Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck took “blood, sweat and tears” to a whole new level.
After the Golden Gophers’ 27-24 road win over Washington Saturday night, Fleck celebrated with linebacker Maverick Baranowski in an unusual way.
Baranowski was bleeding from his mouth after getting hit by a cleat on the last play of the game.
And Fleck, after grabbing Baranowski’s head with two hands, wiped blood from Baranowski’s face onto his own.
“Blood brother,” Fleck said. “Back in the day, I’m sure that’s what they did — the frontiersmen out West. Little blood on there, I guess.”
Fleck promptly continues celebrating with the rest of his team — with Baranowski’s blood on his face.
“He’s a crazy man,” Baranowski said. “It’s a great moment. Winning’s hard in the Big Ten, and when you get to win at a place like this, just so exciting and get to enjoy that with all my teammates and my head coach always having my back for the last five years. I love that guy more than anyone and an awesome opportunity to share that moment with him.”
“I would never do that, but P.J. — he’s different, man,” receiver Javon Tracy, who saw the blood exchange, said. “Like, he’s crazy. He’s very energetic.”
Baranowksi, who has spent his entire five-year career at Minnesota under Fleck, recorded seven tackles, a sack and an interception.
“If Blake Cashman and Robert Spillane had a baby, you’d produce Maverick,” Fleck, who coached Cashman at Minnesota and Spillane at Western Michigan before their successful NFL careers, said. “The kid loves the game, plays the game the right way. He is the heartbeat of our defense and our team.”
Saturday’s win improved Minnesota’s record to 3-1 this season.
