Reflecting On J.J. McCarthy’s Program-Changing Words From 2020

Just over two years ago, the Michigan football team was coming off of one of (of not THE) worst seasons in program history: the COVID-19 season, which shook the Wolverine program to its core. Michigan’s 2-4 campaign three seasons ago was a low point in the Harbaugh era, though it was at rock bottom that Michigan fans heard what they needed most. Let’s reflect on J.J. McCarthy’s program-changing words, which came before he ever donned the Winged Helmet.

J.J. McCarthy’s Program-Changing Words

The Earth has gone around the Sun twice since J.J. McCarthy sent Michigan football fans a message — one that changed the course of Wolverine football entirely.

I want all Michigan fans to do this. Take 3 deep breaths… And have faith. Faith that every single Coach, player, employee in that building is doing everything they possibly can to be great.

— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) November 15, 2020

The key to McCarthy’s statement lies in the second half. “have faith. Faith that every single Coach, player, employee in that building is doing everything they possibly can to be great.” Since tweeting this in November of 2020, the Michigan Wolverines football team is 25-3 (19-1 Big Ten) with two-consecutive Big Ten titles, Playoff appearances, and more. Additionally, the Michigan Wolverines are undefeated against Ohio State, with McCarthy leading Michigan to a massive 22-point victory in Columbus a season ago.

What More Can Michigan Football Do Under McCarthy?

Thus far, J.J. McCarthy has delivered on his program-changing words from long ago. Before McCarthy came to Ann Arbor, the last time the University of Michigan had won a Big Ten Championship in football was when they split the title with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2004. Since McCarthy’s arrival, the Michigan Wolverines know nothing but success — Michigan went 12-2 (Big Ten Champs/CFP) during his freshman season, and a record breaking 13-1 (Big Ten Champs/CFP) during his sophomore campaign.

Now, as we head into J.J. McCarthy’s junior campaign in 2023, the Wolverines have a shot at something that the program has not done since 1997. This fall/winter, we could be witness to a Michigan football National Championship for the first time in 26 years. So far, Michigan’s rising junior quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, has put up some incredible highlights among his notable achievements. This year, the sky is the limit for the Michigan Wolverines and their star quarterback.

Now, with everything ahead of them in this season, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines must go prove that Michigan football is a legit threat to the College Football Playoff and National Title.

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