Pictures Courtesy: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
In honor of Presidents’ Day, we celebrate a leader who went from The Big House to The White House—the Michigan Man who became President—Gerald R. Ford Jr.
Before he led the nation, Ford led the Wolverines. A standout player, Ford was recognized as the most promising freshman in 1932, helped secure National Championships for Michigan in both 1932 and 1933, and was named Team MVP in 1934.
After his time at Michigan, Ford went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Following his military service, he returned to Michigan to represent the state’s 5th district for 25 years in Congress.
Ford’s ties to Michigan remained strong throughout his life. He kicked off his Presidential campaign in 1976 with a speech at Crisler Arena, where he said, “I have come home to Michigan to share with you my views of America in 1976 and my hopes for America in the next four years, and beyond.” In his speech, Ford even highlighted our very own FAM Member, Harlan Huckleby!
During his return to campus, President Ford spent time with Coach Bo Schembechler and the 1976 Michigan football team, continuing his lifelong connection to the University and its football program.
FAM Member Doug Cohen (1988-1991) recalled his time with President Ford as he visited the 1988 team:
“Many of us former players had the privilege of seeing President Ford in his element as just one of the fellas when he would pay a visit to The Team. I remember when he visited the 1988 team. It was at the old football building on the site of what is currently Schembechler Hall. I was a freshman. Gerald Ford was the team MVP in 1934 and was a member of both National Championship teams in ‘32 & ‘33. He was the starting center on the 1934 team. So, in the full team meeting room with Bo & President Ford standing at the front of the room, Bo introduced him, telling us that he was the starting center on the 1934 team and then he said “Jerry – this here is Vitale my center” as he pointed to our late great captain and All-American center John Vitale. Bo continued, “I don’t think he’s gonna be president though” and without missing a beat Vitale said, “Yeah that’s cuz I don’t play enough golf!!!” And the room – including President Ford – erupted in laughter! You could tell he genuinely loved being with The Team. Where he could truly be with HIS guys. Michigan Men like him.”
As the 38th President of the United States, Ford credited his time as a Michigan football player for preparing him to handle the scrutiny that came with public life. In his memoir, A Time to Heal, he reflected:
“Looking back, I realize I was lucky to have competed in sports. As a football player, you have critics in the stands and critics in the press. Few of them have ever centered a ball, kicked a punt, or thrown a touchdown pass with 100,000 people looking on, yet they assume they all know the answers. Their comments helped me to develop a thick hide, and in later years whenever critics assailed me, I just let their jibes roll off my back.”
In 1994, Michigan honored Ford’s legacy by retiring his No. 48 jersey, and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy was established in his name—cementing his legacy as a Michigan Man at its core.
As we reflect on President Gerald R. Ford’s remarkable journey, FAM celebrates his achievements on Presidents’ Day. From The Big House to the White House, President Ford embodies FAM’s mission to preserve our tradition of “One Team. One Legacy.”
Go Blue.
