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The University of Michigan is built on tradition, with its history passed down from generation to generation. And its football teams have been no different over the years, as players, coaches and athletic directors are remembered for past glories and failures. Michigan football has built its tradition over decades, and every player and coach who steps onto campus is told about it, reinforced by the proud and simple motto: "This is Michigan."
Many traditions have become integral parts of the football program for years, none more than running out of the tunnel and touching the banner before every home game. Traditions do not arise overnight. They develop gradually, eventually becoming imbued in the history and culture of Michigan football.
A new tradition has developed at Michigan, not only inside the football program but across the entire athletic department. A "Michigan Man" referred to the 2011 Michigan team by number rather than name, and the tradition was born. The tradition has already become so ingrained in Michigan culture that many fans believe it has existed for decades, unaware of the relative recency of this tradition's origins.
A Tradition Is Born
The date Apr. 15, 2011, will be part of Michigan lore forever not because of a big win or heroic player performance but because a number was uttered, giving birth to another Michigan football tradition.
Former Michigan football player Brady Hoke was hired on Jan. 11, 2011, to take over head coaching duties after Rich Rodriguez was let go. During a team meeting on Apr. 15, 2011, attended by many former Michigan players, Hoke talked to the team about Michigan culture and history—legendary players and numerous championships. He then went on to refer to that year's team not as Michigan but as "Team 132," signifying the 132nd Michigan team to suit up in program history. Hoke's manner of naming Wolverines teams caught on quickly.
Team 145: A Number, an Identity
Last year's team—Team 144—has its own identity, the identity of a national champion. The 2024 squad is Team 145. Like pages in a history book, each team has a number and a story, with its own unique place in history.
Team 144 wrote its remarkable history last season, achieving a perfect 15 -0 record capped by a Big Ten Conference championship and a national championship. Authors of Team 144's place in history include Jim Harbaugh, JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum and many, many more.
With the commencement of a new season, new authors will write new chapters about the new team in Ann Arbor, Mich. Sherrone Moore and Donovan Edwards have been handed the pens, and a mostly blank page in a history book lies before them. From the moment Moore accepted the head coaching position, the story began to be written. Team 145 now has the opportunity to chart its own course. Some faces from Team 144 remain, but many are new. Team 145's identity is unique.
Led by a new group of team captains on the field, Team 145 will write its history over the next few months. How will the story end? What drama awaits?
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