Michigan Alum Rich Eisen’s Emotional Reaction to Wolverines’ 1st Football National Title Since 1997 

Last time UM won the natty I was 14 and I was able to watch them win it last night with my 14 year old son. I will never forget it, Go Blue!

Big applause for D. Edwards. He could have gone into the portal and starred somewhere else. He stayed. He's a champion.

Rich is in tears, I'm tearing up listening to him because it means so much. I'm his age and the fans of the maize and blue have been through a lot over the years. This was a year to remember forever. Go Blue!

Every Michigan fan gets it. Every Michigan fan feels this. We reached the unreachable star!

As an OSU fan I’m genuinely happy for Michigan fans. Been a long time coming. You deserve all the glory.

For the past three years, I’ve been able to take my sons to games in Ann Arbor. They could not understand why tears of joy streamed down my face when the Michigan Marching Band “takes the field “ and plays “The Victors” for the first time. It is such a special place. I am especially proud to be a UM alumn today. GO BLUE!!!!

This segment right here is why I will always give the nod to College Football over the NFL. The whole "I wear MY SCHOOL on my sleeve" is so meaningful.

While I didn’t go to UM, my wife’s uncle played there in the 80s and was part of the winning Rose Bowl team in ‘81. So happy for UM!

I never attended Michigan, but was born in Michigan & grew up watching UM Football since the early 1970's. Michigan has broken my heat more times than I can even think of. Now, finally I can take pride that they have now captured their own National Championship (UM got shafted by the 1997 Coaches poll) Bo is smiling down at us all today. Hail The Victors!

I can remember in the rough days in Iraq and Afghanistan when I was exhausted and couldn't keep going, I would whisper to myself, "You are a Wolverine" and I would get another few steps forward. Hail young men. You Leaders. You champions of the West.

OSU fan, super happy for you Rich Eisen. You guys earned it and deserve it. Always have enjoyed watching these videos and I’m glad you get to have this moment

Our state needed this journey, and in addition to the National Championship, the State of Michigan needed this. From Iron Mountain through Traverse City to Kalamazoo, from Benton Harbor through Ann Arbor to Detroit, too. Hail to the Victors.

I sat and cried for a half hour after the game was over. I've been emotional all day. Forever Go Blue!

The single greatest season in Michigan history. All the scrutiny this team had to endure this season, and they all came together and kept pushing through and winning. What a season for the history of college football and the University of Michigan. Go Blue!!! 💙🙌🏈〽️

I’m surely not a Michigan fan but it warms my heart seeing your loyalty rewarded and the emotional feeling you present to your audience. Very happy for you and All the fans! 🎉

I can so relate as a person who stepped on that campus as a freshman in 1984 and fell in love with everything Michigan…going to the Big House….going to the Rose Bowls. Love this team. Go Blue 💛💙💛💙

I didn’t know this school meant so much to you, Rich Eisen. That is a great story. Congratulations 🍾🎉 on your schools win. 🏆

HAIL to the Victors!!!🎆🏈🏆🎉

my dad has always been a huge michigan football fan i grew up with a maize and blue bedroom and a painting commemorating their 97 season glad i was able to acttally witness this one !

Congrats Rich, even though I'm a lifetime Alabama fan, I'm very happy for you and the Wolverines!

I've been a Michigan fan since 1979. It began with Bo Schembechler. Never been a fair weather fan. I've been strong and defended the Maize & Blue. This one does mark the time for me as well. But, I will bathe in this for a long time. And, the bragging rights are there for all Michigan fans! GO BLUE!

Couldnt wait for this segment.... Rich is such a gem and he should 100% go to a parade!

I was born the year Michigan won the national championship last time! As an alum 21', there were just so many great memories with this school that I will always hold deep in my heart. This school means so much to me beyond what I could ever imagine. Go Blue!

I'm a former MI resident living in Mexico (of all places!) for nearly 50 years. Went to MSU but was glad to see the Blue and Big 10 triumph with good ole hard nose football. Rightly savor that and good to hear you talk fondly about MI. PS> Hope the Lions put together a complete game against the Rams!

