An Open Letter from Bryce Underwood to Nico Iamaleava, Fans, and the Entire Michigan Wolverines Community
To my fellow quarterback Nico Iamaleava, to the passionate fans of Michigan Wolverines football, and to everyone who bleeds maize and blue,
As I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this moment, I am filled with both excitement and gratitude. The path to wearing the winged helmet of the University of Michigan has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. But as much as this moment is about me, it is just as much about you—the fans who make the Michigan Wolverines the greatest program in the country, and the teammates, coaches, and mentors who inspire me every day to be better.
I want to start by addressing my good friend Nico Iamaleava. Our paths crossed long before we ever took the field together. I’ve watched you grow not only as a player but as a person, and I have so much respect for the journey you’ve been on. We both know that being a quarterback for a program with such rich history brings its own set of challenges and expectations. But with that comes the incredible opportunity to leave a legacy. What you’ve shown already, both on and off the field, tells me that you’re more than capable of carrying on the tradition of greatness at Michigan.
Nico, I look forward to continuing our work together. We both share a drive to push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Competition will always be a part of this game, but at Michigan, we’re not just competing with each other; we’re competing for something bigger. We’re competing for the pride of Michigan, for the history of this university, and for each other. I know we’ll grow from this experience, and we’ll be better quarterbacks because of it.
To the Michigan fans who have supported this program for generations, I want to say thank you. The energy you bring, the tradition you uphold, and the unwavering passion you have for Michigan football is unmatched. You are not just fans; you are a vital part of this team. Your commitment to excellence fuels everything we do on the field. Every practice, every game, every play we make is for you. When we put on that helmet, we carry not only the hopes of our teammates but also the pride of thousands of fans who stand behind us every step of the way. It’s a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are ready to rise to the occasion.
To the Wolverines coaching staff, thank you for believing in me, for trusting me with this opportunity, and for constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself. I know that under your guidance, I will develop not just as a quarterback, but as a leader. I am excited to work with the incredible coaching staff at Michigan, a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to building champions both on and off the field.
As a young man, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and the expectations that come with playing for a program like Michigan. But I’m here to tell you that the pressure doesn’t overwhelm me—it motivates me. I understand the legacy I am walking into, but I also know that it’s my responsibility to add my own chapter to this storied history. My focus is on winning championships, on giving everything I have for the Michigan Wolverines, and on leaving a legacy that makes this program proud.
I am committed to working tirelessly every single day to be the best player and teammate I can be. I want to honor the rich tradition of Michigan football, but I also want to contribute to making this program even greater. Together, with the incredible fans, coaches, and teammates I am surrounded by, we will create something special.
The journey has just begun, and I am ready to take the first step alongside all of you. Go Blue!
Sincerely,
Bryce Underwood
