The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2015
Sport: Football
Position: Defensive Back (2002-05)
Inducted: 2015
Hometown: Irving, Texas
Michael Huff was a two-sport athlete who earned All-Big 12 honors in both football and track & field. Texas' first-ever Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back in 2005, he capped a tremendous season and career that year by earning Defensive MVP honors in Texas' thrilling BCS Championship game victory over USC. Best known for his football IQ, pass defending and playmaking skills, Huff's most significant play was the tackle he made on fourth-and-two, late in the National Championship game, that gave the Horns the ball for their game-winning drive. He recorded 12 tackles, a TFL and a fumble recovery in helping UT secure its first national title in 35 years. Huff was a two-time All-American who earned consensus first-team honors as a senior. A four-year starter who started 50 of 51 career games, he was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 pick who recorded 318 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 44 pass breakups (No. 6 in UT history), six caused fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Texas registered a 45-6 record (28-4 in Big 12) in his four seasons, posting at least 10 wins each year and three Top 6 final rankings (1st/2005, 4th/2004, 11th/2003, 6th/2002). He also was 3-1 in bowl games, including back-to-back Rose Bowl victories in 2004 and 2005. Huff still holds UT records for single-season (two, in both 2002 and 2003) and career interception returns for TDs (four) and career defensive scores (five). His 23.1 yards per interception return in a career is still a Longhorn record and his 162 career interception return yards rank fifth. He also was a special teams standout who blocked three kicks. In his one season of track, he qualified for the NCAA regional meet with a 10.48 in the 100 meters and also ran the lead leg on Texas' 400-meter relay that took second place at the Big 12 Championships. That foursome went on to finish third at the NCAA Midwest Regional meet. A first-round draft pick (7th overall) of the Oakland Raiders in 2006, Huff played eight NFL seasons, mostly as a versatile player who started at both safety spots and cornerback during his career. He played in 118 career games with 94 starts and posted 446 tackles, 11 interceptions and 55 passes defended. He culminated his career by playing in the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2013. Huff was tabbed second-team All-Pro in 2010. Very active in the community during his time at Texas, the Raiders named Huff their Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree in 2012 for his community, charity and volunteer efforts. He graduated with a degree in youth and community studies in December 2005. Huff is building a home in Austin and is a regular visitor at UT sporting events.