Not a Michigan fan, wasn’t rooting for them, but this is the best part of their victory. I’m a big fan of Rich and always watch when he talks about Michigan

You brought back good memories for me, Rich. I grew up watching the great Michigan teams of the 70s. My freshman year at Michigan was 1980, that great team that got Bo his first Rose Bowl win and the last year of Bob Ufer. I remember going to orientation in summer of 1980 and they brought us into an empty Michigan stadium. This farm boy from a small town was overwhelmed. My first game there as a student was unbelievable. The band fired up the crowd and I was awed by 100K people in one place. I lived in South Quad my freshman year where a bunch of the football players lived. I went to get on the elevator one day and both Ed Muransky and Bubba Paris, the starting offensive line tackles, were in there. I was awestruck. We had a fire drill later in the fall and I got to see Anthony Carter in the hallway. Awestruck again. The topper was about a week later when Bo gave a pep rally speech outside of West Quad with the offensive line standing behind him in their letterman jackets. I was about ten feet from Bo. He fired us up so much, I was ready to run through a building. All cherished memories. Thanks to Jim Harbaugh for bringing home the biggest win in my lifetime. Go Blue!

2010 grad here. Watched the 1997 Championship as a 10 year old. This means everything to me. Love you, Rich. You're a hero to our legion.

Native Michigander, lifelong fan, and Michigan alum here. I echo all of your sentiments. I live in Seattle now and was surrounded by UW fans last night. The emotions that came over me were so overwhelming. Go Blue, my friend!

GO BLUE !!! I watched Des Howard and got hooked. My wife and I finally got to two games…67-65 triple OT win at the Big House over Illinois…then the last second heroics over Notre Dame in the first night game….and now this….Mission Complete.

Michigan football is full of tradition! Super happy for fans of Michigan and me being one too! GO MICHIGAN 💙 “Hail To The Victors”

A heartfelt congrats from the state of Washington, love that it meant as much to you as it would have to us💜

Loved your reaction Rich. I was never a student at Michigan but I lived in Ypsilanti when I was a kid and grew up loving Michigan football watching it with my parents. Bo’s teams were my favorite until this team. I’m 71 now and I feel like a kid every time I watch the maze and blue.

I felt that…. Class of 2016 right here. I was late grad. Born in 1992. I grew up with the lore of Michigan football. Briefly was alive for the height, the whole fall of the program. All of the heartbreak as a student… all of the triumph. This meant so much for every Michigan man, woman, and alum. I’ll never forget this one.

When you watch the pro level Michigan Marching Band going up to the stadium for a Game, it's so awesome. Great drumline and the whole band.!!!

Loved your story😢...I started grad school at UM in 1986, a kid from a foreign overseas country not knowing the football culture at Michigan....I ran into QB Harbaugh and other um athletes on campus back then...And since watching my 1st football game at the big house, my love for um football grew to greater heights...And honored to have met Coach Harbaugh in summer 2021, who gracefully accepted a photo op with me and my daughter, not knowing that was a turning point for the great run to becoming National Champions today...Hail to the victors🎉

I’ve been a lover of Michigan football since the late 1970s and am finding this so wonderfully surreal. 1997 was a great year and a great team, but this is altogether different. It wasn’t that long ago when I was thinking Wolverine football’s best days were behind it. So glad I’ve been able to witness this. Unreal and amazing. GO BLUE!!!

When michigan got that almost-pick 6, all I could see in my mind was Rich Eisen smugly smiling and drinking wine while staring at a camera

You were a few years behind me at Michigan. Nobody understands the "concept" of experiencing Michigan football as a student. It stays with you and will always be a big part of your life. Last night was special. Go Blue!!

My daughter is currently a senior at Michigan so this has extra special meaning to us

Beautiful, Rich. As someone from Michigan, I've always wondered what your connection to MI was and how you ended up going there. Now I know. First time I've heard this story. It's great having you, and seeing your love and passion for the school and state. You picked a good one! I'm so happy for you, and all the other long-term die-hard Wolverines! 🙌

as someone that doesn't watch college football, i watched this and rooted hard for michigan, for rich. being a jets fan, he deserves sports happiness from somewhere. happy for you rich!

