I'm not ripping on the row the boat thing but it is unique. There is no need to defend it. I cannot think of another coach that has a mantra that is so well known.
I understand other schools have mantras, that's precisely my point. I can't think of another coach that has his own branding on school helmets and says it in every interview.
I wouldn't, personally, compare being religious as your own branding but with your Dabo comparison, I think his "brand" would only make sense at certain schools. I don't think that brand works at USC.
If it's no big deal, do you think Michigan puts oars on helmets? If not, why not?