Dwayne Johnson’s connection to Miami football runs deeper than being a celebrity fan. And on the eve of the national championship game, the actor delivered an emotional message to Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal.
“I’m so proud of you,” Johnson told his former teammate. He added that the "world would be watching" as Miami prepares to face Indiana on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Johnson played defensive tackle for the Hurricanes on their 1991 national championship team, lining up alongside Cristobal, who was then a star offensive lineman. More than three decades later, Johnson is expected to be in attendance for Miami’s title clash and possibly even on the field to watch Cristobal go to work.
A $1 million donation from Johnson helped fund renovations to the Hurricanes’ facilities. The home locker room at Hard Rock Stadium now bears his name: the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Locker Room. Indiana players will pass through it on their way to the field, a reminder of Miami’s history and star power.
The championship sets up a striking contrast. Miami enters with deep NIL resources and celebrity backing, while undefeated Indiana has embraced an underdog identity built on development and cohesion behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and coach Curt Cignetti.
More: Ex-Indiana QB fires back after portrayal in CBS 60 Minutes interview
There is celebrity support on Indiana’s side, too. Business mogul Mark Cuban, who is an Indiana alum and major donor, has become one of the Hoosiers’ most visible advocates during their historic run.
However, Monday night is personal for Johnson. A former Hurricane watching a former teammate coach for a title, with the stakes at the highest for Miami. This is 'The U's' chance to reclaim its place atop college football, 25 years after its last championship.
More CFP National Championship news:
- SNL pokes fun at Michael Irvin's amped up Miami Hurricanes fandom
- Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in 26 years— Indiana stands in the way
- Indiana's Curt Cignetti means business ahead of title game
- Here's how much Miami is paying its 2025 roster for College Football Playoff run
- Carson Beck shares honest reaction to 'Vanilla Vick' nickname
- National Championship parking prices are so high, getting towed costs less