Stockholm Syndrome
I never chose to be a Michigan fan. My dad took me into the Big House during the 4th quarter when we were blowing out crappy teams in the early 90s, and I was a wee tike. I distinctly remember attending the 1997 national championship parade in Ann Arbor, and I, an eleven year old who had no idea what pain lay before me, brought my new puppy, a little short legged Jack Russell Terrier with a cropped tail, and my best childhood friend.
The first thing I thought when my wife told me she was pregnant in spring of 2009 is that I can't wait to share Michigan football with my offspring. After all, my father shared it with me, because his father shared it with him.
I hate this team and this program
because I love this team and this program and cannot undo it.
Negging this post for melodramatic sappiness.
November 28th, 2020 at 3:20 PM ^
Michigan Football = Fucking Pathetic
November 29th, 2020 at 8:30 AM ^
Mongo = Fucking Pathetic
November 28th, 2020 at 3:28 PM ^
I can relate. First game was Jim throwing a TD against Ohio State in the mid-80s when I was 4, and that was that. I discovered I was related to a big-time player for Ohio State from the 50s, team captain and national champion. Found that out as an adult after my allegiances were solidified. Had I known that when I was a kid, I could have had a happy sports life for most of my adult life. But, here I am, cheering for a team coached by a guy who can’t put on a mask correctly. Run up the middle on 3rd and short again, Jim, maybe they won’t stop you this time.
November 28th, 2020 at 3:28 PM ^
A couple of thoughts....
My story is similar to yours. I chose Michigan after Michigan chose me when a physician my mother worked for started giving me tickets every year as a young child. Later in my 30s, I achieved that Michigan degree, so the school will always stick with me.
My son says things like, "Michigan is never going to beat Ohio State", and I absolutely hate that. But, from his perspective at 8 years old, why would he think otherwise, as they haven't beat OSU in his lifetime. In fact, they almost always get blown away.
With that said, I have gone from being an extreme fan who used to have my Saturdays dictated by the results of the Michigan game to one who simply enjoys watching the game with my 8 year old boy. He loves watching, win or lose, and I love watching it with him and sharing that joy.
However, I'm getting very sick of the shit product on the field.
November 28th, 2020 at 3:34 PM ^
I don’t know what you guys are so upset about, we beat Rutgers!
November 28th, 2020 at 3:46 PM ^
Now that you mention it, we gave Sparty a run for his money too. I feel better now(cue my Chris Farley face plant into the coffee table).
November 28th, 2020 at 3:46 PM ^
Hey, I'm all good with the melodramatic sappiness. Most of us are here because Michigan holds a special place in our heart and we all want to see the program succeed on the field. Unfortunately, the current staff is unable to put these kids in a position to succeed and that just sucks.
It is what it is and it sucks to suck.
November 28th, 2020 at 3:50 PM ^
I’m right there with you OP. The question I have is this: will Warde fire Harbaugh in a pandemic season? I want JH gone. Today was it for me. But does he get one more year to right the ship?
November 28th, 2020 at 3:53 PM ^
Season ticket holders and donors need to blow up his voicemail.
November 28th, 2020 at 5:33 PM ^
Stockholm?
November 28th, 2020 at 5:55 PM ^
Stockholm Syndrome is an absolute banger of a song by Muse!
November 28th, 2020 at 7:53 PM ^
My very first sports memories involve Michigan to varying degrees. I remember the name Greg McMurtry but have no recollection of any plays. My first vivid recollections are "The Catch", "The Pose", and "The Fab Five". I should allow for some perspective and say i was born in '81. These memories I owe to my mom who grew up in Michigan and allowed me to spend a ton of time at my grandparents' house. Watching this program the last decade plus has been painful in a similar way (with obvious differences) to the way it was painful when my childhood best friend, mentor, and hero, my grandfather, was stricken with dementia.
November 29th, 2020 at 12:45 PM ^
Yep, Dad took me to the Big House when I was young. Saw the stadium, watched the team touch the banner -- with tons more enthusiasm than now, admired the uniforms, and saw the team play at a high-level. That was that. As negative as I appear to be on here, it's a vent to protect my psyche. I'll never stop being a fan, and I want this ship righted.