Editor's note: Fourth in a series exploring BYU's 1984 national football championship.
Lee Johnson could feel the weight of the 1984 BYU football season right before kickoff of the first game at No. 3-ranked Pittsburgh .
Johnson, currently assistant development director in BYU's athletic department, spent 18 seasons in the NFL as a punter. The thing about punters, they have a lot of time to observe their football surroundings and absorb nuances of what makes a team tick.
"Something happened in the locker room before the game at Pitt, our season opener," said Johnson. "We were coming in with a new quarterback, and brought a whole new offensive system to that season. Our year started on the road at the third-ranked team in the country."
Adding even more intrigue, it was the first-ever regular-season college football game televised by ESPN.
"I remember the captains gathering us around right before the game and they acknowledged we were starting off against one of the top-ranked teams in the country and how important it was to win that game because if we got through that game, it would kind of catapult us the possibility of an undefeated season."
The captains? Safety Kyle Morrell, defensive lineman Jim Herrmann, linebacker Marv Allen, receiver Glen Kozlowski and guard Craig Garrick .
"Garrick spoke specifically about how this game could set up a national championship for us," Johnson said. "It was expressed that this was the game that could kick off an amazing season. There was real talk of what we could do at the end of the year. As I think back, that was amazing that we talked about something in the pregame locker room that came to fruition."
Johnson said among his teammates were certain guys with a personality type that stood out. Guys who were fighters, highly competitive, driven men who refused to lose. One was Garrick, who passed away in 2001 following complications from abdominal surgery. He is the brother of current Provo City Mayor Michelle Kaufusi and played for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets .
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco celebrates with his team after winning the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on Dec. 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
At left, Vai Sikahema of BYU makes a run during the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Deseret News
Glen Kozlowski joins the crowd for "high fives" following a touchdown against UTEP. November 3, 1984, Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
BYU football players and coaches react to the announcement of BYU's number 1 ranking on November 19, 1984 in Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
l-r: BYU's Glen Kozlowski and Mark Bellini celebrate a TD reception by Bellini during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
Robbie Bosco of BYU, at left, evades a tackler during a football game against UTEP, November 3, 1984 in Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
BYU's Mark Allen (22) goes up against a UTEP player for the ball. November 3, 1984, Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
BYU's Louis Wong, left, and Mark Bellini celebrate during a football game against UTEP, November 3, 1984 in Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
Left to right; Tim Herrmann, Robbie Bosco, Kyle Morrell (seated) and Marv Allen, four members of the BYU 1984 National Championship football team. Thursday, July 2, 2009. | Stuart Johnson
BYU's Kelly Smith and teammates celebrate the win over Wyoming in NCAA football, October 13, 1984. | Ravell Call
Robbie Bosco of Brigham Young University throws a left-handed pass against Wyoming. Provo, Utah, October 13, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU football players react to the anouncement of BYU's number 1 ranking on November 19, 1984 in Provo, Utah. l-r: Kelly Smith, Sam Oramas, Adam Haysbert, Scott Robinson, Mark Allen and Larry Hamilton. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco throws a pass during the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco celebrates after his team won the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU Coach LaVell Edwards walks the sidelines during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco, left, tries to evade an Air Force tackler during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU's Blaine Fowler makes a run during the Holiday Bowl. December 21, 1984, San Diego, California. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco celebrates after his team won the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU coach LaVell Edwards watches from the sidelines during the Holiday Bowl. December 21, 1984, San Diego, California. | Ravell Call
