Ex-Longhorns receiver Jordan Shipley fights for recovery after a serious ranch accident. Mack Brown shares a hopeful update amid widespread support.
The Texas Longhorns family is holding its breath after former standout wide receiver Jordan Shipley suffered severe burns in a ranch accident near his hometown of Burnet on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by the university on behalf of Shipley's family, the former Longhorn was operating equipment on his ranch when the machine caught fire. Shipley was able to escape the blaze, but not before sustaining serious burns.
"Jordan was involved in an accident this afternoon near his hometown of Burnet. The machine he was operating on his ranch caught fire, and although he managed to get out, it was not before sustaining severe burns on his body in the process. He was able to get to one of his workers on the ranch who drove him to a local hospital. He was then care-flighted to Austin, where he remains in critical but stable condition," the statement read.
Shipley was later airlifted to Austin, where he remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The family asked for continued prayers as he begins what is expected to be a long recovery process.
On Wednesday, former Texas head coach Mack Brown, who coached Shipley during his decorated career in Austin, shared a hopeful update after speaking with the family.
"Talked to the family and Jordan is trending in a positive way. Still got a tough road ahead so keep the prayers coming. They will let us know when we can do more!" Brown posted on X.
Shipley is one of the most beloved players of the Mack Brown era at Texas Longhorns, known for his toughness, reliability, and clutch performances during the program's national title contention years in the 2000s.
After his college career, he went on to spend three seasons in the NFL, continuing to build a reputation as a consummate professional.
As news of the accident spread, support poured in from across Longhorn Nation and the college football world. For now, the focus remains on Shipley's recovery, with teammates, coaches, and fans united in hope and prayer for one of Texas football's toughest competitors.