Every team has a heart, and for the Texas Longhorns, the heartbeat is represented by the jersey No.16. Michael Joseph Taaffe, the Austin kid who once dreamed of rushing out of DKR Stadium’s tunnel, is now one of Texas football’s most famous figures. Taaffe is a former walk-on who is now an All-American. He is the epitome of every coach’s ideal with his resilience and leadership.

“Every player would come back, and I’d say, ‘Hey, how’d it go? How was 7-on-7?'” Sarkisian said. “They always would bring up Michael Taaffe. ‘Taaffe got another interception today. Taaffe did this, did that.’ And I’m like, who? I knew him … but I didn’t really know him.”

Who are Michael Taaffe’s parents?

Behind the All-American safety lies a strong Austin-based family that keeps on pushing Michael despite the lows and highs of his career. Michael’s parents, Peter and Diane Taaffe, are fierce University of Texas supporters who instilled in their four children the value of both compassion and competition. Michael is the youngest of the group, which may explain his desire to continuously prove himself. Growing up in a household with older siblings can have that effect on you.

Peter Taaffe is a seasoned legal professional and mediator with decades of experience handling complex cases. He covers a wide range of legal matters, from maritime law to business transactions. Peter has even worked as Congressman Sam Johnson’s assistant earlier.  But the courtroom isn’t the only place where he feels most proud. Watching his youngest kid deliver plays that were once restricted to their backyard is what makes him truly happy. “Michael had this look on his face and he was not going to lose. He was going to be first, and his life depended on it,” Peter said, laughing. “I thought, this guy’s wired a little bit differently than everyone else.”

What is the ethnicity of Michael Taaffe’s parents?

Diane and Peter are both Americans. There is public information on the ethnicity of the Taaffe family, but what we do know is that they have strong American roots that tie in with generations-old Texas origins.

Eddie Johnson, Michael’s grandpa, was an All-American swimmer for the University of Texas in 1957. He passed on not only his athletic talents but also his passion for the burnt orange family. So, the family’s love for Texas football is a generational tradition.

Peter said, “We got there two hours before, weren’t allowed to leave during halftime so they could watch the band. Growing up in Texas, that’s just what you study, American history and Texas history. And then for us, you also studied, by proxy, Texas football history.” For Michael, going to Texas was a family tradition.

Inside Michael Taaffe’s relationship with his parents

Michael never forgets the people who helped him achieve all of his on-field accomplishments, from walk-on to semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy to All-American. His parents have been his pillars of support, especially during the toughest times. Peter and Diane became his emotional support system after two of his closest friends, Jackson Coker and Jake Ehlinger, died in 2021.

Diane, who attended UT herself and used to work at Camp Olympia, keeps her kids in check. As she cheers from the stands and constantly reminds him of who he is off the field, she has been the comforting voice in the turmoil. Meanwhile, Peter delivers the fire, the same energy that Michael emits on Saturdays. “He is a critical component of our defense when he’s on the field,” Sarkisian says. “We play better defense from a communication standpoint, an ability to be on the same accord with the other DBs, with the linebackers, his playmaking ability, his preparation mentally, the physicality that he’s been playing with.”

Even today, as Taaffe prepares for his last season at Texas after declining the NFL draft, family remains his rock. Their presence gives him energy, whether it’s Diane’s texts before games or Peter’s laughter coming from the stands.