December 5th, 2021 at 1:10 AM ^
We can have nice things now that we've beaten MSU and OSU under Harbaugh.
December 5th, 2021 at 1:17 AM ^
We are officially in the Golden Era of Michigan athletics. Howard and Harbaugh, Pearson and Hutch, Bottom and Plocki. And on and on….
Go blue!
December 5th, 2021 at 1:26 AM ^
2021 has been a brutal and incredible year.
My dad who is responsible for my UM fandom prematurely passed away of brain cancer this year on November 7th at the age of 64. He raised me to love UM football. On January 1, 1998 at halftime of the Rose Bowl Game we were playing football in the snowy yard and he accidentally landed on my seven yard old self and broke my collarbone. My mom has never been so mad, but I’ll never forget watching Woodson and Griese win the National championship in the ER waiting room.
I never watched an OSU game without my dad and yet this year, under the beautiful light snow, the week after his funeral we took it to OSU in a way I haven’t sent in many years.
On one hand, it breaks my heart that I wasn’t able to watch Michigan beat OSU and dominate a Big Ten title game without my dad. He would have loved it so much. On the other hand, I’m not sure this all would have happened if he was still here. Somehow, it feels like he’s pulling the strings.
I know I’m not the only one for who UM football is far bigger than what happens on the field. It’s tradition, it’s family, it’s our own mystical religion. All I know is that in spite of the unspeakable personal tragedy of this year, I’m feeling very blessed for Michigan football. And that feeling that it’s connecting me to someone that I’ve lost, but traditions he’s provided me that I never will.
December 5th, 2021 at 4:59 AM ^
Sorry for your loss.
Watching Michigan football games with my father was a tradition with me, too. Even when we were apart, we'd text back and forth during the game and share a call about it after. Something I dearly miss.
He passed away just over six years ago and I so dearly wish I could share this incredible run with him. You aren't alone.
December 5th, 2021 at 6:23 AM ^
I'm sorry for your loss but I appreciate you posting this. My dad passed away suddenly and unexpectedly three weeks ago, hours after the Penn State game. Like you, I learned all about being a Michigan fan from him and each week, we'd rejoice or complain in common. When the clock hit 0:00 at the end of the Ohio State game, I had my biggest, most unexpected breakdown knowing that this was something we'd both been waiting for, but there I was, unable to text him or call him to share the joy. That said, I also like to tell myself that my dad and your dad and plenty of other M fans gone too soon have provided their energy in a way that's made this season go down the way it has. Right before the OSU kickoff, I sent a text to my friends from my graduating class (1997 baby!) to let them know that my dad sent the snow to slow down the Buckeyes!
December 5th, 2021 at 7:21 AM ^
Great post. Truly touching.
The Game was the first time my 8 year old son was glued to a football game for the entirety.
He repeatedly asked when the game was starting last night. He stayed up until a minute left... falling asleep tucked into my side.
He broke both bones in his leg skiing this year and spent 10 weeks in a full leg cast.
I say all this to say 2021 was a year of extremes, and the cycle of father-son Michigan bonds continues on... posts like yours remind me to cherish every moment like this with him.
December 5th, 2021 at 11:22 AM ^
You influence your children in ways you never realize. But they will keep it with them always.