l-r: BYU's Glen Kozlowski and Mark Bellini celebrate a TD reception by Bellini during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU Coach LaVell Edwards walks the sidelines during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
Robbie Bosco evades a tackler from Air Force. October 20, 1984, Colorado Springs, Colorado. | Ravell Call
l-r: BYU players Rodney Thomas and David Neff celebrate during the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco, right, throws a pass in the snow during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
The Y on the mountain east of Provo has a number 1 on it on November 19, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU's Glen Kozlowski reacts to the announcement of BYU's number 1 ranking on November 19, 1984 in Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
BYU coach LaVell Edwards watches from the sidelines during the Holiday Bowl. December 21, 1984, San Diego, California. | Ravell Call
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco is injured during the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU Coach LaVell Edwards reacts to the announcement of BYU's number 1 ranking on November 19, 1984 in Provo, Utah. | Ravell Call
Assistant BYU coach Norm Chow looks on during Saturday's game against Washington at Cougar Stadium, Sept. 6, 1997. | CHUCK WING
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco, left, tries to evade an Air Force tackler during the football game against Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. October 20, 1984. | Ravell Call
BYU's Blaine Fowler makes a run during the Holiday Bowl. December 21, 1984, San Diego, California. | Ravell Call
Norm Chow a BYU football coach explains and answers questions about BYU football during a class at Education Week. | STUART JOHNSON
BYU's Lakei Heimuli pushes for extra yardage against Wyoming. | Tom Smart
Leon White celebrates BYU's 24-17 victory over Michigan post-game in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco hands off to running back Lakei Heimuli in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
BYU wide receiver Glen Kozlowski goes up for a catch in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
LaVell Edwards holds the trophy in a post-game celebration with the team after BYU beat Michigan in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco goes back to pass in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
The scoreboard shows the final score in BYU's 24-17 win over Michigan in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
The BYU football team celebrates along with coach LaVell Edwards, center, after beating Michigan 24-17 in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco walks off the field after the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick
Craig Garrick was the captain of the 1984 BYU national championship team. | Johanna Workman
BYU linebackers Kurt Gouveia (34) and Leon White (41) celebrate after the Cougars' 24-17 win over Michigan in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco sets to pass in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
Coach LaVell Edwards interviews with KSL News Radio 1160 in the post-game celebration after the Cougars defeated Michigan 24-17 in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
Craig Garrick was the captain of the 1984 BYU national championship team. | Johanna Workman
BYU wide receiver Glen Kozlowski signals touchdown during the Cougars' 24-17 victory over Michigan in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Phibrick
Brigham Young University football players celebrate their dramatic victory over Michigan in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, on Friday, night, Dec. 22, 1984. The 24-17 victory completed an unbeaten season and untied season and a probable national championship. | Reed Saxon
BYU players celebrate after beating Michigan 24-17 in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 21, 1984. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
Brigham Young University backup quarterback Blaine Fowler escapes an entanglement while trying to get a pass off during the first quarter of their Holiday Bowl game with the University of Michigan, Dec. 21, 1984 in San Diego. Fowler replaced starter Robbie Bosco who was injured in the first quarter. | Lenny Ignelzi
Robbie Bosco gets off a pass over the University of Utah during the 1984 NCAA championship season. | tom smart
Steve Young -BYU
Brigham Young University football coach LaVell Edwards carries the trophy as he is carried off the field following BYU's 24-17 victory over University of Michigan in the Holiday Bowl, Dec. 22, 1984 in San Diego. | Phillip Davies