My Dad grew up in Long Island and made his way over to the Detroit area after college, and his son (yours truly) went to school at Michigan. My family in NY congratulated me last night on having the best team in college football, and they’re Michigan fans now. There’s more NY to Michigan connections than you might think!! Crazy.

I’ve been waiting for this! He’s the king of Michigan fans!!! GO BLUE BABY!!!!!

The first game I attended as a little kid, Harbaugh was our QB. Its amazing how it culminated into this victory last night. I love college football history. Such a great story this year for Michigan football!

2013 grad here. Didn't watch in 1997. Me and my son watched Michigan win together last night. So much of what you said resonates with me. Never thought any of this would matter to me. It was so incredible to watch this team this year. Wow

I totally can relate and I’m so happy that you shared your experience with U of M! A special place and culture

As soon as the clock hit :00 I thought of Rich. So happy for him as a fan and for Michigan as a school.

When Rich mentioned sports capturing a moment in time, I instantly went back to the moment Jeter hit his game winning single on his last game at Yankees stadium and how elated I was for him. Congratulations to you and every Michigan alum and fan sir.

As a CMU Chippewa Alum, during the Dan Lefevour/ Antonio Brown/ Brian Kelly/ Butch Jones years. Screaming our Fight Song. Going to bowl games and cracking the top 25 as a mid major. Getting a first overall pick from your school (Eric Fischer). Rich hits the nail on the head.

Always have loved your takes, but as Michigan wrapped it up I could only think of you cheering emphatically (or smiling through tears and a stern look), congratulations, Rich! You and all of the Blue deserve it! -Sincerely yours, resident Notre Dame fan

You deserve all the praise rich you a true blue blooded Michigan man congrats Michigan and coach Jim congrats rich

Right there with you, Rich. I can't describe the emotions I'm feeling today. Happy Michigan Wolverines Day.

You’ll never find fans like this in the nfl, congrats Rich! Thanks for reminding us why college football rocks

Been waiting for this since the game ended. Rich say it loud and proud GO BLUE

You got to love the true emotion and feeling of a real fan. And more than a fan, a part of the Michigan alumni and family. This is his real as it gets for anyone who roots for any sport team, let alone actually has involvement or has stepped in the grounds to feel a part of that special organization.

I was 5 in 97. I didn't understand what was going on really, all I knew was my dad was happy. I grew up with maize and blue in my blood cheering all the way. My dad passed away when I was 16. Last night and today are very emotional, with tears of joy and some sadness. I wish so much I could share the joy I feel with him right now, I wish he was beside me when that clock hit 00 and it was final. I've carried the hat I got him when I was 10 around with me all these years. Never worn it. I feel like it might finally be time. Its not just a game for some. Its a lifetime of memories. Forever Go Blue!

A LEGENDARY SEASON! HAIL TO THE VICTORS!! GO BLUE!!!

Im on cloud nine today! So happy, so proud! Go Blue!

I'm 67 YO, and I can't be happier. Probably the last time I'll see it. I also am enjoying going over to the OSU boards where they are livid and in utter denial.

Thx Rich. It means that much to me too man. I was glad to wake up today and hear someone who understands the emotion of this win the way I do. That was amazing! Go blue!!

I got accepted into grad school in 97 at Michigan, Notre Dame, and U. of Illinois @UC and the deciding factor for me was football. I was fortunate to attend in a year where there was lightning in a bottle. Like Rich, my devotion to Michigan football has never wavered though the highs and lowly lows. I never called for Harbaugh's head on a pike and most importantly, I never gave up hope. Like beating OSU in 2021, the catharsis of this moment is unlike anything I've ever felt. Go Blue! Thank you Rich.

Congrats Rich... Been a long time coming. Couldn't be any happier for you

97' I was 13 and fell in love with Michigan football when they won the natty. That same feeling came back and more. Those who stay will win!!! GO BLUE! 〽️

So happy for you, me, and every Michigan alumni and fan who has stuck with this team through the rough times! Go Blue!!!

