Oregon’s ‘Baby Duck’ plans to continue tradition for years to come
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Baby Duck’s journey began back in 2016 before she was even born.
That’s when her parents, Avery and Wendy White decided to create a new tradition for the two of them. Every Thanksgiving, they would go to a random college football game of their choosing.
Last Thanksgiving, with their nine-month-old in tow, they decided to go to Oregon’s game against Washington on Nov. 30.
During the game, a camera operator found little Avery White dressed in a Duck costume in the stands and put her up on the big screen.
First, she went viral in the crowd. Then everywhere.
“We got on the bus to go back to our car and people were showing us the videos on TikTok. We were shocked. We had no idea how big it was and how big it would get,” said the elder Avery White.
Soon Avery Jr. would receive a new moniker from the fan base: Baby Duck.
The California-based family didn’t really have much of an allegiance college football-wise, except for that the senior Avery played for Sacramento State.
“It’s been really nice just seeing how everyone just loves Avery and loves her pictures and has just shown her so much love and acceptance even though we didn’t start as Duck fans,” said mom, Wendy. “It’s just going to be a great story to tell her when she gets older.”
Little Avery quickly became ingratiated with the fan base.
The family decided just a week after that Washington game to attend the Big Ten Championship, and they also attended the Rose Bowl.
They say that most definitely will not be the last Oregon game they attend.
“People have commented as well and really gave us the idea about at this point now going to an Oregon college football game every year so they can see Baby Duck grow up and cheer on the team,” said her father. “So that’s in our plans.”
It’s truly a wild turn of events for a family that had never been to a game at Autzen before November.
The answer is obvious, but the question must be asked.
“Are we Oregon Duck fans for life? Absolutely, yes,” said Avery. “This is it for her. She’s gotta go to Oregon at this point.”