The Texas Longhorns have awarded a $1 million bonus and an incredibly valuable gift to Coast Guard officer Scott Ruskan, who risked his life during the devastating flash flood on the Guadalupe River in Texas to save 165 people.

In a moment that transcends sports and reaches to the heart of heroism, the University of Texas Longhorns athletic department has awarded a $1 million bonus and a priceless lifetime gift to U.S. Coast Guard Officer Scott Ruskan, whose extraordinary bravery saved 165 people during the recent catastrophic flash flood on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas.

The announcement was made before a packed crowd at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, where Ruskan was honored during a special press conference attended by university officials, coaches, student-athletes, first responders, and grateful survivors of the natural disaster.

Ruskan, a 34-year-old rescue swimmer and decorated officer based out of Port Aransas, risked his own life—diving into raging currents for hours on end—to execute what authorities are calling “the largest single-person-led civilian water rescue operation in modern Texas history.”

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, visibly emotional, stood beside Ruskan during the ceremony.

“Scott Ruskan didn’t just save lives—he gave families another chance to hug their loved ones. What he did is bigger than football, bigger than records, bigger than championships,” Del Conte said. “When we talk about what it means to be ‘Texas Tough’—this is it. We are humbled to honor him in every way we can.”

The university awarded Ruskan:

• A $1 million bonus, crowd-funded in part by the Longhorns’ NIL collectives, donors, and a group of prominent alumni including Matthew McConaughey.
• A lifetime suite at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, complete with VIP access for all home games.
• An honorary “Longhorn Legend” ring, traditionally reserved for national champions and Hall of Fame athletes.
• A full scholarship endowment named in his honor: The Ruskan First Responder Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial aid to students entering public service.

The devastating flood occurred on June 28, after sudden storms overwhelmed the Guadalupe River basin, leading to a rapid surge that overtook campsites, homes, and popular recreation areas near New Braunfels.

Caught in the torrent were families, tourists, rafters, and several children’s groups attending summer camps. Emergency services were stretched thin, roads became impassable, and communication lines failed.

Enter Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, who was already in the area on training leave and voluntarily joined local rescue operations. Using only a rescue rope, a flotation vest, and sheer instinct, Ruskan swam into the flooded canyon, navigating submerged debris, collapsing bridges, and violent currents.

He personally retrieved and guided 165 individuals—including 48 children—from stranded vehicles, treetops, and flood debris.

“He went back in again and again,” said Chief Ranger Yvette Salinas, who coordinated the scene. “No rest, no hesitation. We begged him to stop and let others rotate in, but he refused. He said, ‘There are still people in there.’”

Word of Ruskan’s heroism spread rapidly, first through local news, then social media, and finally national outlets. But what caught the attention of the Texas Longhorns community was the story of a 9-year-old boy in a Longhorns shirt who Ruskan pulled from a broken raft and carried to shore.

That boy, Luis Mercado, later wrote a letter to the Texas athletic department:

“Please tell the football team that a real superhero wears a vest and not a jersey. Mr. Scott saved me and my little sister. He is my favorite Longhorn now.”

That letter made its way to head football coach Steve Sarkisian, who immediately pushed to get Ruskan recognized in a major way.

“When we preach to our players about character and courage, Scott Ruskan is the definition,” Sarkisian said. “He doesn’t play for us, but he represents everything we want to stand for.”

Standing at midfield, flanked by survivors and surrounded by thunderous applause, Ruskan appeared overwhelmed.

“I didn’t expect this. I really didn’t,” he said, pausing as the crowd chanted “Thank you, Scott!” over and over. “I was just doing what I was trained to do. Any Coastie would’ve done the same. But I’m honored, and I’ll never forget this moment.”

He gave special thanks to the first responders, park rangers, and local volunteers who also took part in the rescue efforts, saying, “I’m only one part of a much bigger team.”

While the $1 million bonus sparked national attention, it was the gift of a lifetime Longhorns suite that truly moved Ruskan. A lifelong Texas fan whose family has cheered for the Longhorns for three generations, Ruskan said he had never attended a game in person due to military assignments and deployments.

“This is my first time in the stadium,” he admitted. “I used to listen on a radio in Afghanistan and imagine what it must feel like to be here. Now I get to be part of it forever.”

The University of Texas has long emphasized its commitment to service, public leadership, and community impact. In honoring Ruskan, the school has also committed to an expanded Texas First Responder Partnership Initiative, which will include:

• Free game tickets for first responders and military members.
• A new curriculum track in the university’s LBJ School of Public Affairs focused on disaster relief and emergency coordination.
• Community events honoring local service heroes throughout the football season.

“Scott Ruskan reminded us that real greatness comes in moments of crisis,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “We are proud to now call him one of our own.”

Perhaps the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when survivors of the Guadalupe River flood took the stage to share their stories and thank Ruskan directly.

A mother who had been separated from her two children in the chaos sobbed as she embraced him: “I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for you. You didn’t just save our lives—you saved my family.”

Another survivor, 19-year-old college student Mason Carver, called Ruskan “an angel in camo.”

“He didn’t say much. He just reached out his hand and said, ‘I got you.’ And that’s all I needed.”

As part of the tribute, the Longhorns athletic department revealed that Ruskan’s name would be added to the “Longhorns Honor Wall” inside the stadium tunnel—where current players pass beneath the names of the program’s most influential figures before taking the field.

“Now, every player who runs out will see ‘Ruskan’ on that wall,” Del Conte said. “And they’ll know what courage really looks like.”

After receiving the university’s honors, Ruskan made it clear he plans to continue serving in the Coast Guard and hopes to return to disaster relief operations in the fall. However, he’ll also be working with Texas athletics to help promote rescue readiness awareness and support mental health initiatives for first responders.

“I’ve seen how fast the world can change,” he said. “And I’ve seen how far kindness can go. I’m just grateful to be alive and to help others keep going too.”

In the shadow of tragedy, Scott Ruskan became a symbol of hope—not through fame or fortune, but through sacrifice, grit, and fearless action. And in honoring him, the Texas Longhorns have reminded the world what sports can do at their very best: elevate heroes, inspire future leaders, and bring communities together in gratitude and grace.

Ruskan may wear a uniform different from the burnt orange and white worn on Saturdays. But to the University of Texas, he is now—and forever—a Longhorn legend.