For years, the idea circulating around Ann Arbor was that Michigan football would be wiped out if the proverbial “bag man” became a corporation under the NCAA's nose.
“Michigan’s Golden Cannon” was real. When fans are in need of charity, the community is quick to help those who bleed maize and blue. But when name, image and likeness became the new law of the land, the Wolverines fell behind the competition.
However, we have not seen the mass dropouts seen in other schools.
Considering the Maize and Blue just went through a coaching change, only one potential starting player ( Safety Keon's departure from the program is somewhat surprising. Retired defensive tackle Cam Good points out that Ann Arbor's culture is what attracts players above all else, despite the temptations that may arise outside the program.
“It's a brand, it's a brand, and as you look at Block M, it's really hard to walk away from that,” Good said. “I know a lot of people love the Obamas of the world, the Ohio states of the world. But when I saw Brock M call my phone, that's where I go. It felt like the only place to be. And a lot of people would understand the brotherhood here. It doesn't matter who your coach is. Your teammates are the people next to you. People We know that this mindset is entrenched, meaning they're not going to transfer because that's one goal. And that's why people don't transfer.”
Quarterback JJ McCarthy is a true star player, not just at Michigan State, but in college football as a whole. McCarthy, who is tipped to be a top-five pick in next month's NFL Draft, may be a polarizing figure in terms of how talented he is, but he has always been a popular son in Ann Arbor since the day he joined the program. .
In 2021, her first year of college, NIL was not yet legal, and McCarthy went through what other college students went through before her. He struggles to make a living on his own, but even when his circumstances change and the money suddenly comes in, his mindset remains the same.
“I was here for, like, a year, about a year until I got my $300 scholarship check. And, you know, with two Door Dashes, I was already down to like $100, so I was like, 'Shoot, okay, let's go,'” McCarthy said. “But, you know, it's a blessing to have that. But it's just sad that it's affecting players who transfer for the money to go to certain schools for the money. Because, at the end of the day, going to college is about growing yourself, just as it makes you an adult. I'll lose it.
“But that's just a small part of it now. And I see this route going in a semi-pro kind of direction and away from the NCAA. But who knows what that's going to be like. And I hope the players focus on what's number one, which is getting better at football, because that's what makes the most money in the end. As Michael Jordan always says, the best support is the best. is your game. If you score two points, you're not going to get the support that Mike was getting.”
Although Michigan is significantly behind in the NIL, McCarthy says it's on track. Mostly because of Michigan State.
He praises the way Michigan operates: the teammates, the camaraderie, the culture. All of this plays an important role, especially for a player who does not have a large amount of his NIL money. And McCarthy says it's more important to succeed within that culture than one based on making as much money as possible as quickly as possible. As you can.
“I don't have to do anything. The great thing about this place is everyone loves to play soccer,” McCarthy said. “They love to win, and there's no better place to be than that. And they understand the process. It's not just the result. It costs money, too. Although the process is always talked about more than the prize. , if you worry about the process, the prizes become inevitable. They come to you, so feel that this program is unique and different compared to all other programs in the country. And we We're going to continue to acquire players that fit that mold.”
