ESPN NFL analyst Marcus Spears became emotional as he watched his son, Texas basketball freshman Marcus Spears Jr., make his college debut Monday night.
The "Monday Night Countdown" crew surprised Spears during ESPN's broadcast of the Bears-Seahawks game and showed live footage of the 17-year-old forward walking through the tunnel at the Moody Center in Austin for his first game as a Longhorn.
"Let's go, bugga," the elder Spears said as he excitedly slapped the desk. "I'm about to cry, bro. That's crazy, bro."
ESPN host Scott Van Pelt chimed in and said, "Look at your son!"
Spears, who couldn't stop smiling, said it was only Marcus Jr.'s second time playing a game in an arena.
"He worked his ass off to get here, man," Spears said. "Damn, that's amazing. You all got me with this one, man."
Texas forward Marcus Spears Jr. (31) defends Chicago State forward Davius Loury (1) during the first half of a game in Austin, Texas, Monday, November 2, 2026. AP Photo/Stephen Spillman
The former NFL defensive end explained that he nearly missed Monday's show to attend his son's game.
"I gotta bring America in on the background," Spears said. "I called our producers and I was like, 'I don't think I'm going to come to Seattle this week [for the Seahawks-Bears 'MNF' game]' because I wanted to be there for his first game."
Texas Longhorns forward Marcus Spears Jr. reacts to a call against the Chicago State Cougars in Austin, Texas, Monday, November 2, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Texas forward Marcus Spears Jr. (31) moves the ball past Chicago State guard Mike Price (8) during the first half on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Austin, Texas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Spears said he was glad he was able to attend Texas' 87-74 exhibition loss to St. John's last weekend at Madison Square Garden
"I was able to be there for him and see him play and then I got here [Sunday] and I'm telling you man, I was down as hell that I wasn't going to be in the building," he said. "And then I thought about it and I was like my wife and myself have prepared him to be where he's at so he will be fine.
"I'm glad to be here with y'all my brothers, but y'all know where my mind and my heart are at and I can't wait to watch him play tonight."
ESPN Monday Night Countdown crew: Scott Van Pelt, Jason McCourty, Stephen A. Smith, and Marcus Spears. Getty Images
Marcus Jr. finished with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, five rebounds and one assist in Texas' 109-59 win over Chicago State. He also had four blocks.
"I still got a lot to work on, this is just step one," he said after his first college game, adding that he felt comfortable in practice.
Marcus Jr., who stands at 6-foot-9, is the no. 4 overall recruit in the 2026 SportsCenter Next 100 national ranking.
Spears' daughter, Cari Spears, is a sophomore outside hitter for the Texas volleyball team.