BYU's Jim McMahon is ready to fire a pass against the University of Utah. | Deseret News Archive
BYU's Gary Sheide prepares to throw against Arizona State on Nov. 9, 1974. | Mark A. Philbrick
BYU's Jim McMahon is one of several Cougar QBs who got injured during their college career. | Mark A. Phibrick/BYU
BYU's Blaine Fowler tries to evade Michigan's Mike Hammerstein during the Holiday Bowl. December 21, 1984, San Diego, California. | Ravell Call
Jim McMahon was one of the top quarterbacks in BYU's history. | Kent Condon
BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco celebrates after his team won the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, California, December 21, 1984. | Ravell Call
Brigham Young University quarterback Jim McMahon plays against the University of Utah in November 1981 in Salt Lake City. | Tom Smart
BYU Quarterbacks online photo gallery: Deseret News publisher Wendell Ashton presents BYU quarterback Marc Wilson with the Deseret News Athlete of the Year Award at halftime of a BYU-Wyoming basketball game on Jan. 19, 1980. Wilson received a five-minute standing ovation from the crowd of 22,218. | Paul Barker, Deseret News
BYU-Arizona State (Arizona State University). 12 Gary Sheide, November 9, 1974 | Mark A. Philbrick
BYU assistant coach Norm Chow, right, offers advice to quarterback Robbie Bosco. | Don Grayston
A wounded left knee forced All-American quarterback Gifford Nielsen from game on Oct. 10, 1977. | Deseret News Archives
In 1984, Robbie Bosco had more pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns than any quarterback in the country, a far cry from the offense employed by the Army Black Knights in 2017. | Don Grayston
Brigham Young University quarterback Gary Sheide. He is likely walking off the field after being injured during the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, December 28, 1974. | Don Grayston
While healthy, BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen was a solid Heisman Trophy bet. | Paul C. Fletcher
Gifford Nielsen was the leading passer in the nation before his injury. Nov. 19, 1977. | Deseret News Archives
BYU quarterback Marc Wilson in action during an East-West game played in Salt Lake City on Jan. 5, 1980. | Deseret News Archives
BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen. | Paul C. Fletcher
BYU's Marc Wilson scrambles for yards as Indiana linebacker Craig Walls zeros in. | Deseret News Archives
Gifford Nielsen gives advice in passing to an upcoming Japanese signal-caller. Dec. 29.1977. | Lee Benson
BYU vs Arizona. 14 Gifford Nielsen Quarterback hand-off to 33 Todd Christensen. October 29, 1977 | Photography by: Mark Philbrick/B
Gifford Nielsen talks strategy with receiver John VanDerWouden during a game against Utah State. Sept. 27, 1977. | Gerald W. Silver
Gary Sheide, probably about 1974. | Deseret News Archives
BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen finished the regular season in style, completing 24 passes for 415 yard to rank No. 4 nationally in passing and No. 2 in total offense. Nov. 22, 1976. | Paul Fletcher
Teachers quorum gives rapt attention to their adviser and noted quarterback Gifford Nielsen. Dec. 11, 1976. | Deseret News Archives
Marc Wilson studies his receivers Dec. 8, 1979. | Deseret News Archives
BYU's Jim McMahon is ready to fire a pass to one of his many receivers as University of Utah player tries to maneuver past a defender for a sack. | BYU
BYU quarterback Jim McMahon was honored by the Deseret News during halftime of the BYU-Wyoming basketball game. McMahon was named Utah Athlete of the Year and was presented his award by Deseret News editor and general manager William B. Smart. The crowd of 22,983 eighth largest in Marriott Center history, gave McMahon a rousing standing ovation for his role in leading BYU to a 12-1 football record and Holiday Bowl victory. McMahon set or tied 27 NCAA individual records during the season.Search words: Brigham Young University | Mark Philbrick, BYU
Marc Wilson was honored as Utah Athlete of the year. | Gerald W. Silver
BYU's Gifford Nielsen, rated number 2 in the nation in total offense. Nov. 27, 1976. | Paul C. Fletcher
Gifford Nielsen, the nation's leading college passer, is shown in a game against Utah State in Logan. Oct. 4, 1977. | Associated Press
Jim McMahon says he's fully healthy and ready to play five more years. | AP Photo
All-American quarterback Marc Wilson is BYU's big weapon. | Don Grayston
Joe Montana (16) and Steve Bono, left, talk with offensive coordinator and QB coach mike Holmgren during a work out at training camp. | Associated Press
BYU's Marc Wilson scrambles for yards as Indiana linebacker Craig Walls zeros in.
