WATCH: Jim Harbaugh speech to Michigan team 144, fans at national championship celebration
Michigan Wolverines football and the Champions Circle collective held a national championship celebration Saturday night at Crisler Center, following its parade through Ann Arbor. Watch the speech in the player at the top of the screen or on our YouTube channel.
Harbaugh began his speech by addressing his team.
“I want to talk to the stalwarts of team 144 — players, coaches and staff, a bunch of great guys,” he started out. “Greatest football players and people in Michigan football history. Great guys who work together and win together. On the field: champions. In the community, in the classroom and on the gridiron. Nothing fancy — just good old fashioned hard work and teamwork.
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“You are real football players. No greater compliment can be given. Football is as real as it gets, because it is so challenging physically. The fiercely competitive nature of the game — it is physically combative and violent. It is a game played in the elements, with risk of bodily harm. Football is as real as it gets because it is so challenging mentally, because it constantly tests individuals. Who will take the easy way out? Who will fold under pressure of training, practice or games? Who will not allow the team to be divided? Who has the fortitude to be accountable? Who will make excuses? Who can persevere when being maligned? Intense public and organizational scrutiny, it will come; who will not flinch? And, it is the ultimate team sport. Who will fight and be loyal to the mission? You did! And you passed with flying colors.
“[Late former Michigan head coach] Fielding H. Yost said, ‘No man can be a football player who does not love the game, half-heartedness or lack of earnestness will eliminate any man from a football team. The love of the game must be genuine. It is not devotion to a fad that men play football. It is because they enjoy their struggle. Through it all, you men walked tall, strong and innocent. You loved the Lord, are disciplined and family-driven. You did right, and when you stumbled, you made it right. The 2023 Michigan Wolverines — your love for the game is genuine. The proof is in the pudding. You defied gravity, you loved to work, you had to be pulled back rather than talked into and had fun doing it. You paid the price, with perseverance, accountability, integrity, discipline. Refused to be divided — rather chose to be galvanized. Mighty men who chose to be unselfish and play together as a team. You attacked each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind! You bowed to no man. You bowed to no program.”
