Texas A&M Kicker Cole Martinez Killed in Practice Hit—Rival Texas Longhorns Send Floral Tribute

The Aggie family was plunged into grief when Cole Martinez, Texas A&M’s starting kicker, died following a freak collision during practice. Martinez, 21, collided helmet-first with a teammate during a rare contact drill, suffering fatal spinal trauma. The team canceled all activities for the week, and Kyle Field became a quiet memorial. Fans laid maroon and white flowers at the stadium gates. But the gesture that stunned everyone came from their bitter rivals—the Texas Longhorns. A massive bouquet of burnt orange roses was delivered with a simple note: “Today, we are one.” A&M coach Mike Elko choked up reading it. “That’s the power of this sport. It breaks your heart but can still show compassion.” The Longhorns also requested a joint moment of silence before their next game. Texas players wore small maroon wristbands. “It’s about humanity, not just helmets,” said Longhorns captain Quinn Ewers. Martinez’s family was moved by the solidarity. “He grew up loving A&M. But he respected the Longhorns,” his father said. The tragedy renewed discussions about safety in special teams drills. But more than that, it reminded the nation that even the most heated rivalries can pause—for loss, for love, for unity.