Brian Cook appreciation thread
I posted this in a comment, but if you read Brian's latest post, you can see he could use some support!
Brian, although we've never personally met, I have followed you religiously for 13 years. Please know that while you may sometimes see your work as meaningless, I can assure you that that could not be farther from the truth. You have given thousands and thousands of people an incredible source of entertainment. You created something where people can interact with each other and express all sorts of opinions, share information, debate, and create friendships. Many many gifted people will spend their whole lives trying to accomplish what you have done. Try to recognize that you've been given many gifts and thousands of people who you will never meet greatly respect and genuinely care about you!
I think we have found Brian’s board account.
All kidding aside, hats off to Brian Cook. We appreciate your wit, passion, work ethic, and dedication to create a blog that has provided a great sense of enjoyment for many of us.
We love you Brian!!
January 17th, 2022 at 11:01 AM ^
It's great when such friendships grow stronger between people! I respect Brian as a person and as an athlete. It's hard for me to make new friends in life. I'm trying to be more outgoing, found [SPAM LINK DELETED] and read a lot of essays on friendship every day, but I still often just pretend to be an extrovert to please people. Therefore, I advise everyone to appreciate their friends, because they are not so easy to make.
January 20th, 2022 at 1:10 AM ^
Athlete or not, I'm sure Brian feels---or used to, anyway--- the same way about you!
Spamming MGoBlog (which, BTW, was founded and is owned by Brian), though, is a sure way to destroy that friendship. So rather than upset him, I just quietly banned your account and removed your most recent spam links.
I've said this many times before but it never hurts to repeat. Brian's writing is what makes the blog. He's a special talent. You can see the DFW and other influences, but he's still in a category of his own, especially among sports bloggers and writers. The little I pay for HTTV every year will never be enough to compensate him for the joy I've gotten from reading this blog. He could write about anything and I would lap it up.
Can't find it right now, but I always remember the piece Brian wrote after that *#*@!!) "loss" to Louisville in the final. Really captured how sports moments, even painful ones, will etch themselves in your mind and have much deeper, richer associations beyond the hardwood, gridiron, diamond, ice or what have you.
Totally agree!
@Brian - let’s have some Zoom calls so you can hang out with us. Get to know us and then have regular chats with those of us you connect with.
Brain made all the bad times okay times.
He helps us understand why we're bad. And that really helps.
It's also comforting in good times when he's saying, 'this is a special thing that's happening- you can believe your eyes'. I can just picture the wild gesturing and hair flailing.
Great point. We know we're bad at times, but I can't quite put a finger on why. Brain shows me why, and gives reasonable options on how to fix it.
Hear! Hear!
I can't agree more. Besides, we get to type naughty words here. Can't do that on other sports boards. Ha!
You're a naughty monkey
I like the that
Brian,
As you can tell, I have been a member for several years now, even during the darkest time of Michigan sports, you have been there with you talent, skill, and wit to call it as you see it. You have a gift that brightens thousands of peoples lives.
Do you get to see many of them, most likely not, but what you do is so very special and much appreciated.
Thank you for all that you have done and chin up, there are better days coming.
I deal with seasonal depression every year but this year has been particularly brutal. And a lot of people don't understand what that is like. I don't get particularly sad or anything but I feel like I'm under a heavy fog and I have no energy for work, my relationship, and things that I ordinarily love doing.
Anyway, I really appreciated reading the front page post today, because it reminded me that I'm not alone. Thanks for that.
This pandemic and the corresponding effects from quarantine & household isolation have been so tough to get through, even separate and apart from pre-existing depression & related issues, so I am very sympathetic to Brian and what he's written in the post-championship-vs-MSU blog post, as those are issues many of us are sorting out and/or trying to deal with.
All I can say to Brian is that you aren't alone - many folks feel the same way, and while I know that may not necessarily make it feel any better, I hope at least you can take some solace from the strength and cohesion of the community you've built around this blog - one that can both recall the disgust with Shawn Crable's penalty against Troy Smith and donate tens of thousands of dollars to charities across the country in partnership with other early-days college fb bloggers at the drop of a hat...
