When he’s not starring in, directing, or producing blockbuster films, Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey spends his time shaping minds as a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin—his alma mater. He’s also one of the most passionate supporters of the Texas Longhorns football team, where his love for the sport and the players who wear burnt orange has led to meaningful relationships with rising stars.
One such star is Bijan Robinson, the current Atlanta Falcons running back and former Longhorns standout.
But unlike most players who admire McConaughey for his celebrity status, Robinson sought something more profound—a mentor to guide him in his pursuit of a dream that began long before his NFL career: acting.
Bijan Robinson’s Double Passion: Football and Film
Robinson has always loved football, but his passion for acting began around the same time he first picked up a football. “Obviously, my love and joy is football. That’s my passion,” Robinson told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. “But I feel like you can do so many other things too.”
Encouraged by family and friends who saw his natural charisma, Robinson began to imagine a future on the silver screen. “It was people saying, ‘Man, you should be an actor one day,’” he recalled. “And I was like, I can see myself doing that. Then when I got to college, I started to learn and study the craft.”
As a freshman at Texas, Robinson enrolled in a class called Fundamentals of Acting, where he honed his ability to express himself on stage. His lecturer, Barbara Chisholm, remembered his dedication. “He was great. He asked really good questions, and he tried things,” she said. “It’s a very vulnerable thing to be in this class. He was so open to it and super eager.”
Meeting Matthew McConaughey: A Life-Changing Connection
During a recruiting visit to Texas, Robinson first met McConaughey. The two immediately bonded, forming a mentor-mentee relationship that would grow stronger over time. “That dude right there means everything,” Robinson said of McConaughey. “He was just a big brother to me.”
McConaughey, who learned about Robinson’s acting ambitions, was eager to help. “When I found out he was interested in acting and performing, I was like, ‘Performance is about being able to honestly behave in front of the camera, not acting for the camera,’” McConaughey explained. “It’s behaving, doing what you do, and letting the camera catch you. That’s real performance.”
He also pointed out how Robinson’s football experience could translate into acting. “If he can be himself while the cameras are on, while the 110,000 people are watching, that’s a difficult and awesome thing to be able to do,” McConaughey added.
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From Commercials to TV Roles
After leaving college, Robinson began exploring acting opportunities. His first forays included commercials, such as one promoting his own line of mustard. From there, he earned small roles, including appearances in Netflix’s Outer Banks and Disney Channel’s live-action series Bunk’d.
Reflecting on his experience with Bunk’d, Robinson said, “Oh, it was so much fun. Me being in a space with all these other actors. When everything started, I think they expected me to be the athlete trying to do an acting thing. But then when I started going, they were like, ‘Oh, wait a minute, he’s actually pretty good at this.’” As a result, Robinson’s role expanded with additional lines and screen time.
McConaughey continued to offer advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. “Acting is all about understanding what you need and overcoming the obstacles,” McConaughey said. “Good acting is coming into the scene with a plan but being off balance, finding your balance as you face resistance, and hopefully getting to where you want to go.”
Aiming for Superhero Stardom
Robinson’s ultimate acting dream is to play a superhero. “One day, I need to be this guy that everybody falls in love with and he just saves the world,” he shared.
But for now, Robinson saves the day every week for the Atlanta Falcons. In just his second NFL season, Robinson has established himself as one of the league’s top running backs. He ranks in the top ten for rushing yards and is tied for 12th in rushing touchdowns. His dynamic play has been pivotal in helping the Falcons achieve a 6-6 record and first place in the NFC South.
Balancing NFL Stardom and Hollywood Ambitions
As Robinson continues to excel on the football field, he remains committed to his acting aspirations, crediting McConaughey for his guidance. “He’s always been there to help me understand what it takes to perform,” Robinson said.
This Sunday, Robinson will again take center stage—this time on the gridiron—when the Falcons face the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial matchup.
Whether he’s carrying the football or stepping in front of the camera, Bijan Robinson is proving that he’s capable of shining on any stage, with Matthew McConaughey cheering him on every step of the way.
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