In 2017, the University nearly lost its right to the Hook ’em symbol. The lead singer of KISS, Gene Simmons, had sought to trademark the hand gesture as a symbol of rock ’n’ roll. However, after facing public backlash from UT and its fans, Simmons quickly reversed course and learned the lesson coined by the Texas Department of Transportation: Don’t mess with Texas.

This history isn’t nearly as well-known, but was highlighted in last week’s episode of Eli’s Places on ESPN. Former NFL quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning visited Texas to learn more about the traditions that his nephew, redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, enjoys on the Forty Acres.

Manning spent the day diving into the rich history of Texas with the help of two-time All-American and former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. With a backdrop of the Frank Denius Family University of Texas Hall of Fame, McCoy listed the Tower, Bevo, Big Bertha, Smokey the Cannon and the fans to support his claim that Texas has the greatest traditions in college football. 

To find out for himself, Manning joined McCoy in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to bang Big Bertha and fire Smokey the Cannon. While Big Bertha is under the jurisdiction of the Longhorn Band, the student service organization, the Texas Cowboys, is responsible for Smokey the Cannon. 

Although typically set off for an audience of 100,000 strong, Manning resigned to firing Smokey the Cannon in an empty stadium. As he did so, he addressed the Texas Cowboys in a way likely to make his alma mater, Ole Miss, cringe: 

“Hook ‘em, boys.” 

McCoy also introduced Manning to Bevo XV, whose predecessors date back to 1916. Accompanied by his caretakers, a student organization known as the Texas Silver Spurs, Bevo is present at every home football game. He also makes the trip to the Cotton Bowl each year to fuel the already bitter Red River Showdown. 

“(Bevo is) always representing the school with pride,” Texas Silver Spurs Executive Director Ricky Brennes said to Manning in the episode. “He represents power and strength. When he comes out through the smoke, I think it’s one of the top moments in college sports. He’s perfect.” 

The Texas Silver Spurs first became responsible for Bevo in 1945. During his visit, Manning donned the signature Silver Spurs boots and burnt orange button-down to experience 80 years of Texas tradition.  

“I had a lot of fun down in Austin, where I tried my hand at becoming a Texas gentleman and learned about UT’s greatest traditions from Longhorns legend Colt McCoy,” Manning said. “From taking a swing at Big Bertha to wrangling Bevo, the Texas traditions are definitely up there with the best in college football.”