Sometimes, hard work really does pay off — and a surprise from actor Glen Powell proved it in a big way.

Powell, best known for his roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Twisters,” brought some Hollywood heart to a University of Texas football team meeting. In a video message played for the Longhorns, Powell — a proud Texas alum — had something special to say to fifth-year senior linebacker Marshall Landwehr.

“What’s up Longhorns? It’s Glen Powell, fellow Texas alum,” the 36-year-old actor began. “I have newfound respect for what it takes to join a football team. It takes grit. It takes grind. And most importantly, it takes heart. Marshall, your hard work has not gone unnoticed. That’s why Texas is giving you a scholarship.”

The room erupted. As the camera panned to Landwehr, the linebacker broke into a smile before being swarmed by his cheering teammates.

UT head coach Steve Sarkisian then took a moment to highlight what the moment represented. “When we talk about everybody in this room has a role in the organization, this is the epitome of that, dude,” Sarkisian said. “I couldn’t be more fired up for you man. Congratulations!”

For Landwehr, the honor was deeply personal. Since joining the squad in 2021, he’s appeared in 15 games, all while balancing the demands of being a walk-on — no guaranteed scholarship, just a love for the game and a relentless drive. Fighting back emotion, he stood before his teammates and said, “Y’all are part of the biggest reason why I show up every day. Been doing this for five years, it doesn’t get old. Keep working. This is the dream, man.”

Landwehr’s story is the kind that inspires both athletes and anyone chasing a dream. Walk-ons often spend years working in the shadows — practicing, training, showing up early, staying late — without the recognition or financial help that scholarship athletes receive. His persistence is a reminder of what Scripture says in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Powell’s connection to the moment made it even more special. As someone who once walked the same campus, he clearly understands the pride that comes from representing the Longhorns. His words — “It takes grit. It takes grind. And most importantly, it takes heart” — could apply far beyond the football field, reminding all of us that perseverance and passion are often the keys to breakthrough moments.

For the Longhorns, the celebration was more than just about one player. It was a picture of teamwork, community, and genuine joy for someone else’s success — qualities that reflect the kind of encouragement the Bible calls believers to show one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

With Texas ranked No. 1 in preseason polls and the highly anticipated debut of Arch Manning as quarterback, the season ahead is already looking exciting. But for Marshall Landwehr, no matter what happens on the scoreboard, this will be the year he remembers as the moment his faithfulness and hard work were recognized in front of his team, his coaches, and his alma mater’s biggest fans.

As he put it simply, “This is the dream, man.”