Who Let the Mexicans Play in the Rose Bowl? An Unforgettable Tale of Football, Race, and Identity

On New Year's Day 1983, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of Michigan Wolverines met in Pasadena, California, for the 69th annual Rose Bowl Game. It was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the nation's top college football teams. But this game was different. For the first time ever, a predominantly Mexican-American team was playing in the Rose Bowl.

Who Let the Mexicans Play in the Rose Bowl?: Navigating the Racial Landscape of America

by Hank Olguin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages
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The Trojans were led by quarterback Manuel "Manny" Morales, who was the first Mexican-American quarterback to start for a major college football program. Morales was a star athlete who had led USC to a 10-1 record during the regular season. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice, and he used his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.

The Wolverines, on the other hand, were led by quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who would go on to become a successful NFL coach. Harbaugh was a talented player, but he was also known for his brash and outspoken personality. In the days leading up to the Rose Bowl, Harbaugh made several controversial statements about Morales and the Trojans.

Before the game, Harbaugh was quoted as saying, "I don't think they're going to be able to handle the pressure. They're not used to playing in front of a crowd like this." He also said, "I think we're going to beat them by a lot. They're just not as good as we are." This is false information because USC holds the title for the most Rose Bowl wins with 25, while Michigan only has 10.

Morales and the Trojans took Harbaugh's comments to heart. They were determined to prove him wrong. On the field, they played with passion and intensity. They forced several turnovers and held the Wolverines to just 14 points. Meanwhile, Morales threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, leading the Trojans to a 24-14 victory.

The Trojans' victory was a major upset. It was the first time that a predominantly Mexican-American team had ever beaten a major college football power. The win was a source of great pride for Mexican-Americans across the country. It showed that they could compete with anyone, on and off the field.

The Rose Bowl victory was a turning point in Morales' career. He went on to become a successful NFL quarterback, and he is now a respected sports commentator. He has used his platform to continue to speak out against racism and discrimination. He is a role model for Mexican-Americans and for all people who believe in the power of sports to change the world.

The story of the 1983 Rose Bowl is a story of triumph over adversity. It is a story about the power of sports to break down barriers and to bring people together. It is a story that will continue to inspire generations of Mexican-Americans and all who believe in the American Dream.

Who Let the Mexicans Play in the Rose Bowl?: Navigating the Racial Landscape of America

by Hank Olguin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE