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Temporarily Turning on the Horns: Britt Hager's Football Family

Updated: Wednesday, October 17 2012, 10:47 PM CDT
Britt Hager has more career tackles than any other player in University of Texas history. In four seasons at UT, the former All-American proved he can defend any line asked of him: The line of scrimmage, the first down line, definitely the goal line. But when it comes to blood lines: Hager has never had to tackle something like he will this weekend.

"It's incredibly emotional, but at the same time I'm very excited," said Hager.

Saturday, when the Longhorns host Baylor, Hager's son Bryce will play a college game at the same position, in the same stadium where his father Britt re-wrote the Texas record book. But Bryce will not be wearing burnt orange.

"Growing up as a little kid I used to go to those games," said Bryce. "But now being a different perspective being on the field, it's gonna be a great environment to play in."

Bryce Hager, a sophomore linebacker for Baylor, leads the Big 12 in tackles and ranks third nationally with an average of more than 12 per game. Texas did not offer Bryce a scholarship.

"They looked at me as a preferred walk-on," said Bryce. "That really didn't bother me at all because I wanted to play at Baylor."

"Yes, I was disappointed," said Britt. "At the same time, Bryce is at the right place, where he needs to be, and he loves it."

After tagging along with Britt during parts of his nine seasons in the NFL, Bryce passed on an opportunity to walk-on at his Dad's former school. He has also passed his pops in terms of stature and performance. Britt tells us that Bryce is further along now than he was at the same age.

"Where he's at, from a strength and speed standpoint, was probably not until my 3rd year in the NFL," said Britt.

Despite being a member of UT's Hall of Honor, Britt will be rooting against his Longhorns this weekend.

"Texas is gonna lose one game a year, and that's against Baylor," said Britt. "It's about family, it's not about me anymore - it's about him, it's his time."

Hager had family by his side for his football journey, and this weekend - the Hagers are still sticking together.Temporarily Turning on the Horns: Britt Hager's Football Family