The Crying Northwestern Kid meme features John Phillips, the son of Northwestern's then-athletic director, during a 2017 NCAA Tournament game against Gonzaga. Captured by CBS cameras after a controversial officiating call, the young boy's raw, screaming frustration and tear-filled eyes instantly resonated with viewers worldwide. While the moment was born from genuine sports heartbreak, it quickly transcended the basketball court to become a universal symbol for any situation involving perceived injustice or extreme emotional distress. Today, it is widely used across social media to represent over-the-top reactions to minor inconveniences or genuine moments of relatable sadness.