There's a lot to be said for the great university many of us were fortunate to attend, especially when that university is winning championships, but i always find my fondest memories were and are of the people we shared the happy times with, as well as those we turn to when we need a lift... with our UofM family, i find that group of people to be largely one and the same, and I am very much appreciative of Brian, Ace, Adam, Seth, and everyone here for creating a way to keep that sense of "community" alive even after we've all left school and gone our separate ways in the world.
Here's hoping you get a chance to enjoy some relaxing and fulfilling time with your family and/or the outdoors and a little sunshine this weekend Brian... hopefully we're all on the verge of a much better season of recovery and joyfulness here soon.
#GoBlue
I've known Brian for almost 25 years. We worked together at ComCo back in the late 90s. He was a writer (and a damn good one) and I was a performer (and a damn average one). Also, if you didn't know, he started the Michigan Every Three Weekly with is once friend Amol. I'm not super close with him, but we do talk when he comes in for Michigan events in Chicago.
Brian is a trained engineer (as his Michigan degree states), but he is a much better writer IMO. And hence his career as a famous blog writer over being an engineer. His unique balance of both right and left brain skills makes him bit of an eccentric. With that, he was always been a bit emo even in the late 90s, so I think this is part of who he is. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve some appreciation, because he does, but I do think he's "just being him".
His unique balance of both right and left brain skills makes him bit of an eccentric. With that, he was always been a bit emo even in the late 90s, so I think this is part of who he is. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve some appreciation, because he does, but I do think he's "just being him".
At your basic level, you have to be you. Just like JH is probably never going to change. He's never going to give an injury report or do a lot of fan and media interaction. That's just who he is. Both JH and Brian would probably be a bit more "likable" if they cared more about you think of them. You can tell they don't by the way they both dress, Brian's hair, JH's glasses, etc. They don't care. I couldn't be any more different than Brian. I'm just a jock. I use my body, my appearance, and being physical to ground myself and gain balance. Playing sports and lifting weights always gave me a sense of calm. My body has lead and my mind followed. I am always well groomed, well dressed, and in good shape. That's who I am. Many others are the opposite. I digress. The key is you have do what works for you. You must embrace and accept yourself to be happy, even if that means being a bit grumpy.
Agreed! Sometimes I think it's easy to treat this blog, now that it's successful and has a bunch of contributing writers, as just another faceless "media site" and forget that it's the work of a few people and the invention of one. So hooray for Brian! I'd have two kidneys if it weren't for you and Ace.
Thank you again for your amazing generosity. The fact that it emerged out of MGoBlog is yet another reminder of the incredible community Brian and team have built.
Brian your work has meant a lot to me for years, and never more so than during the pandemic. Hang in there, man. You're incredible at what you do, and it makes a difference.
Logged in for the first time in quite awhile to chime in: keep your head up, Brian!
You'd be hard pressed to find another writer that so perfectly translates the zeitgeist of a team/program/school into words. Michigan fans are so lucky to have you. For perspective: I've read this blog almost daily for 16 years -- more than half the time I've been alive. For many of us, your fandom has become a sort of institution synonymous with our own fandom and we are all better and more entertained for it.
Just hang in there a bit longer. Better times are coming. Take a day to reflect on all the success you've had!
I think you're the first person I've ever seen here with an account that old that has less than 1,000 points. Kuddos to you for mostly reading and not posting. You have a maturity I wish I did (and are probably happier for it).
Amen.
I love this blog for many reasons, but Brian's writing - astute, comedic, erudite, and at times beautiful - is the heart of it. You are well appreciated by many people, Brian. Thank you for finding your way to this career and sharing your gifts with so many.
Good topic.
Brian, thanks for running a site that has added so much to my Michigan fandom, and really to my life. You've always done a helluva job! Here's to hoping whatever's happening in your life improves quickly.
I've had the chance to personally thank Brian for all that he does and I'm here to do it again in the digital world. Brian...Thank you very much for all that you do. My football knowledge has been greatly expanded by reading MGoBlog. Even in the middle of a really crappy 2020 football season, there's good analysis here to understand what's going right and wrong on the field. I have to admit that the 2020 football season did nothing to counter the isolation and tedium of living in a world of COVID. I was really down about the whole thing, but a new coaching staff is here, they are young and aggressive recruiters, and we are going to see a new defense this fall. I'm looking forward to the fall season. We'll probably have fans in the stands in Sept, too.
So, onward MGoBlog!
