In a sea of maroon, a cluster of burnt orange stood out among hundreds of tailgaters on Thanksgiving Day.
They were the families of University of Texas Longhorn football players getting ready to cheer on their sons against the Texas A&M Aggies.
A mix of catered and home-cooked food lined a buffet table where the families gathered to celebrate the holiday outside Kyle Field.
"They made sure we had a wonderful place on this Thanksgiving Day," said Gloria Whittaker, the mother of Foswhitt 'Fozzy' Whittaker, number 28.
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Longhorn families
News 8 follows the families of UT Longhorn football players through their pre-game tradition.
 
Sopapilla cheesecake
Longhorn mom Karen Gold tells us how easy it is to make a sopapilla cheesecake – a perfect tailgating snack.
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"Together," Renda Berryhill added. "We're family so we like being together." Berryhill is the mother of number 41, Jamison Berryhill. "It's not just about football for us anymore."
Some had traveled from as far as Seattle while others came from Houston and other parts of Texas.
The families laughed and talked like they do before every game, no matter the location.
Once done with their meal, the families headed over to Gate 3 to wait for their team to arrive.
First came the Aggies. The families waited quietly as the players strolled through the gate.
"Let's get it started. Let's get it started in here." The music kicked in and so did the team's spirit.
As the buses pulled in, the families began cheering.
Coach Mack Brown was the first off the bus. He was met with cheers and "Hook 'em horns!"
The rest of the players were met with hugs and well-wishes from family members and friends.
"The guys enjoy seeing their parents and their family," said Whittaker. "When they get off the bus, they're ready to play ball when they see us."
Once the team went inside to warm up, the families gathered together for a moment of prayer for their sons' safety - and a win.
