Blood Brothers? P.J. Fleck and Maverick Baranowski Share a Great Moment

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck put his intensity on full display after the Golden Gophers defeated Washington 27-24 on the road Saturday night. Linebacker Maverick Baranowski had a blunt description of his head coach.

“He’s a crazy man,” Baranowski said of Fleck. That energy became clear during the aftermath of Minnesota’s victory.

Baranowski said a cleat struck him on the final play of the game, leaving him bleeding from his mouth. He and Fleck embraced after the win before the coach took the celebration in an unusual direction.

Fleck placed both hands on the senior linebacker’s head and aggressively wiped blood from Baranowski’s mouth. The coach then brushed the blood onto his own left cheek.

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“Blood brother,” Fleck said. The Minnesota coach has led the program since 2017.

Fleck offered a colorful explanation for the gesture, connecting it to what he imagined people once did in the West. “… Back in the day, I’m sure that’s what they did — the frontiersman out West. Little blood on there, I guess.”

Minnesota improved to 3-1 with the victory in Seattle. It was the Gophers’ first road win since their 24-7 victory at Wisconsin on Nov. 29, 2024.

Baranowski viewed the exchange with Fleck as part of the emotion surrounding a Big Ten road victory. He also reflected on his relationship with the coach after spending his entire career with the Gophers.

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“It’s a great moment,” Baranowski said. “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.”

Wide receiver Javon Tracy witnessed the exchange firsthand after contributing to Minnesota’s victory. Tracy finished with seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Tracy smiled as he made clear that he would not have copied Fleck’s decision. “I would never do that, but P.J. — he’s different, man,” Tracy said with a smile.

The receiver also pointed to Fleck’s distinctive energy when describing the coach. “Like, he’s crazy. He’s very energetic.”

Baranowski contributed throughout the game with seven tackles, one sack and an interception. His interception also played a role in Minnesota taking a 7-0 lead.

Anthony Smith hit Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., forcing an errant throw that landed in Baranowski’s hands. On the following play, Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey connected with Quayd Hendryx in the back corner of the end zone for a score from 15 yards.

That touchdown put the Gophers ahead 7-0. Baranowski’s performance and the postgame exchange gave Fleck another opportunity to express his appreciation for the senior linebacker.

Fleck cleaned himself up after wiping Baranowski’s blood onto his cheek. Remnants of blood stains remained on the right white sleeve of the coach’s clothing after the game.

Baranowski is one of Fleck’s favorite players he has coached. Fleck compared the linebacker with Blake Cashman and Robert Spillane, two other players he has coached.

“If Blake Cashman and Robert Spillane had a baby, you’d produce Maverick,” Fleck said. The comparison reflected the coach’s view of what Baranowski brings to Minnesota.

“The kid loves the game, plays the game the right way. He is the heartbeat of our defense and our team.”

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