FishDuck Article Administrator No. 1 Share Posted October 3 The old phrase goes, “Once a Duck, always a Duck” — but in this age of the transfer portal, does that even hold true anymore? Most teams have become revolving doors of players, and Oregon is no different as the UCLA Bruins have five former Ducks on their roster: Bryan Addison, Jaylin Davies, Jaylan Jeffers, Moliki Matavao and Keanu Williams. ... Are Oregon Transfers Forever Ducks? | FishDuck FISHDUCK.COM The old phrase goes, “Once a Duck, always a Duck” — but in this age of the transfer portal, does that even hold true anymore? Most teams... 2 Two Sites: FishDuck and the Our Beloved Ducks forum, The only "Forum with Decorum!" And All-Volunteer? What a wonderful community of Duck fans! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OregonDucks No. 2 Share Posted October 3 That’s a good question. Those players who chose to transfer TO Oregon are definitely part of the Duck family, just like a transfer student. Bo Nix, Bucky Irving, Christian Gonzales, et al had a significant impact on the Oregon program. Nix was an amazing story. He and his family seemed to appreciate the fresh start that Oregon provided and the support they received from the coaches, players and fans. I’m assuming that Bo would consider himself a Duck. Perhaps for players who transfer FROM Oregon, we could add an asterisk: Once a Duck, always a Duck* The one that stung the most was Travis Dye. He was a legacy, played a significant role on the team and decided to go to one of our hated, in conference rivals. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smith72 Moderator No. 3 Share Posted October 3 I personally don't begrudge a former Duck who transfers to get more playing time and/or NIL $. Tyler Shough played with class when he almost got Texas Tech a win against the Ducks. I commend his effort. I think he wasn't developed under Mari (no O). However, if a former Duck played with aggression like Addison did celebrating a hit that left a former friend lying on the field, then Addison, to me, is no longer a Duck! 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haywarduck Moderator No. 4 Share Posted October 3 Much like coaches, depends how long they stay, and how they leave. Is Mariø really a forever Duck, Slick a forever Duck, they left and most wanted the door to hit them on the way out. Helfrich probably had hard feelings, as did many of the fans. I tend to think most would welcome Helfrich at a pregame announcement and he would get a big cheer. As far as players is depends on how they leave too. Does a player go for more playing time, maybe money? Do they play with class, and with integrity? I do think all those who have given to the program stay part of the program. It is just some of them are distant relatives, and some are always invited to celebrate all things Ducks. And some are just the redheaded step child types, and will never be welcomed back, like Slick and now Addison has stepped into that category. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck No. 5 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 5:24 AM, OregonDucks said: The one that stung the most was Travis Dye. He was a legacy, played a significant role on the team and decided to go to one of our hated, in conference rivals. With you on Travis, conversely, Jabbar Muhammad is A a D. Endyia Rogers started at USC, she's "A a D. Sadly, Jazz Shelley, Nebraska, Taylor Chavez, Arizona, Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina, gone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Marsh No. 6 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 6:35 AM, Haywarduck said: Is Mariø really a forever Duck I was here for four years as a HC... As long as Kelly and Helfrich. Kelly moved on to the NFL so we tend to think more kindly if that move than Cristobal moving to his alma mater. Helfrich was fired. Some fans still hate him but I have a soft spot for Helfrich. He was really the last of the old guard of Duck coaches. I count him as a forever Duck. In large part because he also hasn't had a HC job after Oregon, he could certainly have had one if he wanted it ... He had a solid winning record and one much better than say Clay Helton who got a new job right after being fired from USC. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haywarduck Moderator No. 7 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 7:09 AM, David Marsh said: I was here for four years as a HC... As long as Kelly and Helfrich. Kelly moved on to the NFL so we tend to think more kindly if that move than Cristobal moving to his alma mater. Helfrich was fired. Some fans still hate him but I have a soft spot for Helfrich. He was really the last of the old guard of Duck coaches. I count him as a forever Duck. In large part because he also hasn't had a HC job after Oregon, he could certainly have had one if he wanted it ... He had a solid winning record and one much better than say Clay Helton who got a new job right after being fired from USC. Helfrich went on to be OC with the Bears, and failed. He proved he didn't have the mentality for high level coaching. He probably could have gone back to college ball as an OC, but decided not to do that. He could have also worked on his craft