Brian - you have created something incredible here and while it may seem insignificant to you let me assure you it most definitely is NOT insignificant to us. You have created a community with it's own set of rules, norms, inside jokes and everything else that goes makes a group, a group. We are MgoBlog because you created it and please know that especially during the pandemic this was an opportunity for all us to continue human interaction during otherwise isolation. And that mattered.
I would also echo you are a fucking incredible and gifted writer. For those youngsters around here I would strongly suggest taking a moment and reading what I consider your magnum opus - 11 Swans. If you dont get chills reading this you are either not a Michigan fan or you're dead.
It seems hyperbolic, but I don't know what following Michigan sports would be without Brian and company, but I know it would be lesser. What they do here is special and I'm a big supporter.
My freshman year at Michigan was 2014, the final season of the Hoke regime. I've always loved sports, but never took the college game that seriously. That said, I knew I'd end up obsessed with Michigan football while I was here -- "football school" and all that. That season objectively sucked ass. Shane Morris debacle. Dave Brandon. Two Cokes. Bleh. I didn't pay that close attention beyond being hammered at the games; what was the point? We were miserable and no fun to follow.
MGoBlog changed everything for me. I happened upon this janky-looking site during the Harbaugh search -- who didn't want to read about our school landing a top-five coach? It was like striking oil. I found myself checking the site a few times a day to get the scoop. I became the source of all coaching-search news among my friends. I felt equal parts member of a secret society and a massive community of fans, just from reading this site.
I was hooked. I've stayed hooked. I devour everything y'all churn out with semi-religious fervor. I've always said one of the best things about being a Michigan fan is MGoBlog -- we have the best analysis and writing about our teams of any fanbase. Full stop. Perfectly captures the zeitgeist. Improves the quality of our discourse. Plays to our desire to think deeply and critically about something we do for fun. We get Zach Lowe level analysis for free. Seemingly endless content. It's fucking mesmerizing.
Now I'm a Ph.D student, isolated as all hell, trying to stay sane during this pandemic. I can't overstate how much this site has done to keep me feeling connected to the stuff I loved from the before-times. I really can't imagine not having this website in my life. I know a lot of people who feel the exact same way.
It's obvious that it takes a village to run this site, and everyone working here deserves to be showered with praise. But it starts and ends with Brian.
Thank you, Brian. We love you, man.
Beautifully said.
Amen.
This blog is great, and Brian’s writing and perspective are the foundation it is built on. I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through, but glad you shared it. Keep your head up! The night is darkest before the dawn.
Echoing what's been said by others if you're actually going to read this. Been reading and listening to you all for 10+ years now, and you are all wonderful writers and a trusted source. Know that we're here to support you, and you are always welcome/deserving to ask for help. It's a privilege to be able to help others in times of need, and you should know that it's ok to ask us. I was really proud of Ace to acknowledge what he was going through and ask for help in a time of need, and it was an honor to support him as it would be for you if ever needed. On that note, you all have taught me a lot outside of sports that I want to appreciate. Your journey as a father, interest in local politics (fuck NIMBYism), reflections on the pandemic, and just your general musings have expanded my perspective, and I appreciate all of that.
Take care of yourself, thank you again, and we're always here if you need help.
I have been grateful to Brian since he generously gave me my first 100 points so I could post.
His writing is exquisite and nearly always represents my views on our athletic program.
We still owe him for Brandon's demise.
The last year has been easier, I should say, less difficult, because of this blog.
It is a community - most of the others have disappeared during lockdown.
I try to start my day writing a gratitude list including what good things happened yesterday that I did not expect.
This changes my outlook to looking forward to what good things will happen today? instead of woe is me.
Besides, it could always be worse.
You could be Craig Ross.
Be safe and keep on truckin'!
Agree, but let's don't forget about Seth here, guys. I suspect he does his share of the daily heavy lifting. Thanks to both.
I appreciate everything Brian does, but I wish he wouldn't look like he wants to stab me in the face when I ask for a pic at one of his fund raising events. 
Hilarious. I love this site and Bryan's sense of humor and depth of love for Michigan sports. That being said, the "stab you in the face" look in pictures is pretty status quo.
Keep the faith, Bryan. You've had a positive impact on so many of us fans. Things will get better. Even if there are a litany of examples of stupid along the way.
