Duck Dynasty is a certified cultural phenomenon.
At 11.77 million viewers, last August's season 4 premier was the largest for a non-fiction telecast in the history of cable televison. There's enough Duck Dynasty memorabilia to fill a Wal-Mart - to say nothing of Duck Commander, on which the Robertson empire was built - and it seems as if a different long-bearded man has a new book out every time I hit the grocery store check out line.
Until now, Louisiana Tech had gobbled up all the sports-related publicity within the Duck Dynasty universe thanks to patriarch Phil's colorful career as a Bulldogs quarterback. But considering Duck Commander makes its headquarters in West Monroe, La., it only makes sense for Louisiana-Monroe to attach its name to such a popular brach of the pop culture tree.
And now they are.
The Warhawks are auctioning off a chance to participate in the opening coin toss with Willie Robertson - Phil's son, and the brains behind the Duck Commander operation - for the opener against Wake Forest on Aug. 28. (Side note: How did ULM get Wake Forest for its opener?) The winning bid will receive airfare for two, a one-night hotel stay, a photo op on the field, two tickets to ULM's Talons Club, a $100 Duck Commander gift certificate, and a trip to the Duck Commander warehouse.
Also, you're not going to believe this, but August 28 is also camo night at Malone Stadium.