DALLAS — The SMU-TCU “Iron Skillet” football rivalry may be nearing its end, but some Dallas officials are keeping up the fighting spirit.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, who’s known for friendly wagers on the rivalry game with Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker, sported a "TCU Sucks" shirt during Wednesday’s Dallas City Council briefing that he said “makes clear our position on the Iron Skillet.”
The SMU Mustangs and TCU Horned Frogs are set to face off Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, which is the last time the rivalry game is scheduled in Dallas.
Johnson said the shirt was given to him by council member Chad West, who was also later seen wearing the same shirt. Johnson said the shirt was designed by Michael Chipper Haynes with Tayhoss Designs in Oak Cliff.
“I hope Mayor Parker over in Fort Worth sees this and y’all can stop being so chicken and play the game after next year,” Johnson said.
TCU announced in 2023 that it would “indefinitely” pause the longstanding rivalry series with SMU after the 2025 season, citing a desire to play more home games.
SMU and TCU have played each other 102 times since 1915. Last season, TCU beat SMU 34-17, bringing its lead in the series to 53-42-7.
