P.J. Fleck and the Power of a Philosophy
An overtime classic, a quiet hotel room, and a reminder of why philosophy still matters in football—and in life.
The plane is quiet this morning as the sun rises across the country. Just the low hum of the engines and the flicker of a few overhead lights as I make my way back to the West Coast. It’s one of those flights where your mind doesn’t race—it just reflects.
Saturday night in Minneapolis was one of those college football nights you don’t forget. The air was brisk, the head coaches restless, and the game—an overtime thriller between Minnesota and Michigan State—had the kind of energy that only November football brings. When it ended, the Gophers had survived in overtime, and P.J. Fleck was standing midfield, arms raised, emotion pouring out.
I got back to my hotel room just past midnight. The Dodgers had just won their second straight World Series. I watched the final out, smiled, then did what we all do: opened my phone, scrolled for a few minutes, and my algorithm led me to the postgame press conference from Coach Fleck.
What he said stopped my thumb and led to my reflection.
He talked about giving back to the community, about being part of Minneapolis—not just a football coach within it. He talked about Row the Boat, the mantra that’s followed him everywhere, the phrase that’s been celebrated, mocked, copied, and misunderstood.
And I couldn’t help but think to myself:
P.J. Fleck is not corny. He’s deeply convicted to his philosophy.