I'm happy for you and Michigan. I like seeing this side of you that you've shown more recently. Being part of something bigger than ourselves is a special feeling..:) Keep up the great work. The world needs sports more than ever now to unite us...:)

The last time Michigan won it all I was 5-months old… Pretty awesome experience watching what unfolded last night, all I could think about is Rich Eisen must be having the time of his life. Happy for UM fans! 🎉

You’re awesome, Rich. Thanks for the heartfelt memories. We’re the same age and I remember, as a student at Purdue, drinking at a party with Jim Everett and storming the field after a victory and taking down the goalpost. Memories that matter. Congrats on the National Championship! 🏈

LSA '95 here. You've encapsulated exactly how a lot of us feel right now. Go Blue!

I was there for the game last night and was super emotional. I feel you Rich!

So so happy for you and UM Nation. Oddly enough, I was not emotional last night. I was more so after the Rose Bowl. Only now, listening to your story does it finally sink in.

As a Georgia fan, I can relate to all the losses (2nd & 26, Miracle at Jordan-Hare, etc) disappearing two years ago when we beat Bama. Enjoy it, Rich. Congrats!

Rich, your comments really resonated with me and I totally understand what you are talking about. I live in Ohio, but have been a diehard Michigan fan since I was a kid. I never attended UM as I went to BGSU, but last night just removed so many burdens you mentioned and brought much relief and thrill! One of the happiest days of my life, no doubt!!

Watching Michigan since age 7 in 1977. 97' was great. This one is AWESOME 🔥 & UNDISPUTED. Thru guts and effort..these kids did it!! It means SO much to our state and all the great fans. If Jim leaves.. I'm grateful for what he's created. 🏆💙

not even a big college football fan but i’m happy for rich and all the other alumni and the great players on that team, congratulations on the win!

Congrats Rich. I must say this had a completely different tone than I expected. Thank you for the words.

We were same year, Rich. We even conversed a couple of times. My first Michigan football memory was a month or so before when Michigan lost to Iowa on a last second field goal when the teams were ranked 1 and 2. After that game I was convinced that I HAD to get into Michigan. It happened for me the following January.

As a die hard Bucs fan I know the feeling of not winning for a long time and then to finally see your team make it and win! I am extremely happy for you Rich and you should fully enjoy this moment! Get all the merch you can, I have a wall dedicated to both the Bucs championships!

As an Illinois fan I live vicariously through your joy today! And I definitely connect to my school the same way you do yours💙🧡. But I wholeheartedly agree about the beauty of sports. Well said, as always, and congrats.

Rich you've got me a little teary eyed brother. But they are good tears. Thinking of my first game at the Big House with my dad who's long since passed. All the way to meeting some players as a kid. Dad passed Michigan to me. I passed it to my son. My son is passing it to his son. His son, who turned 1 on New Years Day. Born in the year of a Michigan National Championship. That's a blessed Michigan baby. Go blue.

Rich, I'm a high school senior who has just applied to Michigan. Your story of Michigan pride is synonymous with what made the school appealing to me. I've always been a fan of the school and the football team and the band and everything else from a young age because they were easy to root for (their players, their academic/athletic standards, the pride of alumni and former alums) and after 10 years of watching the Wolverines lose to Ohio State, they won in 2021. Then this year they won and I was crying tears of joy last night for nearly an hour straight. The more I learn about Michigan, the more I love the university. I hope to get in soon and be able to wear Maize and Blue as on my sleeves like you, and hope to see the Wolverines win championships forever on. Regardless of what happens with my acceptance, I will forever have a place in my heart for Michigan and its football team. Go Blue!

Listening to your passion about Michigan made me actually watch the national championship for a change. But also as a Niners fan I'm also extremely happy for Harbaugh, he deserved it. Amazing coach! Go Blue!

I remember when the Colts came back to play in Baltimore for the first time. Harbaugh brought the game ball to Johnny U. It was a beautiful moment!

