1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 4

has been former running back Tim Biakabutuka, who was a first-round draft pick in 1996 and played for the Carolina Panthers. However, Sunday matchups can be found with former Wolverines meeting on opposite sides of the ball, as well as in the same locker room. In 2008, Tom Brady, perhaps the most discussed and highly regarded NFL quarterback in 2007-2008 next to Brett Favre, took the New England Patriots all the way to the Super Bowl. Brady was a player who, while at Michigan, often found himself playing second fiddle to other highly-touted quarterbacks and was a low-round draft pick at number 199. Brady was at Michigan when Brian Griese-a NFL quarterback for Tampa Bay-and Charles Woodson-a defensive player for the Green Bay Packers and first-round draft pick-took the Wolverines to their 1997-season National Championship win. Brady then competed for the quarterback position with Drew Henson, a player whom many fans preferred to Brady. Today, Brady, Griese and Woodson are among the Wolverines' players who are currently successful in the NFL.

One of the biggest criticisms of Michigan-and, perhaps, one of the top reasons why the Wolverines are despised-is the program's history in college football. There is an emphasis-both by Michigan and by the sports media-on the program's records, rich history and place among the elite college football teams. Michigan fans are criticized for holding excessively high expectations for the team, its players and its coach. What outsiders don't understand is that Michigan's standards for its football program is an extension of what it means to be Michigan in all respects. The football program stands as the most widely-known symbol of the university's overall success. Imagine what it would be like to attend and graduate from Harvard-the standards, expectations and ultimate success are not that different at Michigan. The main difference is that Harvard is known almost strictly for academics-Michigan experiences that same level of expectation and success across the board.

In short, Michigan has always been expected to be among the best and usually is in most categories. Michigan is always among the top universities in the nation, top five public universities-having been recognized as a "public Ivy"-and top ten law schools. The university has a strong reputation in business, medicine and the arts, and has traditionally been known to many as a strong basketball program. Michigan often finishes conference play in most sports among the

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Legendary college football teams: The Michigan Wolverines?
We want to hear your view. Write now!