Original Bear Down Tribute Marker

John Byrd "Button" Salmon was a well-known figure across campus, quarterback for the football team and student body president. With his charismatic presence and athletic achievements, Salmon embodied the spirit of Wildcat student-athletes of his era.

In October 1926, tragedy struck when Salmon sustained injuries in a car accident while returning to Tucson from Phoenix. Hospitalized at St. Mary's, his condition quickly became critical. 

Recognizing the severity of the situation, legendary Wildcats football coach James F. "Pop" McKale remained steadfastly at Salmon's bedside throughout his final days.

Before passing away, Salmon imparted a final message to his coach for his teammates, uttering the iconic phrase: "Tell them … tell the team to bear down."

A year later the student body voted to make "Bear Down" the official slogan of all Wildcat teams and in 1939 the State of Arizona issued a proclamation declaring the phrase "Bear Down" to be the sole and exclusive property of the University of Arizona.

The original Bear Down statue is officially for sale. A unique addition to any Arizona Wildcats collection, this historic and revered granite slab offers fans and collectors the opportunity to own an authentic piece of the Arizona University story. 

This item comes with an official digital Certificate of Authenticity signed by Arizona Athletics.