Empty the Call Sheet (Dec. 16)
From the plane home back to the West Coast, Yogi's weekly newsletter
When Larry Fitzgerald walked into the Pitt football facility in 2003 after finishing 2nd in the Heisman Trophy that year, I did what any teammate would do. I walked right up to him and said, “Congrats man, finishing 2nd in the Heisman is incredible!”
I thought he needed a pick me up, as myself and all of our teammates felt he was the more deserving player that year. Larry, who has never been a “me first” type of guy and almost annoyingly would deflect any praise, stunned me with his response.
“If you win the Heisman your life changes forever….let’s go win this bowl game.”
Ever since that conversation I’ve looked at the Heisman Trophy through a different lens. From being there when Reggie Bush won it in 2005, Christian McCaffrey “lost” it 2015, Marcus Mariota impacted the football community with his 2014 winning speech that still gives me chills, or when Caleb Williams wove mental health into his 2022 acceptance speech, I am always reminded of that line that Larry Fitz shared with me.
“If you win the Heisman, your life changes forever.”
I arrived in NYC on Friday evening and as I watched Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward participate in media events, photo shoots and the eventual ceremony, I was so curious if they were aware of that too.
Often the media waits at the Marriott Marques in Midtown Manhattan for the winner to return for a post-Heisman press conference. This year, I was gifted the honor of going to the actual ceremony at Lincoln Center. I sat toward the top of the venue, in awe of the room. From past winners to parents of this year's finalists to the staff of the Heisman Trust - the room had tremendous regard for the game, for the award, and for one another.
Chris Fowler thrived once again as the host, and as vignette after vignette ran the same loop kept running in my mind. Last year 3 of the 4 finalists had previously transferred from power conferences. This year, 3 of the 4 finalists had transferred after starting their careers in a G5 conference or the FCS.
In a 12 month span, the Heisman Trophy finalists ranged from the one-time #1 player in high school in Travis Hunter to a player who was cold calling Division III schools for a chance in Cam Ward. The variance was fascinating, but the red thread is what should stick.
Each of the finalists over the past two years, let alone the previous 90 years, met adversity along their path. They didn’t run from it, they navigated it. Yes, some transferred but each looked adversity in the eye and worked their way through it. There was no shortcut, there never is.
This weekend the CFP begins and toward the 4th quarter of the Indiana and Notre Dame game, I’ll be speaking to the Elite 11 Academy in Los Angeles. I’ll talk to 150 junior high players and their parents about the craft of QB and I can guarantee you that I’ll remind them of the line that Chris Petersen has shared with me many times. “The only thing that is guaranteed on your football journey is that it will not go as you imagined.”
Speaking of imagination, I had no clue that Travis Hunter was such an engaging personality! I imagined him being more reserved and it’s safe to say that he lit up every person who was in his path. From the media in attendance to conversations I overheard at JFK, people fell in love with him Saturday night after his speech.
I came away from the Heisman wishing I had more time with him when he was at Colorado. It’s no secret that Colorado tries to control their own narrative in the media, which I have no problem with. It’s each program's job to do what fits their ethos. Colorado, under Deion Sanders, is fascinating to watch and what Coach Prime has done there is unlikely to be replicated ever again. But man, I wish I got to know the Travis Hunter the world met Saturday night in advance of the Heisman Ceremony.
Another thing I'll remind players and parents this weekend is that our sport is going down the path of players being looked at as rankings, jersey numbers and now, transactions and dollar signs. For the players that may not be as gifted as this year's reigning Heisman winner, I’d urge you to take your helmet off a little more, let the media get to know you, let your fans get to know you, as you may just capture a nation.
How? In whatever way is comfortable for you. A podcast, an interview, artwork, music, etc. Lean into whatever lights you up. And if it’s none of the above, all good too.
A few other takeaways from the Heisman:
Sports Information Directors and their school’s creative departments are my MVPs this weekend. They are navigating new environments, new media and a massive city. Every one from each school was an absolute pro. 5-Star Awards all around.
Recap Podcast: check out our latest podcast as we recap the night in real time from New York City.
Dillon Gabriel has the most unique “It Factor” of any player I’ve ever been around. He walks into every room and everyone feels his presence and he makes them better. I got to spend time with his parents and it’s no surprise that he leads with humility and a competitive fire that is infectious. I’d imagine his teammates feel like we did back in the day at Pitt about Larry Fitzgerald. More on that in advance of the Rose Bowl, as I’ll be covering it for the Big Ten Network.
Calvin Ward. We all know the talent that Cam Ward is. I was able to be around him when he was at Washington State and he came on my podcast to share his story a few times. His father and I have exchanged messages over the years but never met. We were able to connect in advance of the ceremony and to hear his humility in person makes me fall in love with his son even more. He was cold calling and emailing coaches at D-II and D-III schools on behalf of his son and he guided his son during his entire journey while not making it about him. He was so impressive.
Bowl games: Hunter and Ward both confirmed they will be playing in their respective bowl games. Among all of the random bowls on TV, I’ll be sure to watch the ones (Hunter: Alamo, Ward: Pop-Tarts) where those two are playing.
Johnny Manziel: was able to catch up with Johnny Football at the ceremony. I can recall him at the Elite 11 like it was yesterday. He’s 32 years old now, let that sink in.
Jim Thornby. My co-founder of Best Coast Media also made the trip to NYC. We were able to talk about the year, catch our breath and sit in a ton of gratitude for the community that all of you are a part of. None of this happens without you and we are so thankful for you all. Reminder, if you'd like to gift Y-Option to a friend it’s easy, just click here.
Finally, how about the West Coast! Every player on stage in NYC was on a team that played in Autzen Stadium over the last 2 years. Hunter and Ward both played in the Pac-12 last year and Boise State is set to join that league in 2026. Oregon won the Big Ten and Colorado shared the honor of regular season Big 12 Champions. It’s just another reminder of the wild world of college football AND that West Coast football has been making a resurgence. Look no further than 3 teams earning a bye in the inaugural year of the CFP.
Speaking of the West Coast - I’m about to land and shut it down for a few days. I’m going to surprise my wife and kids with a little road trip to Joshua Tree. Ever been? Please send over any advice or must do’s, as it’s a first for us. And this newsletter is a test to see if she reads it and figures out where we are headed or if it will still be a surprise. Any bets?
Much love and many thanks!
Yogi
Appreciate your commitment to WEST COAST football. You are the only one who is doing this Yogi. It is SOOOOOOO Appreciated! Have a wonderful holiday season with your family.
Yogi, your writing is a delight and for left coasters, helps maintain the great memories of the Pac 12. Enjoy a well deserved vacation. Go Ducks!