SPEECH OF CONCERNITY: Oklahoma sooner football wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson gives concernt to remain loyal to Oklahoma sooner as head coach Brent Venables makes announcements of making him the new…..
In a rousing and emotional speech that stirred both teammates and fans, Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson pledged unwavering loyalty to the University of Oklahoma football program. The standout junior wideout made headlines this week after addressing a packed press conference held at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, just hours after head coach Brent Venables made a major announcement that sent ripples across the college football landscape: Gibson has been named the new team captain, a rare honor for a non-senior and a move seen by many as a strategic rallying point for the 2025 season.
Gibson, 6-foot-2 and known as much for his acrobatic catches as for his leadership in the locker room, took the podium flanked by Venables and Offensive Coordinator Jeff Lebby. With flashes popping and reporters eagerly awaiting comment amid swirling transfer rumors, Gibson delivered what many are calling the “Speech of Concernity” — a passionate affirmation of commitment and stability during what has been a volatile offseason for college football programs nationwide.
A Rising Star at the Center of Speculation
The speech comes on the heels of speculation that Gibson, who hauled in 84 receptions for 1,127 yards and 9 touchdowns in the 2024 season, had been approached by at least three top-tier programs through unofficial channels following Oklahoma’s nail-biting loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship. With the NCAA’s transfer portal seeing a record number of high-profile entries this offseason, fears had mounted that the Sooners might lose one of their brightest stars.
But in a five-minute address that blended personal reflection with pointed resolve, Gibson laid those fears to rest.
“Oklahoma didn’t just give me a jersey. It gave me a platform, a brotherhood, and a future,” Gibson said, his voice steady and resolute. “There’s been noise — and yeah, I heard it. But I’m here to cut through that noise and say it plain: I’m a Sooner, and I’m not going anywhere.”
The statement was met with applause from teammates, some of whom stood in support during the speech. A few were seen visibly emotional, underscoring the close bond Gibson has cultivated within the team.
Brent Venables: “He Represents What We Stand For”
Coach Brent Venables, who has led the Sooners through a tough rebuilding era post-Lincoln Riley, praised Gibson’s maturity and leadership, citing those qualities as instrumental in his decision to name the junior as the next team captain.
“JaVonnie represents everything we stand for at Oklahoma — toughness, accountability, and a selfless heart,” Venables said. “He’s earned this not just with what he’s done on the field, but with how he’s carried himself in the locker room and in this community.”
Venables added that the decision was made with input from assistant coaches and player leaders during the team’s spring leadership retreat.
“We talked a lot about who we want to lead us into this next chapter. JaVonnie was that name that kept rising to the top,” Venables added. “This isn’t just a reward — it’s a responsibility. And there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s ready.”
A Speech Echoing Through the Sooner Nation
Dubbed the “Speech of Concernity” by local sports outlets — a blend of “concern” and “eternity” that reflects both the anxiety fans felt and the long-term loyalty expressed — Gibson’s words have already gone viral on social media. Clips of the moment have been shared by alumni, NFL players, and even rival fans.
OU legend Baker Mayfield posted on X (formerly Twitter), “That’s what being a Sooner is all about. Respect to JaVonnie.”
Fans have echoed similar sentiments. Sooners fan Maggie Hernandez, who attended the press conference with her two sons, called the speech “inspiring.”
“You could feel how genuine he was. My boys play high school ball, and that’s the kind of man I want them to look up to,” she said.
The New Era Under Gibson’s Leadership
With Gibson at the helm as captain, expectations are high heading into the 2025 season. The Sooners are returning several key offensive starters, and Venables is eyeing a top-10 national ranking if the pieces fall into place. Gibson’s role will be central not only in catching passes but in mentoring the new wave of underclassmen wideouts joining the team.
Freshman wide receiver Jalen Mack, a highly recruited 5-star athlete out of Houston, said Gibson was a deciding factor in his commitment.
“I saw the way he practiced, how he talked to guys during visits. You can tell he wants to build something here. Now I’m part of that,” Mack said.
Off the field, Gibson is also involved in multiple leadership programs and community outreach initiatives, including “Sooners Serve,” a mentorship group for underprivileged youth in Norman.
Looking Ahead: Redemption and Rivalry
Though the Sooners fell short of a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, the drive for redemption is fueling preparations for the new season. Oklahoma will open with a high-profile non-conference game against Michigan State in September, followed by key Big 12 matchups against TCU and Texas.
In his final remarks, Gibson didn’t shy away from the goals ahead:
“We’ve got work to do. I don’t want to just lead — I want to win. And we’re gonna do that the right way — together, with grit, with grind, and with loyalty to that logo.”
With a clear voice and determined eyes, JaVonnie Gibson stepped off the stage not only as a leader, but as a symbol of stability in a sport often defined by transience.
And for Sooner Nation, in an era of NIL deals and portal uncertainty, that loyalty — that “Concernity” — may be the most valuable asset of all.


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