A special tradition in hockey is when the coach (or guest) reads the starting lineup card in the locker room before the puck drops. On Sunday, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was bestowed that honor by the Anaheim Ducks.
His speech to the boys was the most Jim Harbaugh speech ever.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has our guys ready to go tonight! #FlyTogether | @chargers pic.twitter.com/NTjEO6UKE4
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 24, 2025
Chargers Coach Jim Harbaugh Address Anaheim Ducks
Jim Harbaugh has become famous for his hilarious one-liners and metaphors, and sometimes even somewhat incoherent rambling. His speech to the Ducks on Sunday night checked off all of these boxes.
“This is the kind of stuff that I live for, this time right before the game. I can see the hearts going, my heart’s going too. I was always like one of those racehorses in the Kentucky Derby, you know, before a game,” Harbaugh begins. They got a little sweat coming down, you can see the heart pumping, snot bubbles coming out, you guys are thoroughbreds man.”
If you thought that was going to be the best part of the speech, as with most Harbaugh monologues, you are dearly mistaken.
“Coach was hitting me with this story about the bow and arrow. Got me fired up, that’s why the hearts going right now man. You got me pumped up right there. Hey! Let’s go draw the arrow back, I just feel that, I feel that’s strong. Like (grunts). Draw it back as far as you can, aim, and release. Take your frickin shot. Man, it gets me right there. Go out and play as hard as you can, as fast as you can, as long as you can, keep your wits about you, and don’t worry. Win on 3.”
As inspiring and riveting as it was, unfortunately, it was not enough for the Ducks to overcome the Carolina Hurricanes. They ultimately lost 5-2, further hurting their chances of a Wild Card run.
With 68 points, the Ducks are currently 13 points out of the second Wild Card spot. With just a few weeks left in the season, it is a long shot for them to make it, but with Jim Harbaugh’s mentality, never say never.