50 Facts About Oregon Ducks

Unique Mascot and Sponsorship

The Oregon Ducks have a rich history filled with unique traditions and notable connections. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their mascot and sponsorship.

1. The Oregon Ducks' mascot is Donald Duck, the only Disney character mascot in college sports. Disney granted the rights in the 1970s.
2. Phil Knight, Nike's co-founder, graduated from the University of Oregon in 1959. He later co-founded Nike with his track and field coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1978.
3. Thanks to Phil Knight, all of the Ducks' athletic equipment is sponsored by Nike. As of December 2012, a physics professor calculated that Oregon Football had 9,984 different uniform combinations.

Notable Alumni and Historic Venues

The University of Oregon has produced many notable alumni and is home to some historic sports venues.

4. Ty Burrell, known for playing Phil Dunphy in "Modern Family," studied theatre at the University of Oregon in 1987.
5. Other notable alumni include author Beverly Cleary, journalist Ann Curry, Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, and chef James Beard.
6. Hayward Field, one of the most famous track and field facilities globally, has hosted the US Olympic trials five times and is the only field to host three consecutive Olympic team trials.

Rivalries and Academic Excellence

The Ducks have intense rivalries and a strong academic reputation.

7. The football rivalry between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State University Beavers is the 7th oldest in the nation, known as the "Civil War."
8. The University of Oregon has a liberal arts honors college that accepts only 17% of its applicants, making it highly competitive.
9. The university boasts the number one sports marketing program in the country.

Diverse Student Body and Football Achievements

The University of Oregon attracts students from all over the world and has a strong football program.

10. With over 24,000 students, the university includes students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories, and 102 countries.
11. Despite having a top-tier football program, the Ducks have never won a national championship but made two appearances in the national championship game (2010 and 2014).
12. The Ducks' first football game was on March 24, 1894, against Albany College, which they won 44–3.

Coaching Legacy and Traditions

The Ducks have a long history of coaches and unique traditions.

13. The first head coach was Cal Young, who coached only one game and has a lifetime winning percentage of 1.000.
14. The football program has had 39 head coaches in its 129-year history.
15. The Ducks have played the University of Washington Huskies 116 times since 1900, with Washington leading the all-time series 63-48-5.

Fight Song and Team Colors

The Ducks' fight song and team colors are iconic.

16. The Ducks' fight song, "Mighty Oregon," was composed by Albert Perfect in 1916.
17. The official team colors are green and yellow, prominently displayed in uniforms and apparel.

Conference Championships and Heisman Trophy

The Ducks have achieved significant milestones in their conference and individual player awards.

18. The Ducks have won 13 conference championships.
19. In 2014, quarterback Marcus Mariota became the only Oregon player to win a Heisman Trophy, also the first Polynesian player and first from Hawaii to win the award.
20. Mariota holds many records at Oregon, including most wins by a quarterback (36), most career passing yards (10,796), and most career passing touchdowns (105).

Current and Past Coaches

The Ducks' coaching staff has played a crucial role in their success.

21. Third-year head coach Dan Lanning has a record of 22-5 in his first two seasons.
22. The winningest coach in Oregon history is Mike Bellotti, who coached from 1995-2008 and amassed 116 wins.

Mascot Traditions and Symbols

The Oregon Duck mascot and symbols are beloved by fans.

23. The Duck mascot performs a push-up for every point the Ducks score during a game.
24. The "O" hand gesture, formed by connecting thumbs and index fingers, is a popular symbol among fans.
25. The Ducks have retired three numbers: No. 14 (Dan Fouts), No. 20 (Mel Renfro), and No. 42 (John Kitzmiller).

Early Uniforms and Nickname Origins

The Ducks' uniforms and nickname have evolved over the years.

26. The first football team was known as the “lemon yellow” due to their uniform color.
27. The nickname “Webfoot” was first used for Oregon’s football team in 1894 and officially adopted in 1902.
28. Various names like Pioneers, Condors, and Fighting Drakes were considered before Webfoots was chosen.

Live Duck Tradition and Civil War Rivalry

The Ducks have some unique traditions and intense rivalries.

29. An off-campus fraternity started bringing a live duck to games in the early 1920s.
30. The 1998 Civil War rivalry game between Oregon and Oregon State ended in a 0-0 tie during a rainstorm.

Mascot Incidents and Fun Moments

The Duck mascot has had some memorable moments over the years.

31. The mascot got into a shoving match with the Houston Cougar mascot during a game.
32. The Duck was suspended for two games after the incident but received a standing ovation when it appeared in the press box.
33. The Duck has had many fun moments, including a dance-off against a USC cheerleader and a viral performance of “Gangnam Style.”

Community Engagement and Major Events

The Duck mascot plays a significant role in the community and major events.

34. The Duck visits hospitals to make sick kids laugh.
35. The mascot has walked the entire six-mile route of the Rose Bowl parade.
36. The Duck has turned up at countless university receptions, sometimes posing as a statue.

Deep History and Native American Tribes

Oregon has a rich history and cultural heritage.

37. A prehistoric stone knife found in Oregon in 2012 suggests people have lived there for at least 15,000 years.
38. Native American tribes like the Paiute, Nez Perce, Shasta, Tillamook, and Chinook lived on the land.

Oregon Statehood and Nickname

Oregon's journey to statehood and its nickname are fascinating.

39. The United States bought the land as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
40. Oregon was nicknamed the Beaver State because early settlers trapped beavers for their fur.

Geographical Regions and Natural Wonders

Oregon's geography is diverse and stunning.

41. Oregon is bordered by Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, and the Pacific Ocean.
42. Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, is located in the Columbia Plateau.
43. The Cascade Mountains include Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest point, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.

Natural Resources and Wildlife

Oregon is rich in natural resources and wildlife.

44. Oregon provides the most softwood lumber in the United States.
45. Local mammals include beavers, Roosevelt elk, gray wolves, and wolverines.
46. Birds like burrowing owls, snowy plovers, sage grouse, and osprey are common in Oregon.

State Tree and Wildflowers

Oregon's flora is diverse and beautiful.

47. The Douglas fir is Oregon’s most common tree and the state tree.
48. Wildflowers like creeping Oregon grape, sticky purple geranium, and white mule’s ears grow in Oregon.

Transition to Big Ten and Future Expectations

The Ducks are set for new challenges and opportunities.

49. In 2024, the Oregon Ducks transitioned to the Big Ten Conference, providing new opportunities and challenges.
50. The future looks promising with a strong coaching staff and talented roster, making it an exciting time for fans and alumni alike.

The Future of the Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks are more than just a sports team; they symbolize a rich history, diverse culture, and a commitment to excellence. From their unique mascot, Donald Duck, to their impressive athletic achievements, the Ducks embody the spirit of the University of Oregon. With a strong connection to Nike through Phil Knight, the Ducks boast some of the best athletic gear and facilities. Their transition to the Big Ten Conference in 2024 promises new challenges and opportunities, elevating their national profile. The Ducks' storied past, including their intense rivalries and notable alumni like Marcus Mariota, sets the stage for an exciting future. As the program continues to grow, fans and alumni can look forward to more thrilling moments and continued success. The Oregon Ducks remain a beloved institution in college sports, capturing the hearts of many with their dedication and spirit.