Is Brian like 6'5 to 6'6? Yeah, he did not look too happy you had to ask for a picture.
This has been a particularly shitty year (2020 -> 2021) in a lot of ways for a lot of people. I've only met Brian a couple of times but I've been reading his posts for years. His writing is what keeps me coming back to the site. His opinions on the podcasts help keep me engaged (along with Seth and Ace). He is the reason that the phrase "roadrunner year" is in my lexicon now, I've referred to it in work meetings when it made sense.
Brian - This fan hopes you feel better soon. We need you to be at your prime for whenever Michigan Football returns to the glory that was before my time as a fan. We'll both be old men by then probably.
I just wanted to echo what has been said below. I believe I stumbled across Mgoblog around 2005 or so ("The Year of Infinite Pain"), and have loved it ever since. I had come across Brian's writing earlier (without realiziing it) in the Every Three Weekly. Brian is one of the funniest and most insightful writers not just on sports, but generally.
Brian -- I really you've created the best sports blog anywhere, and I can say that this Blog has helped me through the pandemic. While I realize many of us won't get our vaccines until late summer I hope that even before then the warmer helps you reconnect.
You had me at Eleven Swans, Brian.
Well said, OP, and seconded. Much appreciation for you, Brian!
This thread is bringing out some of the old guard!
Let me just echo what many others have said, this is the best site on the internet. It is easily my most non-youtube visited site. I don't consider my game experience over until reading the post-game recap. And then having at least one, often times multiple, breakdowns of every game each and every week has me so spoiled.
I have had various bouts with depression throughout my life. One of which directly led to my relationship with my son's mom dissolving. That darkness can be a real bitch. In my experience, there are always brighter days on the other side, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment.
You are the voice of Michigan sports.
Para-social relationship and all, but I love ya man.
The next day basketball columns are my favorite. I look forward to them after every game -- except, maybe, for two games this year. It's helped keep me going.
Brian is a hero to me
My father-in-law had a stroke a couple of weeks ago, had another devastating stroke a few days later, and passed away last week. His funeral was earlier this week.
I share that not to garner any sort of sympathy, but to share that we often take for granted those around us because they are just a fixture in our lives. We don't think about what they mean to us until something causes us to recognize their - and our own - transience. My father-in-law was a rock and was just always there to help us out or to brighten our days or to drive our kids places or to mow our lawn or to let me borrow his tools or to play table tennis. He was always there and we didn't always cherish or appreciate that as much as we could have.
It is much the same with Brian and MGoBlog, which have been fixtures in my Michigan fandom since I discovered it in - what, 2005? Many - i blog for cookies, the victors, autumn thunder, RBUAS, the M Zone, Varsity Blue, when carcajous attack, the original Maize n Brew, Michigan sports center, and many many more - have come and gone, but Brian and MGoBlog have been constant.
I look back and realize that I don't always appreciate that there are real people behind the words on the screen. Sure, when Ace shares his health struggles, or we learn of Brian's new dad challenges, or of Seth's extended family. But those times are few and far between.
Thanks for sharing your struggles with us and reminding us that we are all human, that we are all going through things in our own lives, whether they be related to our mental health, physical health, relationships, or some combination of all those things and more.
Maybe it's not worth much to you, but I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for all you do for this community and for your broader community.
Brian, you’ve done an amazing job building this place. Can’t thank you enough! https://mgoblog.com/content/perverse-joy-abject-stupidity
This game column will always stay with me. You managed to perfectly capture the moment, as you are wont to do. Thanks for everything you do!
Not sure what this is about, but I've spent more time on MGOBLOG than any other media property likely by a 100x ratio. With the pandemic, my crappy pandemic job, getting old and a host of other issues I'm the lowest I've ever been. As Hericlitus said the only constant is change.* Things will get worse. Things will get better. Hang in there. Picture Hunter Dickenson passing to Livers or Franz. Enjoy the little things.
*I first heard that quote from my freshman calc TA and not a philosophy prof/teacher.
I love what Brian has done for Michigan athletics, mostly football, in terms of bringing it to us in a manner that is digestible and thought provoking.
When I read stuff like what he wrote, I can't help but be reminded of the disclaimer on my prescription bottles that says "your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she feels that the benefits of taking it outweigh the side effects and potential risks..." and I question whether this is true in the treatment plan right now.
What these guys said!