Kevin Durant, Nike Pay Tribute to a Texas Icon

 

A Texas Icon.

Texas State Capitol in Austin

Nice Kicks was born in Austin, Texas – the capitol city to what we call The Great State of Texas.  And when you call Texas home, you appreciate any and all love shown to our state, our people, and our culture.

From my travels sneakers around the world, I have always been humbled and in admiration of people’s reactions when they hear I am from Texas.  Sure, you get the gun jokes or references to George W Bush, but knowing just how much people around the globe know about what makes Texas and its people unique is what is the best

We love our BBQ, we love our sports, we love our music, but most of all, we love those who love us – those who appreciate the rich history and tradition that makes the state what it is.  Southern Hospitality, good manners, and a welcoming feeling is something I experienced when I moved to the Lone Star State and made it home.  The city of Austin is home to many people “not from here” but have decided to make it where “they are from”.

Like with Nike, over the years I have lived in Austin and travelled all over the state, Texas has many icons that are celebrated too.

Texas Longhorn (state mammal)  in field of Bluebonnets (state flower)

Texans are proud of the official state symbols.  State nickname – The Lone Star State.  State flower – bluebonnet.  State (team) sport – Football.  We even have an official State snack – chips and salsa.  But of all the official state symbols and of the three state mammals (yes, Texas can’t just have one), the Texas Longhorn is one of the most respected and recognized.

Three breeds of cattle were brought to the region now known as Texas centuries ago where for hundreds of years they were able to openly graze, roam, and breed into what is now known as the Texas Longhorn.  Though most visibly recognized for its massive size and extremely long set of horns, the Texas Longhorn is a uniquely resilient creature.  Capable of withstanding not only extreme heat and drought in the summer, but able to withstand the Arctic blasts that dip into the state (Texans mostly blame them on Oklahoma though).

Despite its size, strength, and resilience of whatever can be thrown its direction, the Texas Longhorn is also an approachable, friendly, and gentle animal.

While many sports fans today only associate the animal with the University of Texas at Austin, the Texas Longhorn has been part of the state’s history from even before American settlers came to the region.

Texas Longhorn in Texas Hill Country