Former UCLA Player Proposes New Fan Chant to Energize Crowds

Former UCLA defensive back Matt Ware has introduced a new initiative to invigorate fan engagement at the Rose Bowl, proposing a new hand signal and chant called "Fours Up!" Ware, who played for the Bruins from 2001-2003 and later in the NFL, believes this new tradition can help energize UCLA crowds.

In a social media video, Ware, clad in UCLA apparel, urged fans to adopt the gesture, which involves extending four fingers on each hand with thumbs tucked in. He suggested the chant be used before the team emerges from the tunnel, during the opening kickoff, and on significant plays.

"Bruin Nation," Ware stated in the video, "we have a brand-new coach, we need to start some new traditions. ... We’ve got to get the fans involved."

Ware hopes the "Fours Up!" chant will gain traction similar to established traditions like Florida State's tomahawk chop or Alabama's "Roll Tide!" His brother, Aaron Ware, a former UCLA running back, and Aaron's wife, Caity, a former Bruins yell leader, plan to initiate the chant at the upcoming home game against Wisconsin on October 17.

"It will grow just like the wave," Ware told the California Post, explaining his motivation stemmed from observing yell leaders struggling to capture the crowd's attention. He noted that the traditional eight-clap is often performed too quickly by fans who may not have learned its cadence from legendary yell leader Geof Strand, who has not performed in over a decade.

"I was thinking, man we don’t have to get rid of the old chants, they definitely have their place," Ware said, "but to get a more cohesive and enthusiastic chant from the crowd would be awesome and keeping it nice and short with the Fours-Up helps the people from the TikTok era."

The "Fours Up" gesture and chant originated in 2013, created by defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin and defensive back Jaleel Wadood. Ware sees it as a way to unify the fan base and create a strong, short, and memorable tradition.

"'Coach Meat' and Jaleel Wadood started something that is used everyday in social media, so why not transfer it to the stadium experience?" Ware asked. "I want this to take the energy to a 100 whether the crowd is 45,000 or 85,000. Point-blank, it becomes a one-city, one-team family mentality – short and powerful. Conversely, after doing the Fours Up chant, it will make transitioning into anything else like the eight-clap easier because everyone is already engaged."

Ware, who made eight interceptions in his college career and spent seven seasons in the NFL, believes the "Fours Up" chant can serve as an effective precursor to other traditions, helping to build overall fan energy and participation.