It doesn’t matter what star recruits are in Oklahoma this weekend, it’s clear who the most important guest is.
After fans have requested it for weeks and rumors swirled it might even actually happen, the viral Dr. Steven Shin, who performed surgery on OU quarterback John Mateer earlier this season, was at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the No. 8 Sooners’ game against No. 22 Missouri.
Dr Steven Shin attends Oklahoma-Missouri
Dr. Shin became an internet sensation, not just among Sooner Nation, but throughout college football when he performed surgery on Mateer’s broken right thumb in October. The hype surrounding Dr. Shin then only escalated when Mateer was back on the field only 17 days later for the Red River Rivalry.
Dr. Steven Shin is obviously a world-class surgeon, but I wonder if he’ll ever truly understand the impact he had on the MENTAL HEALTH of Oklahoma fans around the globe these last couple of days.#ShinSanity pic.twitter.com/N2mLqtKUHl
— Travis J Davidson (@TravisSkol) September 25, 2025
It was also revealed during that time that Dr. Shin also performed wrist surgery on Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams, who also had high praise for the surgeon. Dr. Shin’s patient list also included former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love, Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry and Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff.
A few weeks later, Mateer asked if Dr. Shin was aware of his fame in Oklahoma, and while Mateer admitted Dr. Shin probably didn’t realize how crazy it was, he said it was in the works to get Dr. Shin to Norman so he could see it first-hand.
“It’s different. If he comes to Norman he’ll really feel it,” Mateer said of Dr. Shin’s local fame. “He’s probably aware, but it’s hard to really understand until you come here. …
“We’re trying (to get Dr. Shin to Norman). He’s busy, obviously. He’s pretty important, but we’ll try. I think it’d be awesome.”
Just a month and a day later, Dr. Shin really was at Memorial Stadium for Sooner Nation to see the legend in person. It was like seeing a TV character for OU fans and media. And he was already fitting right in throwing the horns down.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Dr. Steven Shin pic.twitter.com/xb7QEH3Twd
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) November 22, 2025
DR. SHIN WE LOVE YOU!!! pic.twitter.com/sqHAXX4j7V
— Barstool Sooners (@OUBarstool) November 22, 2025
Dr Shin in the house!!! #oklahoma @JoshPateCFB @On3sports pic.twitter.com/fnLCb9re7r
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) November 22, 2025
Dr. Shin is here and dressed in OU attire. pic.twitter.com/4hhmYI9giq
— Brody Lusk (@BrodyLusk) November 22, 2025
Dr. Shin, ladies and gentlemen. #Boomer #Sooner pic.twitter.com/2XdTeG81cc
— Patrick Truax (@PatrickTruax_) November 22, 2025
DR.SHIN IS IN THE HOUSE pic.twitter.com/mJCd9phdi8
— Patrick O’Connor (@LustbustOconnor) November 22, 2025
