After potential controversy, PJ Fleck brings “row the boat” mantra to Minnesota

PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers will be rowing the boat in 2017 after all.
PJ Fleck ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 02: Western Michigan Broncos head coach P.J. Fleck reacts to a touchdown during the 81st Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between Western Michigan and Wisconsin at AT&T Stadium on January 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

PJ Fleck exploded onto the college football scene as he rowed the Western Michigan boat to a 13-1 record and a close loss to Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl last season.

Now, Fleck hopes to row the same boat using the same mantra at his new job with the University of Minnesota.

After a potential controversy, the first year head coach Fleck will be bringing his famous saying of “row the boat” to the Golden Gophers football program.

According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, Fleck’s agent Bryan Harlan negotiated a deal with Western Michigan to allow Fleck to use the phrase in Minnesota. To do so, the Broncos had to “transfer rights to the phrase” because Western Michigan trademarked it.

The thing is, while “row the boat” became truly famous in 2016, it was actually trademarked officially in 2015. Even before that, the school filed for the trademark in May of 2013.

Rovell also included the following interesting information about how Fleck can now row the boat at every job he has during his career:

“The trademark… will be transferred to Harlan’s company, Harlan Sports, sources said. Harlan and Fleck are then expected to allow Minnesota to use the mark as it sees fit, including on merchandise, as long as Fleck is with the school.”

For the rights to the phrase, Fleck will pay Western Michigan at least $50,000 in five installments of $10,000 that will then be used for scholarships for football players.

“I really hope because of what it means, that I have the ability to at least purchase it, take it with me, and continue to change other people’s lives through tragedy, through adversity, in just a different area,” Fleck told ESPN.com last month.

The real meaning behind the phrase itself is amazing and heartbreaking. It came to life in February 2011 when Fleck lost his son to a heart condition. The head coach says it’s supposed mean “never give up” and push your way through whatever life throws your way.

[ESPN]

About David Lauterbach

David is a writer for The Comeback. He enjoyed two Men's Basketball Final Four trips for Syracuse before graduating in 2016. If The Office or Game of Thrones is on TV, David will be watching.

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