and made another run at the head coaching position, but also decided not to do that. I too have no ill will toward Helfrich and respect his attempt at being a head coach. I would welcome him back to Autzen with a positive response, and respect his decisions. Mariø did his best, but was just never Oregon in heart or soul. He spoke of making what Oregon did better, but those were just hollow words. I also don't think the amount of time should be a metric. The big thing for me is what Mariø said and did while at Oregon seldom lined up. I won't even go there with Slick. Helfrich, Kelly and now Lanning always seemed to line up what they said with what they did, a metric I value. The integrity of a person is what I look at when thinking about the forever Duck, first family level evaluation. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie No. 8 Share Posted October 3 With Mario, it wasn't so much that he left, but how he left. Understandable that he'd want to go back to his home town. But he had one foot out the door in early November, and I think that cost us a game or two. 1 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drake Moderator No. 9 Share Posted October 3 I always felt the phrase defined individuals, and their connection to the University. Whether a player, student, or fan. So in my opinion, the individual determines whether they are a Duck. Is every person that is a fan, or attended the University truly a Duck…nope. But, we will adopt a few that deserve it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck No. 10 Share Posted October 3 I don't despise many things, but on the top of my despise list are the soppy letters that players send out now when they transfer, "I had a wonderful time at Oregon" blah blah,blah, "Great teammates and coaches" blah, blah.blah, "A hard decision" Okay fine. But then they go here, "Once a Duck, Always a Duck!" No. It was a hard decision, but you made it, to reject Oregon. You were a Duck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PittDuck No. 11 Share Posted October 3 Great ponder point David, bringing up great responses. Thomas Tyner, great while played for the green and yellow, medically retired, then came back for a season with the Beavs. Atticus Sappington, great Beavus, came to finish his collegiate career as a Duck. I like to think of both as Ducks, but I know there are OBD fans who disagree. WHAT SAY YOU? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck No. 12 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 9:35 AM, PittDuck said: Thomas Tyner, great while played for the green and yellow, medically retired, then came back for a season with the Beavs Tyner did "medically retire" and came back, found a place to play at Oregon State. I don't give him, Always a Duck. But while he was, he was great. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrJacksPlaidPants Moderator No. 13 Share Posted October 3 If a player received his degree and moved on for various reasons then they're a Duck (Masoli, Dye, Addison, etc. included.). Mario and Helf put each put a Rose bowl and some P12 championship trophies in the case. I consider them Ducks. Players who left for the NFL Draft without a degree are Ducks. Guys who come in for their last year or two, but don't get an Oregon degree also get the benefit of the doubt. Lastly, players who lost their lives while at Oregon are Ducks. Guys who I don't consider Ducks. Willie Taggart and guys who transferred out, quit or got kicked out without playing much or receiving a degree. As you can see, I give great credit to those who used their university scholarship for its intended purpose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Fischer Administrator No. 14 Share Posted October 3 Great ponder point David! It is apparent that people approach it differently with their own set of criteria, and I would not have thought that until I read all the posts above me. It is amazing how the portal has messed up our thoughts about school loyalty! All those touchdowns by Travis Dye vs. UCLA in 2021.... ...and yet I have a sour feeling about him. 1 Mr. FishDuck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Marsh No. 15 Share Posted October 3 I forgot about Travis Dye for the article! I think that's telling in itself. His brother Troy Dye is a legend to us ... And Travis had some good overall rushing numbers for the Ducks as well. But we tend to forget him at times because he left. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JabbaNoBargain No. 16 Share Posted October 3 My take away from the responses is that it's a case by case basis, and there is no cookie-cuter formula. See one Jonathan Smith for how things can go haywire, very quickly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUCati855 Moderator No. 17 Share Posted October 3 "Once a Duck, always a Duck" rings true to most. But, not all. Each situation needs to be considered individually. There are too many unique situations to throw out a blanket statement like that. To me. One must have truly been a Duck while in Eugene. By this I mean: put in the effort, gave their all, committed themselves completely into their role. This doesn't necessarily mean they succeeded. But, that they truly tried to succeed and left without drama/baggage. Helfrich- Yes. Mario- Yes. Slick- No. Dye- Yes. Tyner- Yes. McCormick- Yes. Addison- No. I try not to judge harshly as people must make personal decision for themselves and their families. But, one should be able to make those decisions with grace and dignity. 