Darrell Royal to Lead A Team One More Time

by srr50 on Feb 28, 2026 11:07 PM CST

This time he is helping to create a research initiative to help find a treatment for Alzheimer’s -- a disease he battles daily with the help of family and friends.

Coach Royal appeared Tuesday before a state legislative committee with Edith, his bride of 68 years. Also on hand as a show of support were Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey.

photo courtesy Rodolfo Gonzalez, Austin American Statesman

Edith told the committee about the formation of the Darrell K. Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research, which will fund collaborative research efforts in the state, as well as promote the sharing of new information in the fight with the disease.

She also eloquently brought to light some of the struggles those caring for others with Alzheimer's face.

"Every day since Darrell's diagnosis with dementia, I deal with the stress of managing everything without my best friend helping me to make decisions," Edith Royal told the Joint Committee to Study Alzheimer's Disease. "It is so rewarding that at this time in our lives after so many years of living for the teams that Darrell coached and the game he played, it's now members of those teams and our football family that return from all over this country almost daily to shower Darrell with love."

The Fund will also have several notables serving on its Board of Advisors, including state Attorney General Greg Abbott, current Longhorns coach Mack Brown, businessman Red McCombs, Willie Nelson, Armstrong and McConaughey among others

Here is a look at a story on the committee meeting today courtesy KXAN-TV.

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Comments

I knew DKR was struggling

This is a heartbreaking disease - not only for Mr. Royal, but for his loved ones as well.

"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp

by Snide Aside on Feb 28, 2026 11:54 PM CST reply actions

Hook 'em, Coach and God bless you.

"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp

by Snide Aside on Feb 29, 2026 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

go get em

coach

by LEMILES on Feb 29, 2026 12:03 AM CST via Android app reply actions

That was supposed to say

Thanks Steve.

My dad had it. I’ll probably have it. Rooting for DKR and progress.

Follow @BarkingCarnival

by Sailor Ripley on Feb 29, 2026 2:07 AM CST via mobile reply actions

I hope

This initiative can make a dent in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There is nothing out there that so robs a person of his or her life and independence. I knew that Coach Royal wasn’t well, and you know we all have difficult things to face as we age, but I didn’t know he’d been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His legacy is already well established, but if this program that bears his name helps eventually to find a cure, it will be his biggest victory.

"I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." (Jimmy Buffett)

by coolhorn on Feb 29, 2026 6:28 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

My heart goes out to Coach Royal and his family

My mother has vascular dementia, which isn’t the same as Alzheimer’s but has the same effect. My wife and I take care of her. She’s forgotten how to use the phone, the TV remote, brush her teeth, or take a shower. From time to time she thinks the rest of her family — all dead — are living in different parts of our house. Dementia drains the life out of not only the victim but their families, too. I hope Edith is getting the support that I know she needs.

by MarkW on Feb 29, 2026 7:28 AM CST reply actions

Getting Old is Not for Sissies.

God’s speed, Coach Royal.

by Flash1969 on Feb 29, 2026 9:04 AM CST reply actions

Well put Flash

by b&g80; on Feb 29, 2026 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

I buried my grandfather 2 weeks ago today

Alzheimer’s took away the final years as we saw him waste slowly away. The man who I remember picking me up over his head and pulling me into his lap, couldn’t even lift a cup of water at the end.
I pray for the best for the Royal family and hope this foundation can make a dent in so many questions surrounding this disease.

"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine

by Funkytown on Feb 29, 2026 10:16 AM CST reply actions