Hugh Jackman’s pep talk cannot prevent Michigan derby defeat

Hugh Jackman’s pre-match speech could not stop the University of Michigan Wolverines losing 15–6 to rivals Michigan State, who took home the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the American football derby.

Jackman, an honorary captain, drew on the story of former US president Gerald Ford and his friend Willis Ward, a Black player who was benched in the 1930s after Georgia Tech refused to play against him. Ford objected and threatened to leave the team, but Ward persuaded him to stay; Michigan went on to beat Georgia Tech.

“This is a story about character, about standing up for important things,” Jackman told the players in a speech shared on Instagram. “But ultimately it is about standing up for your team-mates, standing up for the team-mate who stood beside you.”

Michigan State’s win returned the trophy to the Spartans. The 1.2-metre wooden lumberjack figure has been awarded to the derby winner for a year since 1953. Michigan had held it after beating the Spartans 31–20 last year. The rivalry has been played at university level since 1898.