John Phillips, the Wildcats fan who became known as "Crying Northwestern Kid" after going viral during March Madness in 2017, is back in the spotlight.
Phillips was spotted taking in some First Four action with his father, former Northwestern athletic director and current ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, at this year's NCAA Tournament on Tuesday.
How it started: How it’s going: pic.twitter.com/QJLiByOwru
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) March 15, 2023
Phillips first received the meme treatment when cameras filmed the then-12-year-old crying in reaction to a call during Northwestern's 2017 second-round matchup against Gonzaga. The Bulldogs went on to win the game 79-73.
Today in "Want to feel old?"
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) March 14, 2023
"Crying Northwestern Kid" — the son of former Northwestern AD & current ACC commissioner Jim Phillips — is now a freshman in college.
Me when I found this out: pic.twitter.com/xF0jEyooTH
Phillips said he still loves the Wildcats and embraces his meme status.
"Each day, I confront a decision: Should I run from my enthusiasm or embrace it?" Phillips wrote in his college essay, according to Bill Trocchi of the Sporting News. "Without that embarrassing basketball game years ago, I might answer the question differently. But today, I am proud to be that crying kid with shining braces, exposed rubber bands, and thickly gelled hair. ... Every day, I choose to be that kid - for his lively spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and compassionate understanding."
Phillips is now a freshman at Harvard, where he's studying Government and Economics.
Northwestern plays Boise State in the first round Thursday.
