Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster Attend Michigan Football Game
Actor Hugh Jackman served as Michigan’s honorary football captain on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with girlfriend Sutton Foster joining him at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The couple wore Wolverines gear as Jackman addressed players before their rivalry game against Michigan State.
The 58-year-old actor and Foster, 51, appeared in Michigan hoodies, jeans and team hats. Foster completed her outfit with blue and yellow sneakers, matching the university’s colors.
The Broadway performers previously worked together on The Music Man in 2022 and publicly confirmed their romance in early 2025. Their appearance at Michigan Stadium brought the couple together for another public outing outside their theater careers.
Jackman Embraces Michigan’s Wolverine Identity
Jackman celebrated the connection between Michigan’s Wolverines nickname and his Marvel character, Wolverine, whom he has portrayed for more than two decades.
In a social media video shared with Michigan supporters before the game, Jackman declared, “From one Wolverine to the entire Wolverine nation.. Go Blue!”
Michigan’s football program documented Jackman’s visit, including his interactions with players and the presentation of a team jersey.
Jackman Shares Ford and Ward’s History
Before kickoff, Jackman addressed the roster wearing a No. 48 jersey, using the occasion to recount a story about former U.S. President Gerald Ford, the 38th president, who played center for Michigan in the 1930s.
Jackman recounted a 1934 incident involving Ford and his friend and teammate Willis Ward, a Black standout player. University administrators benched Ward after Georgia Tech objected to competing against a Black player.
Ford initially threatened to quit in protest, but Ward urged him to play. Jackman recalled Ward telling Ford, “You are playing and you know why? Because you’re going to go out there and you’re gonna beat them.”
Jackman Added, “They Stayed Best Friends for the Rest of Their Lives.”
The story linked Michigan’s football history to racial discrimination and the friendship between two teammates. Jackman used their experience to emphasize loyalty and standing up for others during his address to the Wolverines.
Michigan Falls Despite Pregame Inspiration
Michigan later lost 15-6 to Michigan State, dropping to 5-4 overall in the rivalry matchup for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
Michigan struggled to establish consistent offensive momentum as Michigan State secured the victory in Ann Arbor. The low-scoring result contrasted with the enthusiasm surrounding Jackman’s honorary captain appearance.
Jackman’s locker room address highlighted Ford’s protest against Ward’s exclusion, placing a documented episode of racial discrimination in Michigan football history at the center of his honorary captain appearance.
