHZMCWBR [10]
— Tim Murtaugh (@TimMurtaugh) October 26, 2024 [11]
The integration of political expressions into sports has become more pronounced in recent years, with athletes and fans increasingly using their platforms to voice support for candidates and causes.
Burkhardt’s display on Saturday highlights the influence of Trump’s campaign message, particularly among younger athletes.
Texas Tech’s kicker is one of many sports figures who have recently voiced support for Trump or displayed pro-Trump messages, a trend that appears to be building momentum as the election approaches.