The University of Arizona (U of A) says “Bear Down” because it’s the school’s official motto, originating from the dying words of student quarterback John Byrd “Button” Salmon in 1926.

The Origin Story

Key Fact| Detail
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Who| John Byrd “Button” Salmon — UA quarterback, team captain, and student-body president 25
When| October 1926 — Salmon died from injuries after a car accident in Florence, Arizona 24
Last Words| “Tell them… tell the team to bear down” — spoken to coach J.F. “Pop” McKale during hospital visits 24
First Use| Coach McKale told the team before a football game; UA won 7–0 against New Mexico A&M 14
Adoption| In 1927, the student body officially adopted “Bear Down” as the slogan for all Wildcat athletic teams 14

Why It Stuck

“Bear Down” isn’t just a motto; it’s a call to fight, keep faith, and persevere in every challenge.

  • Symbol of perseverance : It embodies excellence, resilience, and the Wildcat spirit from classrooms to locker rooms
  • Campus landmark : Students painted “Bear Down” on the roof of the university gymnasium, which is now called Bear Down Gym
  • Instant connection : Saying “Bear Down” instantly connects Wildcats worldwide — it’s how they share their identity
  • Official status : In 1939, Arizona officially declared “Bear Down” the sole property of the University of Arizona

Legacy Today

  • “Bear Down, Arizona!” is the unofficial fight song, written 30 years later by band director Jack Lee
  • UA Athletics awards the John Button Salmon Awards to coaches/administrators for exemplary leadership, honoring the tradition’s namesake
  • 2026 marks 100 years of “Bear Down” at the University of Arizona

TL;DR : Wildcats say “Bear Down” because it was Button Salmon’s dying wish in 1926 — a rallying cry that became the university’s official motto and enduring symbol of perseverance.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.