I had the day off day and was out riding around Toledo with my wife. I remembered an advertisement for a special 35-0 t-shirt from Jupmode in Cricket West. We decided to stop by and buy one. We're walking up and it seemed a little busy. I figured people were afternoon shopping, before homecoming. I open the door, and I see Chuck Ealey standing in the back. It was one those weird unexpected moments, where suddenly your in the presence of an icon. Before I could think, a guys walks up and says "You know Chuck?". I was stammering around like "I know of him...." I was quickly ushered back, shook hands and took a picture with him. It was a very sudden and surreal few unexpected minutes. He was very approachable, and he is in tremendous shape. I'm glad we stopped by.

(10-08-2021 06:12 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  I had the day off day and was out riding around Toledo with my wife. I remembered an advertisement for a special 35-0 t-shirt from Jupmode in Cricket West. We decided to stop by and buy one. We're walking up and it seemed a little busy. I figured people were afternoon shopping, before homecoming. I open the door, and I see Chuck Ealey standing in the back. It was one those weird unexpected moments, where suddenly your in the presence of an icon. Before I could think, a guys walks up and says "You know Chuck?". I was stammering around like "I know of him...." I was quickly ushered back, shook hands and took a picture with him. It was a very sudden and surreal few unexpected minutes. He was very approachable, and he is in tremendous shape. I'm glad we stopped by.

Yes, he’s a great person and Toledo Rocket!!!

I met Chuck at a homecoming parade about 10 years ago. I may not have the time right but. We were waiting for the grandkids to get back from the parade. I saw him standing there and he saw me and we both reached towards each other to shake hands. He said I’m Chuck Ealey. I said yes sir I’m Dale Jones. I was quite impressed with what I want to say was his confidence and like he was just there for you. Not himself

I met Chuck in college when Al Nice kicked me out of the training room whirlpool so they could get Chuck in. Apparently someone thought he was more important than I.

(10-08-2021 07:08 PM)H2Oville Rocket Wrote:  I met Chuck in college when Al Nice kicked me out of the training room whirlpool so they could get Chuck in. Apparently someone thought he was more important than I.

Saw Chuck in one of his last college games in DeKalb 1971. The build up to the game was amazing. Even the NIU student paper, The Northern Star, had multiple page articles touting Ealey

Chuck has been the consumate gentleman in ALL of his years as a player and since. He will talk to anyone no matter how busy he is. I must say back in the day Jim Nice did look out for Chuck. But then who wouldn't. Great celebrations today in the Glass Bowl. Honoring the 70-71 teams. Too bad the team did not respond in kind.

(10-09-2021 06:45 PM)rocket 51 Wrote:  Chuck has been the consumate gentleman in ALL of his years as a player and since. He will talk to anyone no matter how busy he is. I must say back in the day Jim Nice did look out for Chuck. But then who wouldn't. Great celebrations today in the Glass Bowl. Honoring the 70-71 teams. Too bad the team did not respond in kind.

Eh, they're all sporsmen, used to losing.. oh wait....

It was great to see all of them. Would have liked a louder reception from the crowd. It was kind of a sad ovation really.