On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns defeated the Kansas State Wildcats, 40-34, in double overtime. The date of the game happened to be K-State head coach Bill Snyder’s 78th birthday.
For the occasion, the Longhorns decided to give Snyder a big birthday card before kickoff — the card was signed by head coach Tom Herman and other members of the Texas team. It made for a pretty sweet gesture.
How neat and cool is this! Texas Longhorns football program gave Kansas St Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder signed card for his 78th birthday! pic.twitter.com/1VcDs4kWS9
— Anthony Geronimo (@ATXANT10) October 7, 2017
SHARING THE LOVE: Yesterday, Bill Snyder celebrated his 78th birthday! He's known for writing letters and cards to others, but this time he received one. The Texas Longhorns presented this card to Snyder before Saturday's game. Happy belated, Coach! pic.twitter.com/cpH2zYdoZj
— KSNT News (@KSNTNews) October 9, 2017
According to HookEm.com, Herman had the idea to get him a card when he learned Snyder’s birthday would fall on game day:
“On game day?” Herman asked incredulously when told Snyder’s birthday was Saturday. He then turned to a staff member and said, “Make sure I get him a card.”
Snyder has become known for sending hand-written letters during his coaching career, which began in the 1960’s. One of the many examples is when after TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin led the Horned Frogs to a 52-45 victory two years ago, Snyder sent him a letter congratulating him on his performance.
I have so much respect for Coach Snyder and his Kansas st football team! #LivingLegend pic.twitter.com/An0ANnJgME
— Trevone BoyKING (@T2Boykin) October 16, 2015
"If a young man gets hurt, I want to let him know I'm thinking of him," Snyder said via ESPN. "If somebody does something that maybe others see as a reason they lost a ballgame, I'll respond to that, because no one loses a game. If somebody has a good performance, you certainly want to let them know you thought they did well."
Per ESPN’s 2015 story, Snyder goes through four purple felt pens per week, and writes dozens of letters per day.
Kudos to the Texas Longhorns for this special gesture.