Fun Isn’t a Distraction—It’s a Weapon: Lessons From Oregon’s “Shout” Tradition
I went to State College, PA this past weekend to watch my brother’s Nevada team take on Penn State. I met up with a group of long-time friends (we’ve known each other since junior high), drove over, and spent the weekend together.
I set that stage not just because Penn State tried playing Shout in the first quarter—and I laughed at their attempt compared to Autzen’s tradition—but also because of the concept of JOY.
My friends and I had fun together. We laughed. We debated. We argued silly topics through serious worldviews. We hugged. We talked. It was revitalizing—not just for our friendship, but as proof that there is community for men. We just have to make space for it.
That’s why the Oregon clip (linked here: Oregon Football “Shout” clip) hit me. The staff at Oregon isn’t shutting down their guys’ joy in dancing and singing. And remember—this is the FOURTH QUARTER.
Most places aren’t letting their guys dance and sing. They’re throwing up 4s and screaming “lock in.” Yes, Oregon was up 40 on an FCS opponent here, but I’ve seen them do the same when down 6 to Boise State, tied with Washington, or leading Ohio State.
You can win with FUN. You can succeed while making room for a smile that acknowledges “holy shit, look what I get to do with this game!”
Whether it’s intentional from their staff or just part of their culture, I found both my weekend with old friends and this Oregon moment to be refreshing and hope-restoring.
Coach Prompts
When was the last time you allowed joy in your program without curtailing it under “focus” or “discipline”?
Do you equate fun with losing focus? What if joy is actually what gives your team energy to finish strong?
Could you intentionally create more moments like Oregon’s “Shout” tradition in your team culture?
Player Prompts
Do you feel like your team makes space for joy, or does it always get shut down in the name of “focus”?
Think of the last time your team had fun together—did it make you play better, or worse? Why?
How do you personally balance being locked in and keeping the game joyful?
