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Crowd chants ‘one more year!’ to J.J. McCarthy upon return – he responds

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•01/09/24•

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Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has a decision to make on his future. (Dominick Sokotoff / TheWolverine.com)

Jim Harbaugh, J.J. McCarthy, and Michigan returned to Ann Arbor Tuesday night to a huge crowd of fans celebrating their return following a National Championship Game win Monday. The Wolverines handled Washington, 34-13, and celebrated well into the night before flying home and getting ready for some much needed and deserved rest. 

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Several Michigan players have decisions to make about their futures before Jan. 15, McCarthy included. Some believe he will declare for the NFL Draft, but the Champions Circle collective has upped its NIL game and has been working on trying to get him back for his senior season. 

Head coach Harbaugh also has a decision to make, having reportedly drawn interest from several NFL teams. He introduced McCarthy to the mob of fans standing in the snow and rain in Bob Ufer (late Michigan play-by-play voice) fashion — “No. 9 in the program, No.1 in your hearts … J.J. McCarthy!” — after which the crowd went nuts.

“I just want to thank all of y’all for everything,” McCarthy said while the mob chanted his name before switching gears to “one more year!” 

Our Zach Libby caught the scene (video above).

“Let’s enjoy this one tonight … we’ll worry about that one [later],” he said. But they didn’t stop, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore stepped up next to McCarthy on the balcony overlooking the practice field and egged them on. The crowd continued to chant, getting louder and louder. “I just got to say this — I don’t know how I can leave y’all. Everything about this place just made it home for me, and I just love every single one of y’all from the bottom of my heart. 

“It’s all about ‘the team, the team, the team’ here, and you guys are included. You guys are the team, so we appreciate you so frickin’ much. Love you guys. Go blue!”

As previously reported, the Champions Circle collective has been doing its part to raise NIL funding while other schools have come after their young players through backchannels. The money raised will create opportunities for many of underclassmen, including Will Johnson, one of those sources say is being eyed by some college football predatory programs. 

Johnson, wearing a cowboy hat he picked up in Houston, seemed to dispel the notion he’d be anywhere else but Ann Arbor next season. 

“All I got to say is we love you guys. We appreciate all your support,” he said. “Go Blue … we’re going to run it back next year!” 

Watch TheWolverine.com for more coverage on a magical Michigan run to the title over the next several days and weeks. 

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