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven A Moderator No. 18 Share Posted October 3 "maybe we just say good-bye to former Ducks and don’t consider them our own anymore." Or, as I would put it "Dead to me" signed, Mr. Wonderful 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OregonDucks No. 19 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 1:12 PM, DUCati855 said: One must have truly been a Duck while in Eugene. By this I mean: put in the effort, gave their all, committed themselves completely into their role. This doesn't necessarily mean they succeeded. But, that they truly tried to succeed and left without drama/baggage. I like your criteria and can't fault a player who contributes to the team/program (even on the practice squad), while in Eugene, but realizes that they won't play meaningful minutes and transfers to a program where they believe that they will have more playing time. Most people who have played competitive sports, want to see their field, pitch, court, etc. - they are competitors. I'm still a bit torn by Travis Dye. He was playing and contributing but decided to transfer to an in-conference rival who competed against Oregon for the conference championship his senior year. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
criticalduck No. 20 Share Posted October 3 Travis Dye is a tough one because he wanted to stay but there were many "fans" that grumbled and wanted him to step aside so that other RBs could have a chance. He took an offer from the spoiled children. I don't fault him. Some of the players that went to UkLA, per some talk, were ones that were given "suggestions" to leave when Mari left and Lanning came in. But rumors are just that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Marsh No. 21 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 12:36 PM, criticalduck said: Some of the players that went to UkLA, per some talk, were ones that were given "suggestions" to leave when Mari left and Lanning came in. But rumors are just that. In 2022 Lanning worked pretty hard to keep the roster intact. A lot of layers opted to quit on the team once the season got rolling though. Seven McGee comes to mind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUCati855 Moderator No. 22 Share Posted October 3 On 10/3/2024 at 12:26 PM, OregonDucks said: I'm still a bit torn by Travis Dye. He was playing and contributing but decided to transfer to an in-conference rival who competed against Oregon for the conference championship his senior year. If I remember correctly... His pregnant wife/girlfriend had just graduated and received a job offer in LA (where both their families are from). If so, I give him a pass. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuackyQuack No. 23 Share Posted October 3 During the UCLA game I was sitting close to the family and friends section of the UCLA players. Early in the 2nd quarter (before the interception or hit) a lady walked by wearing a Bryan Addison UCLA jersey and I said "nice jersey, go Ducks!" and she immediately replied "Once a Duck, always a Duck!". So to answer your question in the departing players eyes.. yes they will always be a Duck. And I have to agree with them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanLduck No. 24 Share Posted October 3 Great question Mr. Marsh. I've been pondering this myself for the past few years, I'm so glad you brought it up. And I love the variety of responses. We all seem to use varying criteria to define what is a "Duck". They all have validity. For me, I've decided each case must be decided on its own based on 1. How does the player feel about Oregon, and 2. How do I feel about that player. Example 1. Travis Dye gave us everything he had, just like Troy, while he was here. His transfer was more about personal reasons, and so my memory of him is good. So to me, he's a Duck. Example 2. Slick Willy. He was dishonest and clearly used us for personal gain. Not a Duck. Most transfers out go for playing time. Can't blame them. Most transfers in are handpicked by Lanning & Co and are both excellent players and quality characters that add greatness and leadership. Can't help but love them. While Bo Nix considers himself a Duck, he also is a 'war eagle' from Auburn and proud of it. Tyler Shough wanted to be a Duck, but also wanted to play and be developed. So he is at his 3rd school and still playing. To me he's a Duck. So I don't use 'once a Duck, always a Duck' as the standard. I go case by case. For me, Bryan Addison doesn't want to be remembered as a Duck. No problem. He isn't. At the end of the day, for me, I guess if the memory of the player, coach, etc brings me joy, then they are a Duck. And some, like Joey or Marcus, are "super" Ducks!! Immortalized forever. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck No. 25 Share Posted October 4 You know, when it comes down to it about OBD, I believe ONJ said it best 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
