Bubba Cunningham – UNC Director of Athletics, Men’s Health Champion
Start with something embarrassingly small—five push-ups—and build from there. Maybe the message is simpler: just do something."
-Bubba Cunningham
Video Transcript
Michael Washington:
Bubba, thanks for joining us. How do you think about men’s health in your own life?
Bubba Cunningham:
I’ve been very fortunate to be healthy most of my life. I can’t say I’ve always been in great shape—my Little League nickname was “Slush Cut,” which didn’t help when I was a chubby kid, and that’s partly how “Bubba” stuck. But I do get an annual physical. We have some cancer in our family and a few other medical issues I want to stay on top of. The annual physical is important for catching anything early.
Knock on wood, I want to keep living a healthy lifestyle—both for me and as an example to our kids and the people I work with every day.
Michael Washington:
What does that look like in practice?
Bubba Cunningham:
Before every home football game, we do a 5K—we start and finish at Fleet Feet. (It’s right next to a donut shop… so there’s a little temptation at the finish.)
We also launched an initiative called Healthy Heels. I challenged our department to pursue health in a complete way: physical health, mental health, financial wellness, and personal fulfillment. You have to be intentional—about exercise, eating habits, and medical care.
Like a lot of guys, I’m pushed—in the best way—by my wife. The reason I never skip my annual physical is because she makes the appointment. It’s a partnership with your spouse and your family. If it’s important, you emphasize it. Without great health, you can’t achieve anything. I respect the work our doctors do, and I respect the accountability families provide for better behavior. We’re fortunate to have excellent physicians at UNC Health.
Michael Washington:
What do you encourage men to do?
Bubba Cunningham:
Get annual checkups. Engage with your doctor. Tell them how you’re actually feeling. Men aren’t always great communicators—Coach Brown jokes about this all the time.
And try new activities. If you’ve always been a runner, mix it up—swim, play golf or tennis, try martial arts, yoga, or Pilates. People are starting to understand the value of stretching, hydration, and nutrition. It’s not only about running a 5K or lifting weights; it’s about doing what’s positive for you. Variety helps—doing the same thing every day can get monotonous.
Michael Washington:
How do we motivate men to engage in preventive health—especially exercise?
Bubba Cunningham:
It’s a challenge. I probably talk about it better than I do it. We all know it’s important, but we think another hour in the office or another meeting will help more. In reality, that 20-minute jog or 30-minute workout gives you more energy and makes you better in the next hour. It can feel selfish to take that time—but it isn’t.
You don’t need a gym. Coach Tyrone Willingham once told me he does the exercises nobody likes: squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups. If he’s in a hotel room, that’s all he needs—five or ten minutes.
A friend gave me the best advice: start with something embarrassingly small—five push-ups—and build from there. I love campaigns like “Just Play” or “60 minutes,” but even that can sound like a lot. Maybe the message is simpler: just do something.