It was just two weeks ago that the Baltimore Ravens found themselves 0-2, laying claim to one of the most disappointing records in the NFL.
But after reeling off wins against the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills in consecutive weeks, the Ravens are now back in the thick of the AFC standings, leading John Harbaugh’s father to ask just one question of the media: “WHO HAS IT BETTER THAN US?”
(This is where you’re supposed to say “NOBODY!”)
Yes, it was Jack Harbaugh who asked that very question — his signature catchphrase — as he crashed his oldest son’s press conference following the Ravens’ 35-10 victory over the Bills on Sunday Night Football. The patriarch of the Harbaugh family’s question, however, wasn’t met with the requisite enthusiasm from the room full of reporters.
“Wait a minute for crying out loud,” a disappointed Jack Harbaugh said.
“We’ve got no enthusiasm with the press corps here,” John added.
The Super Bowl-winning head coach proceeded to step in and help his father complete their family motto.
“WHO HAS IT BETTER THAN US?!” Jack repeated.
“NO-BODY!” John responded.
Despite his son’s assistance, the 85-year-old Harbaugh left grumbling about the media and its lack of willingness to play along with the bit.
“You see what I have to deal with every day. That’s OK,” John said with a smile. “No, I appreciate you guys. Thanks, Dad! Sit down there.”
Only Jack had apparently seen enough, exiting the interview room before his son’s press conference began.
“He’s leaving. He’s so disappointed in you guys,” the 2019 AP NFL Coach of the Year said. “That was fun.”
Harbaugh then revealed that his father had given a pep talk to the Ravens the day before the primetime win.
“He gave the greatest talk to the team yesterday that you ever heard in your life,” John Harbaugh shared. It will be recorded and it will be in the Harbaugh Coaching Academy for everybody to see here soon. So there’s my plug.”
Launched earlier this year, the Harbaugh Coaching Academy aims to “support and inspire today’s coaches to be their best.” But while the Harbaugh family undoubtedly has an impressive collection of coaching credentials, including a Super Bowl and college football national title, it appears the course about successfully co-opting the media remains a work in progress.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.