I loved your heart-felt story very much. I'm 78 years old and live near AnnArbor. I recall the anguish I experinced when Bo and Woody faced off. I've remained a Michigan man to this day because of that inflammatory passion both Bo and Woody brought to 'The Game'. My sons are Michigan alums about your age and we all (including my wife) are die hard Michigan folks. My wife of 50 some years yells at the TV more than I do. Never feel guilty about wearing your love of Michigan on your sleeve. I hope you get to the parade...Go Blue...

I was 12 the last time they won. SOOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU, the school, the fanbase, the alumni. CONGRATULATIONS, SO WELL DESERVED! THEY DID IT!

I've never been in michigan God willing I see a game there. I got real emotional last night then again this morning watching game after vids...just amazing.....GO BLUE!!!

Last night was truly an amazing night. So proud of our National Champion Wolverines. Go Blue!!!

Right there with you, Rich. I'm a lifelong Michigan fan and proud alum from the school. I was a sophomore in high school, fresh off of a season playing JV football, when they won (I don't say split) the national title in 97-98. That season was special - I was totally awestruck by Charles Woodson's talent, by how cohesive that team was. I've waited 26 years for them to get to this moment, and I shared the whole thing with my mother and brother who are also lifelong fans/alumni. It really was the greatest sports moment of my life, too.

To Rich I would say I am really happy for you. This was a heart-felt, classy segment that captured what we as passionate sports fans experience. I'm not a Michigan Man. I'm a Texan who went to grad school in Columbus, Ohio, and fell in love with The Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as recognizing that college fan loyalty to them gave me an escape clause from the closer-to-home rivalries (Texas-Texas A&M as one example). Baseball is my favorite sport, and I have never experienced being a fan of the World Series champions in my 67 years. It is the investment in emotion, passion , and time, that makes us feel the roller-coaster ride of fandom so deeply. The losses hurt. And the big wins, especially winning championships, are exhilarating. Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines and to Rich Eisen and Michigan supporters everywhere.

I can't thank Rich for enough for sharing this. I too was at Michigan in the mid 80's and he definitely speaks to my experience as well. His comments on the importance of our following our beloved team and the passage of time is spot on. I too remember being awestruck meeting Jim Harbaugh and Jumbo and many of the other players at the time. I am sure you don't remember me, but I remember meeting you as well Rich. Congratulations on your career and thank you for representing our university so well!

heard it live, but will listen again. It's so great! To be! A Michigan Wolverine! Go Blue! What a day, I am still ecstatic!

I`m 24, and the grandson of a proud Wolverine alum. This is the first time in my lifetime that we get to celebrate one of our CFB teams winning a championship. GO BLUE!!

I was waiting for this when I heard Michigan won. Congrats, Rich!

i've been a fan because my dad went there back in the 50s. he played in the band. i can remember watching games with him when harbaurgh played there. glad to see them do it again.

From one alum to another: I love your coming to Michigan story. A great day - Go Blue!

Huge Ohio State fan here....Congrats Rich, and to the rest of Wolverine nation. You guys earned it, and were no doubt the better team, all year long. We will get you guys next year!!

Could not wait to hear Rich Eisen's reaction to the Natty. Go Big Blue! It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine.

Congrats Rich, I too got accepted into Michigan and I would’ve gone if not for the fact that it was out of state for me. Loved the campus, loved Ann Arbor.

I was a "foreign student" (from Norway) at UM from 1989-1991. Loved the University, the campus, the culture. First UM football game I saw (literally on the day of my first arrival in A2) was the 1/1/1989 Rose Bowl (W over USC). I was fortunate to catch Bo's last season and to see Desmond Howard play in the Big House. The 1997 championship I only read about (I was back in Europe by then, and there was no RU-vid yet, haha)... so this year is the first time since my college days that I've seen UM win a Rose Bowl (what a game!!) and become National Champions. It may very well also be the last time, if it takes 25-30 years between each time, I'm now 56, and I can't count on being around in 2050+. It's been a fantastic ride these past 3 seasons - THANK YOU great team and great coach(es) and GO BLUE FOREVER!

Congrats Rich Eisen. There's absolutely no confusion about your allegiance to that program. Can't wait to see you show out on the set of Game Day Morning! Where those colors proudly sir! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I'm happy for you, Rich. What a great moment. Go Blue!