The No. 7 Oregon Ducks hosted the Boise State Broncos in Autzen Stadium in Week 2 of the 2024 college football season. It was a Saturday night matchup between two legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders in Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
There was a very special former Oregon Duck on the sidelines. Payton Pritchard, NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics, was honored by the Oregon crowd. Pritchard received a very warm welcome by Ducks fans. He has had a very busy and momentous year: winning an NBA Championship and getting married to content creator Emma MacDonald. Pritchard’s Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Notably, at the Celtics NBA Championship parade Pritchard represented his home state and alma mater in a 1994 Pac-10 champions Oregon Rose Bowl shirt.
Over 250 guests attended the wedding as Pritchard’s former teammate and retired athlete Blake Griffin, officiated. Former Oregon Duck and Pritchard's teammate Anthony Mathis posted about attending the celebration.
Pritchard has made an impression on his teammates in Boston. “Payton is one of the most confident guys I’ve ever been around… He walks out there like he’s the best player,” NBA All Star Jayson Tatum said. “To have that confidence is special and we need him to be like that.”
“He’s being aggressive on both ends, being able to attack closeouts and create his own shots [and] create for others. To have that off the bench is special,” Tatum continued.
Pritchard is one of the most beloved and accomplished Ducks of all time. Pritchard earned 2020 Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and the 2020 Bob Cousy Award. The consensus All-American is the winningest Duck in program history, winning 105 of his 144 games played.
Welcome home, Pritchard. Once a Duck, always a Duck.
Pritchard's Impact on the Celtics
While Pritchard is a beloved figure in Oregon, his impact extends beyond his college days. He has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates in Boston, particularly Jayson Tatum, who has praised Pritchard's confidence and impact on the court. Tatum’s comments highlight Pritchard’s key contributions to the Celtics, including his ability to attack closeouts and create shots for himself and his teammates.
A Duck Through and Through
The affection that Oregon fans have for Pritchard is palpable, evident in the warm reception he received during the Ducks' game against Boise State. Pritchard’s commitment to his alma mater is also evident in his choice to represent Oregon at the Celtics NBA Championship parade, wearing a 1994 Pac-10 champions Oregon Rose Bowl shirt. This act demonstrated his pride in his roots and his lasting connection to the Oregon Ducks program.
A Legacy of Excellence
Beyond the accolades and the championships, Pritchard’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to the game and his commitment to excellence. This dedication was evident in his college career, where he established himself as one of the most successful players in Oregon history. Pritchard’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a love for the game.
