While leaving lifetime fitness Saturday morning, I had a brush with NIU greatness. I had an old best up NIU sweatshirt on and some guy walking in asked me if I went to NIU and what year. Told him yes and 1987. He said he graduated he in 1983 and played football. He told me he played QB. I was chatting with Tim Tyrrell. We chatted then I had my Chris Farley moment. I said remember when you trucked that guy in bowl game, that wad cool. GEEK

Klake, from one GEEK to another, that's just a great story! I've got the Dan Verdun Huskies history book and it's now signed by about 30 Huskie greats, including Tyrrell. Met him at the HOF induction ceremony when Michael Turner went in. Funny thing is, when I ask a Huskie great for their autograph in my book, they usually are surprised and more honored to sign it than I am asking for the autograph! Bob Heimerdinger and Tom Beck were literally speechless when I asked them to sign. Best story was PJ Fleck: He's got this great season going at WMU, and I know he's moving on after the season he's having. So I decide to drive up to WMU and watch his radio show and get his autograph in my book. On the commercial break I walk over and introduce myself to PJ and his wife. She says, "We have that book on our coffee table!" Anyway, they could NOT believe I drove up from Chicago to get his autograph. He took a picture with me, signed my book (with the RTB stuff, which actually cracked me up), and then when I left about an hour later they both waved and said "drive safe back to Chicago." My wife (an NIU alum and former Silverette); daughter (who now teaches at NIU); and son (who loves the Huskies even though he went to U of I) all worry about my sanity, but what the hey, I love this stuff! I will tell you: Anyone can be a fan of Alabama, the Packers, the Yankees, blah blah blah. But give me a guy who gets jazzed about meeting Tim Tyrrell, and I'll take that any day. We are NIU alum, and proud of it. Awesome story! Thanks for sharing.

And thank you for your story HW58. That is the true essence of fandom. During Michael Turner's senior year, I took my son to a basketball game and I noticed that the Burner was in the crowd. As my son was wearing his jersey, we found him at halftime and he graciously signed my son's jersey. He seemed truly fascinated and pleased that someone was wearing his jersey. Sure, it would have been great to go to a school that has perennial winners but I am proud of my time at NIU and the fact that they do things "The Hard Way."

Great stories. That's what's awesome about the Huskies. They are still down to earth and totally approachable. I've had many great experiences as well. I often encourage other loyal fans to attend as many events as they can because these experiences happen all the time. I know the players get a kick out of being recognized and they love telling old stories. Especially Tyrrell. He's awesome.

I told him he was original Jordan Lynch

I had a nice experience at a supporter dinner I attended quite a few years ago. I bid on and won a giant display poster photo of Steve Azar kicking a field goal. Steve was my favorite player at the time. I asked him to sign the poster, which he graciously did. After he signed it, PJ came up to us and asked if he could sign it, too, as he was the holder on the kick. He said, "No one pays any attention to the holder!" Of course, he was joking, and we were more than thrilled to have him sign the poster. So, now we have the signatures of two Huskie greats on that poster, and it's something I cherish and will never sell.

(05-14-2018 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I had a nice experience at a supporter dinner I attended quite a few years ago. I bid on and won a giant display poster photo of Steve Azar kicking a field goal. Steve was my favorite player at the time. I asked him to sign the poster, which he graciously did. After he signed it, PJ came up to us and asked if he could sign it, too, as he was the holder on the kick. He said, "No one pays any attention to the holder!" Of course, he was joking, and we were more than thrilled to have him sign the poster. So, now we have the signatures of two Huskie greats on that poster, and it's something I cherish and will never sell.

I'll give you $10,000 for the poster.

(05-16-2018 01:21 PM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(05-14-2018 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I had a nice experience at a supporter dinner I attended quite a few years ago. I bid on and won a giant display poster photo of Steve Azar kicking a field goal. Steve was my favorite player at the time. I asked him to sign the poster, which he graciously did. After he signed it, PJ came up to us and asked if he could sign it, too, as he was the holder on the kick. He said, "No one pays any attention to the holder!" Of course, he was joking, and we were more than thrilled to have him sign the poster. So, now we have the signatures of two Huskie greats on that poster, and it's something I cherish and will never sell.

I'll give you $10,000 for the poster.

Sorry, I just can't do it. Steve told me that if I ever sold it, he would kick me hard in the arse. And we all know how hard Steve can kick! Plus, P.J. told me he'd hit me over the head with his oar.

(05-16-2018 01:25 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(05-16-2018 01:21 PM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(05-14-2018 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I had a nice experience at a supporter dinner I attended quite a few years ago. I bid on and won a giant display poster photo of Steve Azar kicking a field goal. Steve was my favorite player at the time. I asked him to sign the poster, which he graciously did. After he signed it, PJ came up to us and asked if he could sign it, too, as he was the holder on the kick. He said, "No one pays any attention to the holder!" Of course, he was joking, and we were more than thrilled to have him sign the poster. So, now we have the signatures of two Huskie greats on that poster, and it's something I cherish and will never sell.

I'll give you $10,000 for the poster.

Sorry, I just can't do it. Steve told me that if I ever sold it, he would kick me hard in the arse. And we all know how hard Steve can kick! Plus, P.J. told me he'd hit me over the head with his oar.

hmmm.. how about for a lifetime supply of hot dogs at H.S? Or your own urinal with a nice nameplate?

(05-16-2018 01:27 PM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(05-16-2018 01:25 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(05-16-2018 01:21 PM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(05-14-2018 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  I had a nice experience at a supporter dinner I attended quite a few years ago. I bid on and won a giant display poster photo of Steve Azar kicking a field goal. Steve was my favorite player at the time. I asked him to sign the poster, which he graciously did. After he signed it, PJ came up to us and asked if he could sign it, too, as he was the holder on the kick. He said, "No one pays any attention to the holder!" Of course, he was joking, and we were more than thrilled to have him sign the poster. So, now we have the signatures of two Huskie greats on that poster, and it's something I cherish and will never sell.

I'll give you $10,000 for the poster.

Sorry, I just can't do it. Steve told me that if I ever sold it, he would kick me hard in the arse. And we all know how hard Steve can kick! Plus, P.J. told me he'd hit me over the head with his oar.

hmmm.. how about for a lifetime supply of hot dogs at H.S? Or your own urinal with a nice nameplate?

Hmmm.....NOW you're tempting me! I am having visions of standing in front of my very own urinal while chomping down on a famous, plump H.S. wiener (replete with moist condiments)!!