Marc Wilson third-place finish in Heisman Trophy balloting announced Dec. 3, 1979, made him the biggest vote-getter in the history of Utah college football. | Deseret News Archives
Decked out on the sidelines before the BYU-Utah State game, Jim McMahon looked like he'd just walked out of either Gilly's Tavern or a rodeo. He had on straight-legged jeans, a big sheepskin coat and a brown felt, wide-rimmed cowboy hat.Search words: Brigham Young University | Gerald W. Silver
BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen. | Deseret News Archives
Darrin Nelson, Left of Stanford University and Jim McMahon, from BYU hold the program of the 1981 NCAA-ABC football Promotional Tour at New York's Plaza Hotel. | AP Photo
Quarterback Robbie Bosco got BYU off and running to a national championship with a 20-14 victory over Pittsburgh in 1984. | Tom Smart
Jim McMahon Sr is all smiles, as his son, Jim McMahon, threw the game winning touchdown. | Deseret News Archive
BYU's Lakei Heimuli (center) is pulled down by a Michigan player during the Holiday Bowl. | O. Wallace Kasteler
Brigham Young University players celebrate after recovering a Michigan fumble in the second quarter of Holiday Bowl in San Diego, on Friday, Dec. 21, 1984. BYU players Kurt Gouveia (34), Kyle Morrell (5), and Larry Hamilton (79). | Associated Press
BYU vs Michigan - Holiday Bowl and National Championship, San Diego, California (CA). 6 Robbie Bosco. 50 Trevor Matich. 57 Robert Anae. | Mark Philbrick, BYU
BYU at Hawaii. 5 Kyle Morrell. | Mark Philbrick, BYU
BYU 1984 Football team | BYU
BYU at Hawaii. 7 Glen Kozlowski. | Mark Philbrick/BYU
Coach Mike Holmgren. Quarterback Coach (QB). August 11, 1984 | Mark Philbrick
BYU's Jim McMahon is ready to fire a pass against the University of Utah. | Deseret News Archive
Jim Mcmahon celebrates with his dad Jim Mcmahon Sr. at the Holiday bowl in 1980. | Deseret News Archive
BYU quarter back Steve Young responds to BYU fans as he departs the field after leading his team to a 37-35 victory over UCLA at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. (1983) | Photo by Doug Pizac
From left, BYU's Jim Herrmann, Robbie Boscoe and Kyle Morrell spend some time on the bench during the fourth quarter against Colorado State. | Tom Smart
Former BYU quarterback Gifford Nielsen is seen in this photo from the Deseret News archives. | Deseret News Archives
Kyle Morrell of BYU (left) breaks up a pass to Ronnie Kelley of Tulsa. | Gerald W. Silver
BYU fans at the Utah State game respond to comments that were made about their chances for a No. 1 ranking. | Tom Smart
Adam Haysbert and Glen Kozlowski mob Kelly Smith after he caught the game winning touchdown pass in the Holiday Bowl. | Tom Smart
With about 30 seconds to play, BYU's Steve Young takes a pass and heads for the goal line in the 1983 Holiday Bowl against Missouri. | Deseret Morning News Archives
BYU football coach LaVell Edwards walks off the field with the 1984 Holiday Bowl trophy. | O Wallace Kasteler
BYU head coach LaVell Edwards holds the 1984 Holiday Bowl trophy high. | Tom Smart
BYU defensive back Mark Allen sees no controversy in the No. 1 issue after the Holiday Bowl. Dec. 25, 1984. | Ravell Call
Steve Young and Great-great Grandfather Brigham Young ham it up on Steve's graduation from BYU law school. | Photo By Deseret News Archive
Dr. Brent Pratley, trainer Marv Robertson, and Dr. Marc Udall carry injured QB Robbie Boscoe off the field during the Holiday Bowl. | Tom Smart
BYU's Adam Haysbert – BYU vs Pitt - 1984 | Photo by Mark A. Philbrick/BYU
BYU's second TD came via this acrobatic grab by Glen Kozlowski. Dec. 22, 1984. Holiday Bowl. BYU 24, Michigan 17. | Deseret Morning News Archives
Kelly Smith of BYU walks off the field after scoring the winning touchdown against Michigan during the Holiday Bowl. | Tom Smart
BYU's Kelly Smith runs against Utah in the 1984 season game. | Tom Smart
Robbie Bosco, plays in the 1984 Holiday Bowl. The Brigham Young University Cougars won the bowl and later, the National Championship. | Ravell Call
1984 BYU National Championship commemorative coin. | ERIC DROTTER
BYU offensive coordinator Norm Chow (left) instructs players during a time-out during their game against Washington. | GARY MCKELLAR
Jim McMahon BYU | Don Grayston
BYU quarterback Kevin Feterik celebrates the touchdown which put them ahead of Washington as Offensive coordinator Norm Chow signals that they will go for two. | GARY MCKELLAR
Garrick was a battle-worn athlete who underwent seven knee surgeries, and a shoulder surgery. He played with a broken wrist and broken toe during his career. Head coach LaVell Edwards often said Garrick was the heart and soul of the 1984 team.
