Denard's Speech
First, WTF is the point of the Big Ten Network if they don't even air the student keynote speech live?
Some tweets coming out on it:
Compelling speech by Michigan QB Denard Robinson at #B1GFootball Kickoff Luncheon http://instagr.am/p/Nl-Vk0CDKR/
Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein
Denard Robinson also talked about his family, including a brother who died when he was 10.
Denard Robinson says it was tough to do the right things growing up on the neighborhood he grew up in
Denard Robinson says he didn't leave Michigan b/c his teammates were his brothers
Emotional Denard Robinson doing an outstanding job delivering a speech at Big Ten kickoff before a huge ball room
Denard Robinson: "I met the President of the United States. And LeBron James. And they both knew who I was." (Laughter)
Denard Robinson: "Trust me. I'm not perfect. Just ask Coach Hoke."
Denard Robinson says character is who you are when no one else is watching
Denard Robinson says "it doesn't matter where you come from. Anything is possible."
Some Big Ten schools and players passed on chance to succeed Kirk Cousins' speech but Denard Robinson accepted the challenge and delivered
Stephen J. Nesbitt @stephenjnesbitt
Denard Robinson: “It wasn’t easy where I came from. What made it possible was my two parents, who had nothing but gave everything.”
Background behind the speech:
http://espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/story/_/id/8203602/denard…
Video (embedded below):
Hahaha, well done. That cracks me up. That's avatar worthy, if i could actually stomach the fact that it's dantoni
awesome - thanks!
This is great. Can we get some beads of sweat and one finger loosening his collar?
That was one of my favorites.
Because I created it. HALOL! #mink
"Okay, here's what we're going to do. We're going to get other people up here. We're going to talk about more than Denard Robinson."
"Still not afraid."
First vid link of the speech. Dantonio at 8:42 Apologize for lack of embed skills.
He looks like a 8 year old boy who has to clap after his sister's four hour piano recital.
I'm just so happy I was able to witness it. I can't wait to see how his senior year plays out.
He is special, to be sure. That doesn't mean there isn't someone else out there. This is Michigan, fergodsakes.
What a great story, though.
Just in case anyone missed it, AA.com did a lengthy article a couple of years ago.
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/shoelace-story?page=0,0
Or a player that might even be better. I meant we will never have another player/person like Denard.
Can't wait to watch the video. Denard is no doubt a Michigan Man and is by far one of my favorite athletes to ever wear the maize n blue.
The ESPN story for which the OP provided a link is a pretty good read in itself, but I also would love to see the text of the speech. The article gives a little background actually -
"It's a fear I'm trying to get over, speaking in front of people," Robinson said. "I want to be able to do it. I've always been scared to really talk to people. I'm not a person that wanted to talk to anybody random or just in general."
I would say that using Big Ten Media Day as therapy of a sort, and then doing so to rave reviews per Twitter, is definitely a sign that he has grown much in his time at Michigan as a player and a person. I cannot wait to see what his senior season holds for the team and for us as fans.
tear
I don't think we'll ever see another like Denard. He is a complete superstar, through and through, but I've never seen a superstar stay this humble throughout his stardom. He always has a smile on his face, no matter what, and he strives to improve every day. It will be a sad day on Nov. 17 vs Iowa on Senior Day. I don't think we will ever hear a louder ovation that Denard will get. And he deserves every second it.
Go Blue Denard.
Very well said.
the turnover. Not that I am happy to see favorite players leave, but because I know they are leaving to take what they learned at Michigan out into the world. Michigan is a better place because of Denard, but Denard is a better Denard because of Michigan.
It's funny. I've watched an awful lot come and go since my first visit to the stadium and there are always new favorites. I hope that never stops.
Why is it that I can watch the State of the Union live but not something truly important like Denard speaking at the B1G Luncheon?
/s
/not really
I picked up a slug of tickets this morning for Iowa just so I could be there with some friends for Denard's senior day. That will really not be one to miss. He's an incredible ambassador of the program. His senior year reminds me of Red's speech in Shawshank Redemption after (spoiler alert) Andy escapes. "Some birds aren't meant to be caged; their feathers are just too bright... but still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone."
There will be others, but I don't think there will be another Denard.
Well said fellow MGoBlogger.
Thanks for my invite...
Well said though my friend.
when I would look at other CFB teams while we were going through our QB "crisis". At this point I dont want anyone else leading the team in the huddle and off the field.
For the record, I only own two Michigan jersey's. #2 and last year bought #16. Hopefully Denard brings home some serious hardware and the rest of the country enjoys him as much as have over the past few years.
How many times you think Denard takes it to the house (implies a breakaway run for over 30 yeards or so)? I say 5 - 6 minimum.
deserve ALL OF THE POINTS.
Man Dantonio looked like he always does...pissed at the world. Great speech by Denard; he is truly a great ambassador for the University of Michigan. I, for one, am really going to miss him after this season.
Dantoni looked so smug at the end. I love it.
That's the first thing that I noticed to as Denard walks off the stage. What a D-Bag.
Dantonio pissed he forced to clap.
Coming in from NYC to be there for his last game. Without question my favorite athlete of all time.
I don't know you, but I'll probably see you on the plane for the same reason.
...by Denard. If you think the Michigan Man meme is bunk, thing again, bubba.
He was super nervous for the first half and it was a little difficult to understand him. I also wasn't a big fan of the "why I stayed" topic. The second half was excellent though. It's great to see an introvert come out of his shell and get comfortable speaking to larger audiences.
This season is far from the end for Denard and Michigan. No doubt he'll be a regular returning for games and functions as the face of two eras of coaches: one short and one likely a lot longer.
He's made this place his own.
So proud of Denard for speaking on behalf of michigan and the Bigten, Its amazing how far he has come. Michigan has made a true man out of him. Im so happy the univerisity I love so much could be shared with such a Great person! GO BLUE
'What made it possible was my two parents, who had nothing but gave everything.”
Shoe is 100% correct: Denard is a perfect example of what the over-used term "Michigan Man" really means. Regardless of how this season turns out, he will represent with an honor and dignity that every Michigan fan, student, and alum should be proud of.