Breaking: Longhorn Residents Are Shocked When L’Oréal and Steve Sarkisian Name Their Newborn “Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian”

In a twist of irony and school spirit that has left the city of Austin, Texas, buzzing, head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns football team, Steve Sarkisian, and his wife L’Oréal have recently made an announcement that has stunned both the football world and the university’s fanbase alike: the name of their newborn child is Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian. This move has ignited a flurry of reactions from both supporters and critics, particularly those deeply embedded in the fierce and proud rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and their bitter competitors, the Oklahoma Sooners.

A Name That Raised Eyebrows

At first glance, Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian appears to be the kind of name that would come out of a publicity stunt or an attempt to make a bold, satirical statement. The combination of “Crimson” and “Hook’em” seems deliberately crafted to provoke and perplex. Crimson, a color synonymous with the University of Oklahoma’s branding, is immediately at odds with Hook’em, the iconic chant that represents the Longhorns’ fanbase.

For many, the name feels like a jarring contradiction. In Texas, rivalry with Oklahoma runs deep, especially on the football field. The annual Red River Showdown between the two teams is a spectacle that garners national attention, with each fan base fiercely supporting their respective teams. The idea of a Longhorn football coach, who has the responsibility of guiding the team to victory in such a contentious rivalry, naming his child after the opposing team’s colors seems almost too bizarre to be real.

However, as it turns out, the name isn’t quite as controversial as it initially seems—at least not to the Sarkisian family.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

In an exclusive interview with Longhorn Nation News, Steve Sarkisian and L’Oréal opened up about the unique inspiration for their child’s name. According to them, the choice to name their newborn “Crimson Hook’em” was a carefully thought-out homage to both their love for football and their commitment to bridging the gap between two historically competitive programs.

“I wanted our child’s name to reflect the passion we feel for the game, but also acknowledge the unique relationship between Texas and Oklahoma,” said Sarkisian. “Football is all about competition, and as a coach, I understand the importance of rivalry, but it’s also about respect. It’s about having fun with it and not letting it overshadow the bigger picture of what the game truly represents.”

L’Oréal echoed her husband’s sentiments. “We’re creating a legacy for our child that transcends any one rivalry,” she said. “Sure, Crimson represents Oklahoma’s colors, but it also symbolizes strength and resilience. Hook’em is a symbol of pride for our Longhorns, and we felt it was important to combine both into something that celebrates the world of college football as a whole.”

Fans React: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

The news of the name quickly spread across social media, and Longhorn fans were quick to voice their opinions. Reactions were mixed, with many fans praising the creative blend of tradition and rivalry, while others found the choice perplexing and even sacrilegious.

For some, the name Crimson Hook’em was seen as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the deep-rooted rivalry between the two schools. “Sark is a genius for using both colors,” said one Texas fan on Twitter. “It shows that he doesn’t take the rivalry too seriously. It’s about fun, football, and family.”

Others, however, weren’t as charitable. “This is just too much,” tweeted another user. “You can’t name your kid after your rival’s colors and expect the fans to be okay with it. It’s disrespectful, plain and simple.”

But it wasn’t just Texas fans who had something to say. Oklahoma fans were equally divided. Some found the name amusing, even acknowledging the cleverness of the decision. “I mean, it’s a bold move,” said one Oklahoma fan. “But I respect it. It shows that Sarkisian is willing to acknowledge the other side in a fun way.”

Yet, others in the Sooner camp were not so forgiving. “That’s just a slap in the face,” said one disgruntled Oklahoma supporter. “I can’t believe someone who coaches for Texas would even consider naming their child anything associated with crimson.”

College Football’s Cultural Impact

While the name Crimson Hook’em might seem like an offbeat choice to some, it speaks to a broader trend in college football where identity, tradition, and rivalry culture are intertwined in the most surprising ways. College sports have a unique way of fostering passionate fan bases that can lead to moments of humor, creativity, and, occasionally, controversy. The notion of mixing rival school symbolism in a child’s name may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it represents how deeply ingrained the rivalry is in the culture of college football.

Rivalries like Texas-Oklahoma and others (such as Alabama-Auburn, Michigan-Ohio State, and USC-UCLA) aren’t just games; they are events that transcend sports. These rivalries are passed down through generations, becoming a part of family legacies. Sarkisian’s decision to make a bold statement with his child’s name is a reflection of how the world of college football shapes identities far beyond the field.

An Unlikely Marketing Opportunity?

As with many major events in the sports world, the decision to name the Sarkisian child Crimson Hook’em has sparked speculation that this could be a strategic marketing move. College football is, after all, big business, and every bit of publicity counts. The name itself could be an invitation to a broader conversation about rivalry culture and the importance of fan loyalty. Sarkisian is known for his ability to create buzz and bring attention to the programs he’s associated with, and this move might just be a part of that broader strategy.

While the name may have been a personal decision for the Sarkisian family, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by marketers. From T-shirts featuring the Crimson Hook’em name to limited-edition merchandise celebrating the name’s audacity, there’s no doubt that some entrepreneurs have already seized the opportunity to profit off the buzz.

“Crimson Hook’em? That sounds like something you’d find on a T-shirt at the Texas-Oklahoma game,” said Tim Bradford, a marketing executive specializing in sports branding. “It’s quirky, memorable, and people will talk about it, whether they like it or not. It’s free publicity for Texas football, and it’s a way for Sark to connect with fans on a personal level.”

A Personal and Family-Centric Decision

Despite all the hullabaloo over the name, Steve and L’Oréal Sarkisian maintain that their primary motivation was to create a name that would resonate with their child as they grow up—one that would instill in them a sense of pride in both their heritage and their connection to the sport.

“At the end of the day, it’s about our family,” said L’Oréal. “We didn’t want the name to be divisive or create tension. We just wanted something that would remind our child of how unique and special the world of college football is.”

Steve agreed. “It’s about being open-minded. We’re raising a kid who will grow up in the heart of Longhorn country, but we also want them to appreciate all that college football represents—the passion, the rivalry, and the community.”

As for whether the name will have any lasting effect on the relationship between Texas and Oklahoma, only time will tell. One thing is for sure: Crimson Hook’em has added a new chapter to the storied history of college football rivalries.

The Longhorns’ Future Under Sarkisian

Looking beyond the naming controversy, the spotlight has also fallen on Steve Sarkisian’s role as head coach of the Longhorns. Sarkisian’s leadership has been pivotal in the revival of Texas football, a program that has seen its fair share of highs and lows in recent years. After taking over in 2021, Sarkisian has worked tirelessly to rebuild the team’s competitive edge, and his focus on creating a culture of excellence has gained the admiration of players, coaches, and fans alike.

Despite the occasional misstep, Sarkisian has made strides in his quest to return the Longhorns to championship contention. His commitment to developing talent, both on and off the field, has earned him respect across the college football landscape. The announcement of his child’s name has only added to his persona as a coach who doesn’t shy away from making bold and memorable decisions.

The name Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian may have caught many by surprise, but it speaks to a larger cultural moment in the world of college football. Rivalries are not just about competition; they’re about identity, tradition, and community. Whether the name is seen as a clever homage to the complexities of college football or a marketing ploy to generate attention, it certainly reflects the passion and commitment that come with being part of the Texas Longhorns family.

As for the Sarkisian family, only time will tell how Crimson Hook’em grows into its name. Will they become a symbol of unity between the rival programs, or will they forever be a quirky anecdote in the long history of Texas-Oklahoma rivalry lore? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Crimson Hook’em is a name that will go down in history as one of the most memorable in college football.