Football culture in America does not have to reflect exploitation and indifference. It could prioritize player safety over ratings. It could guarantee long-term healthcare for former players. It could shift youth sports away from early high-impact drills and protect the health of young players. It could celebrate skill and strategy rather than highlight reel violence.

Football is not just another American commodity; it is a cultural symbol embedded in the nation’s very fabric.

The constant discomfort of being a female sports fan is in no way a consequence of any individual’s behavior. Instead, years of gender-based discrepancies from the media and older generations have accumulated to make something about enjoying football as a woman feel off.

The idea that WashU specifically needs D-I sports to build a stronger WashU identity is misguided — D-I sports won’t change anything unless there is a serious culture change at this school when it comes to supporting our teams. The absence of school spirit, especially surrounding our women’s sports, more than our Division III status, explains why some say WashU lacks identity.

A half-assed rebrand will not be enough to propel us to our place in the sun. To do that, we need to shock the collegiate world and establish a D-I football team.

So far in his career, Moore has thrived under pressure, leading WashU to an 8-2 record last season with over 1,000 passing yards. The Nashville native sat down with Student Life to discuss the impact he has made on the football team, his time at WashU off the field, and how he hopes to improve and excel over the coming season.

The Bears defeated Augustana 45-24 on Nov. 16, finishing their regular season schedule and commemorating Senior Day with a meaningful victory. The 2024 Bears finished their regular season with an 8-2 record, becoming the ninth team in program history to win at least eight games. 

Pressured deep into the backfield on a first down try, Moore found senior running back Ken Hamilton open. Hamilton ran 25 yards after the catch for a first down. Two plays later, he ran into the end zone to give WashU the lead with just 48 seconds left. The Bears held that lead, defeating North Park 28-21 on Nov. 9.

The Bears’ offense didn’t look back, defeating Millikin 70-21 on Nov. 2. The Bears set a program record with 769 yards of total offense, breaking the previous mark of 726 yards set against Grinnell College in 1948.

Every year, Congressional Democrats and Republicans face off in a baseball game (Republicans lead 46-42 games all time). This got us thinking — what if we did something completely different and unrelated? So, Student Life sat down to craft football teams of Republicans and Democrats from past and present, and we’re here to show you the lineups and our predictions for America’s real pastime.