Michigan fans give national champions a hero’s welcome upon return to Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI –– Rain poured down on hundreds of maize and blue jackets on the turf of Michigan’s practice field late Tuesday, Jan. 9.

The Michigan football team were welcomed home after knocking off Washington to secure a perfect season and win the college football national championship.

The Wolverines defeated Washington 34-13 on Jan. 8 in Houston for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It is the program’s first national championship since 1997.

National champions! Michigan stuffs Washington, wins first title since 1997

Despite the weather, the fans waited to give their team a hero’s welcome. Cheers erupted and rain flung about as arms waved in players and coaches.

Select chants, directed toward Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and star quarterback J.J. McCarthy, were lobbying attempts for a second national title in two years.

“Sign the contract,” fans cheered at Harbaugh, who has yet to announce a return to the Michigan sideline next year.

And “one more year” chants were directed at McCarthy — the winningest quarterback in Michigan football history and projected first round pick in the NFL Draft.

McCarthy responded to the overwhelming support and big ask with a laugh.

“I don’t know how I could leave y’all,” McCarthy said. “Everything about this place is home to me.”

Details on a formal parade celebration will be made available on Wednesday, Jan. 10, officials said. The date of the celebration is expected to be Saturday, Jan. 13.

“Saturday is the real parade and I want to see everybody there,” running back Blake Corum told the crowd.

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On the field and in the locker room for Michigan’s championship celebration