In addition to his illustrious acting career, James Earl Jones is well known for his roles as Mufasa in “The Lion King” and Darth Vader in “Star Wars.”
However, his voice will also always be associated with University of Michigan football for those who wear maize and blue.
The Michigan Wolverines posted a tribute to Jones, a University of Michigan alum who passed away on Monday at the age of 93, on X (previously Twitter), complete with the hype video that is shown at Michigan Stadium before football games.
“Paying tribute to a Michigan legend and the best voice in acting history. James Earl Jones, rest in peace,” Michigan Football (@umichfootball) tweeted. The video, which features Jones’s narration, was posted alongside the post. The film is played prior to each football game at Michigan Stadium.
Jim Harbaugh, the head football coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL and a former head coach at Michigan, came up with the idea for the film, which had its premiere in 2015. The film includes shots of the Ann Arbor campus, Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, as well as old and new squad photos. There’s also a moment where Jones dons his headphones and begins to pause dramatically before repeating, “This… is the University of Michigan.”
The movie has become ingrained in Saturday game day customs to the point where Big House fans recite lines together, such as “the greatest university in the world.”
Harbaugh tweeted his own remembrance of Jones on Monday, stating, “James Earl Jones has passed away! Every home game, he introduced the Michigan football squad, creating a memorable moment in our lives. “WE ARE MICHIGAN” and my childhood recollections of his role in the legendary films “Sandlot” and “Field of Dreams”!”
Harbaugh personally observed Jones’ New York recording session and signed him for the video. “Watching Mr. James Earl Jones perform the voice-over was an incredible experience. In 2015, Harbaugh claimed on WXYT-FM (97.1) that “it must have been what it was like to watch Willie Mays take batting practice.”
As the Free Press noted in 2015, Harbaugh’s signature phrases, such as “We will attack with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” were interspersed throughout the screenplay.
Santa Ono, the president of the University of Michigan, also expressed her condolences for Jones’ passing on Monday via Twitter, writing, “Mourning the death of University of Michigan graduate James Earl Jones.” We as a university community are moved by your remarkable career and your motivating remarks, which are heard at every home game. You will be missed. “RIP.”
