WATCH: Tom Herman sends a letter to Longhorn Nation

On Friday, Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman addressed Texas Longhorns fans for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of sports across the country.

Longhorn Nation,

These are unprecedented and trying times we’re in. We’ve been handed a challenge that none of us expected. We’re dealing with great uncertainty and an opponent that we all must defeat. To come away successful, it requires discipline, determination, commitment, patience, and perseverance.

The message in response has been clear: we’re in this together and it’s imperative that like any great team, we unite, come together, and wage this fight as one. We will get through this, be stronger, and have brighter days ahead.

I can’t wait for the time when we’re back together, Back on the playing field, and hearing the prideful chants of Texas fight. That day will come again!

But in the meantime, be diligent, be mindful, be prepared, and follow all the guidelines set by medical professionals. From washing your hands to social distancing... Everything matters!

Now more than ever is the time to go 1-0 in everything that you do. Your teammates are counting on you.

From our Longhorn football family to yours, take care of yourselves and those around you — the eyes of Texas are upon you and hook ‘em Horns.

The message to Longhorn Nation comes just days before players were supposed to report back to campus and begin spring practice on Tuesday in preparation for the Orange-White game next month.

Instead, the university extended spring break by a week and closed the dorms — players will take classes online for the rest of the semester and it’s unclear if the Horns will have a chance to practice before preseason camp opens in August. It’s even unclear at this time whether the football season will happen as planned.

But as Herman alluded to, if everyone does their part in slowing down this pandemic, it can help ensure that there are still football games on Saturdays this fall.