The University of Arizona used its social media platform on April 1, 2026, to explain the origins of its well-known rallying cry “Bear Down,” a phrase often questioned due to the university’s Wildcat mascot.
In a post made at 22:13 UTC, the university wrote, “BUT WHY DO THEY SAY ‘BEAR DOWN’ IF THEY’RE THE WILDCATS?” and added, “Class is in session. Our topic? John Byrd ‘Button’ Salmon. ↓”
Shortly after, another tweet provided more historical detail: “October 1926 – ahead of a football season that had national championship potential – Button was in a car accident. His coach, J.F. ‘Pop’ McKale (yeah – *that* McKale), visited him in the hospital.”
A third message highlighted Salmon’s role within the university community: “Button wasn’t just the quarterback. He was the student body president. Played baseball, too. He embodied what it meant to be a Wildcat. But what he’s best known for is the words he said on his deathbed.”
John Byrd “Button” Salmon was both an athlete and student leader whose final message inspired generations at the University of Arizona.
The University of Arizona has recently been recognized for several achievements across academics and research fields. According to ShanghaiRanking’s 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, the university ranks No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 6 globally for its water resources program. On September 13, 2022, it became the first academic partner for United States Space Command’s Academic Engagement Enterprise, aiming to advance research and workforce training for space exploration and national security.
Other recent developments include leading an international quantum telecommunications partnership with centers in Ireland and Northern Ireland backed by $3 million in funding, launching federally funded international centers including one focused on East Asian studies, opening its first tribal microcampus to serve members of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, and hosting a Department of Energy-funded solar science research center.
These activities reflect both ongoing traditions—such as honoring Button Salmon—and expanding commitments across education, research innovation, community engagement, and global partnerships.
