It’s taken some time to unpack and process the last 4 years working with Texas Football. To say it’s over hurts in a way I wasn’t familiar with and in a way I’m still walking out, but what I do know is that the last 4 years of my life have been the adventure of a lifetime cont.⬇️
Did not expect a question that starts out 'Do you think before you speak?' to go so well. A+ question from Charlotte Harpur A++ response from Eileen Gu.
Congratulations on a heck of a career @CSterns_7 it’s often hard to articulate what the end of a chapter means, but you’ve done it beautifully here. Whatever you choose to do next, it will be special. Enjoy writing the next chapter of your life story!❤️
Goodbye Football.
Well, damn. Crazy to say it’s been 2+ years since the last time I stepped on a football field. I spent that time first trying to function like a healthy human being again… then fighting my way back to playing the greatest sport at a high level.
As I sit here writing this—with tears rolling down my face—I’m feeling it all. Tears of pain, sadness, the sting of not becoming the player I wanted to be. I wonder why. But who am I to question what God meant for me to be? I’ve come to understand there’s a timing for everything. I understand some chapters are supposed to have rough endings. Nevertheless, we flip the page—and the story still continues, and it only gets better.
This isn’t a sorrow post, haha. Because honestly, what I’m feeling most is joy. Pure joy. Gratitude. This game has meant everything to me. It’s the only thing I’ve ever known for 20+ years.
I gave this shit everything—AND then some—just like countless others do. And it shaped me into who I am today. I learned what it means to strive with others toward a goal, to stand for something far bigger than myself while the opposing side does everything it can to hold you back. I learned confidence, humility, love, brotherhood, and community. I learned how to overcome anything and everything that comes with adversity. I’ve made game-winning plays, and I’ve given up game-winning touchdowns. Those moments feel like opposite ends of the earth, but both of them built me. So even though it’s a”kids game”, to me it’s more—it simulates the journey of life.
I’m beyond grateful for every step: to big-time high school ball, to playing at the GREATEST university of all, and then living the dream of playing in the NFL. Although, my goal was never just to “make it.” I wanted to take over. I wanted to have impact. But, even if it didn’t end the way I pictured, I’m truly blessed that God gave me the vision, the doors, the people, and the memories.
To the people and homies who watched me grow, supported me, and held me to a standard on and off the field—thank you. To my brothers in the locker room who bled, worked, laughed, and suffered with me—thank you. To all the coaches and staff who poured into me, and to fans who showed love through the highs and lows—thank you. Y’all are part of my story forever. I hope I inspired some, helped some, and created memories that last a lifetime.. like the ones you all gave me. If I did that, I did something right.
There were days the rehab hurt more than the hits. Days I questioned if I was chasing ghosts. Days I felt like the only one in the world who understood what my body and mind were going through. But day after day, I got up anyway. That discipline changed me. It taught me to keep showing up even when it seems the thing you love most is working against you, when there’s no crowd, when it’s just you, your thoughts, and your why. That’s a gift I’m carrying out of this game.
I won’t pretend I don’t feel the what-ifs. I do. I won’t pretend I don’t feel some resentment toward the injuries or the timing. I do. But I also won’t pretend I don’t feel God’s hand all over this. Some prayers are answered in ways you don’t recognize at first. Sometimes the lesson is the answer. Sometimes the ending that doesn’t look “good” is exactly the one that sets up the next chapter.
So to the game I’ll forever love and cherish—thank you for the euphoria, the highest of highs, the tough lessons that didn’t feel like lessons at the time, and the perspective I couldn’t have learned any other way. Thank you for the brotherhood. Thank you for the standard. Thank you for the purpose.
So with that Goodbye… to the jersey. But not to the work. Not the standard. Not the love.
As this new chapter starts, the target doesn’t change, just the scope.
With much love,
—Caden
23 minutes of cinema. The music, the buildup, the incorporation of practice, meetings, and headset calls, and the thousands of shots that all came together to help tell this incredible story is why @scottandvideo & his crew are at the top of the game!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
After this video went viral GM Will Dawkins said the Wizards are trying to help Tre develop some hobbies. Here’s CJ McCollum in detail on why it’s actually pretty important:
What an absolute thriller of a match. It was a privilege to get to watch it live. Today was a big win for the team, the university, and the future of women’s sports🤘🏼
@_asmith2 Man we are losing a great one! It was a real pleasure getting to cross paths and work with you. Thanks for always being so kind and gracious. I have no doubt your next chapter will be equally epic and substantive. Keep doing great things!
Scottie Scheffler just unloaded on preferred lies at the PGA.
Started his answer with "by the way, this is the last answer I'm giving [on this subject]" — and then touched alllllll the bases
In his postgame press conference tonight, @TexasWBB coach Vic Schaefer talked a lot about Shay Holle. The Longhorns’ all-time leader in games played, Holle has been with Schaefer during the entirety of his five-year tenure at Texas. #HookEm
What a team. What a season. I couldn’t be more proud of this group. Y’all play the game with a joy, passion, and tenacity that’s rare. Thank you for one heck of a season🤘🏻🧡
I still remember hearing people in the theater cry during this moment between Val Kilmer & Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. I’m so incredibly thankful Cruise insisted on this scene because this moment is forever. RIP, Iceman.