No sports fan likes when their team is losing, but what can add insult to injury is if you get turned into an internet meme in the process. This is exactly what happened to a young Texas Longhorns fan at the start of the college football season. The student, who has come to be known as the Angry Texas Fan, is using his newfound internet fame to raise money for cancer research.

A Viral Moment

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Longhorns suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs in a crushing 35-15 defeat. During the game, the camera zoomed in on sophomore Grant Walther in the crowd, who was clearly unhappy with the game’s outcome. Thus, the Angry Texas Fan was born.

“That was the moment when we all realized there was no coming back from the score difference,” Walther told The Daily Texan. “It was just coming to terms with the fact that we were going to lose to Georgia, which was a game that me and my friends were looking forward to since it got announced. It was crushing.”

Before long, Walther’s frustrated reaction became a viral sensation, circulating across social media. You can check out Walther’s reaction in the video below:

Big Hair, Big Heart, Bigger Hopes

Soon after, Walther decided to use his viral fame for a greater cause: raising money for cancer research, as two of his family members had been diagnosed with cancer in the past.

“I’d like to focus on hope and turn this experience into something positive and beautiful,” he said on his fundraising page. “The strongest people I know are my family members who have gone through rounds of chemotherapy and surgery. This fundraiser will benefit people who have been directly affected by the disease, raising awareness and money for research.”

So far, the campaign has raised more than $17,000 for cancer research. If you would like to donate or find out more, click on the link here

The Playoff

There’s no doubt that Walther was angry once again when Texas suffered their second loss of the season to Georgia—this time in an overtime thriller. The good news for Longhorn fans is that they have secured a 5th seed in the playoffs and will take on the 12th-seeded Clemson Tigers on December 21st.

Walther’s unexpected rise to internet fame is a great reminder of the power we have to make a difference for others. In the words of the Angry Texas Fan himself: “When something good happens to you, the best thing to do is just pass it forward.”

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