"I remember Craig played such a huge role on that team," said Johnson. "He was a warrior. I believe there was no greater voice in any sport than that guy. His ability to do what he did physically with the knee he had was amazing, but his leadership was off the charts. He was a weight room junkie and he led through his strength, his intensity and his smile. He and Kyle Whittingham were buddies and he grew up a local yokel (all-state lineman at Provo High)."
Garrick was inspiration personified. His junior year at Provo High, he played tight end and defensive end. During a game with Springville High, an opposing player crashed into his knee, and it folded like a tent. That was the start of a long medical road for Garrick, but one he fought through and ultimately played at a high level in college and the NFL.
"It was so impressive to me what he could do with his body, which was pretty much his upper body," Johnson said. "He was a guy you didn't want to mess with or get sideways with. You didn't cross him."
On BYU's 1984 team, Garrick was the gladiator who entered the arena, got bloodied and wounded, but always got back up, returned to the huddle and said, "We need to give more."
Morrell also stood out on that 1984 team, said Johnson. He later played for the Minnesota Vikings and on the big stage again proved to be both a human missile and a loose cannon. He had a personality type every team needs, Johnson said.
"He was a crazy man. He was a loose cannon. He was a guy every team needs. He reminds me of why Jason Buck was so amazing. Kyle was Mr. Football. He loved the intensity of the game and believed football was for warriors.
"You hear Kalani Sitake say at times it is only a game, but for Kyle, it was a battle, a war to be won and he refused to be defeated," Johnson said. "He just wanted to blow up somebody, rip your face off, and take everything he could from you on the field.
"He would take any chance he could get to find an edge and beat an opponent," he continued. "You saw it in his play and you'd see it in what got him in trouble on and off the field. He just couldn't turn off that switch. ... He is a guy every football team needs. I'm not sure if I've seen that kind of guy at BYU in the last 20 years.
"Honestly, it might just be me, but you do need players like Kyle ... guys who want to pummel you and to them, it's just a different brand of football. Kyle wasn't afraid of anything or anybody. He was willing to do crazy stuff and take a risk like that goal-line dive over the line to stop Raphel Cherry at Hawaii."
BYU's Kyle Morrell leaps over the line and tackles Hawaii quarterback Rafael Cherry. | Mark Philbrick, BYU
Morrell passed away on Nov. 15, 2020, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Another so-called warrior spirit was receiver Glen Kozlowski, who would often fight with Morrell in practice because they both refused to give an inch, said Johnson.
These were guys who refused to lose.
"You didn't mess with Koz. Even in the NFL, Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka loved him because you didn't mess with him or you would pay a price. He would rip your throat out. I'm not sure how many times Koz and Kyle got into it at practice but it was a lot. I knew they admired each other because they both thrived on intensity and the willingness to fight and be disruptive. Koz could turn it off easier than Kyle off the field, but both were super talented," said Johnson.
The warriors Lee Johnson knew were on a team that never lost. They lifted everyone. They set the tone. They loved the fight and challenge of physical play.
Many of the wins came because these leaders simply refused to be defeated. Johnson believes it began with an attitude and belief right before kickoff of the first game in 1984, three time zones from Provo.
Lee Johnson smiles during the BYU alumni game at BYU in Provo on Friday, March 22, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
