Sutton Smith - NIU Huskies

1) Sutton Smith is a defensive end for the Northern Illinois University Huskies of the Mid-American Conference. 

2) Smith had a breakout 2017 season where he led the nation in sacks (14), tackles for loss (29.5), and quarterback pressures (73). Sutton was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year, First-team All-Mac, and a Consensus All-American. He enters his junior year as one of the top returning pass rushers and defenders in the country.

3) Sutton Smith attended Francis Howell High School in Missouri where he was a star RB while also playing other positions. He finished his career as a First Team All-State running back and was also named Large School Player of the Year. 

J: What sports did you play growing up?

Sutton Smith: I ran track in high school. I played soccer all the way up to 8th grade and I played a little bit of tee ball. I lived in Texas for 10 years of my life and football is a religion in Texas. So we base most stuff around football. So I mostly played football.

J's Follow Up: I'm thinking about doing long jump in track and I love to play soccer. I've been playing soccer since first grade and I love to watch it on TV too. I play flag football in the summer. I'm guessing Sutton Smith was really fast in track because he's so fast getting to the quarterback and getting sacks.

Photo credit / Getty Images

D: Who is the toughest college team that you've played?

Sutton Smith: The hardest team was probably Toledo. Last year, Toledo was a really good team. They had quarterback Logan Woodside who was pretty good. He was a gunslinger.

D's Follow Up: Toledo is a good team. I think the Huskies will beat them this year. Alabama would be the best team he's played against if they played each other.

D: What are your favorite healthy foods?

Sutton Smith: I like smoothies. You can't really go wrong with them. I like them with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, blackberries, and bananas. I also love chicken breast too, any way you want to make it.

D's Follow Up: I love smoothies too. My favorite smoothies have mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, and juice. Sutton's smoothie sounds good too. I like chicken like Sutton too.

Photo credit / Getty Images

On Saturday, August 4th, the boys and I made our way back to Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb for NIU's family day and first ever gear sale. NIU is my alma mater along with Jen and we love to make it back with the boys to cheer on the Huskies as often as we can. With an opportunity to purchase some amazing items that NIU athletes have worn and to have the chance to meet them after practice, you can count us in every time!

The gear sale was amazing. We wish we had gotten to the Chessick Center (practice facility) a little earlier but we were still able to get t-shirts, golf polos, volleyballs, shorts, bags, and we even bought a few pairs of cleats that NIU athletes would wear on game day. The boys had two players in mind that they had hoped would sign their cleats, Sutton Smith and QB Marcus Childers. Fortunately for them, they got them both!

    

                            QB Marcus Childers

Sutton Smith was very approachable and was happy to answer J and D's questions. They were excited to hear about Sutton's favorite healthy foods, the sports he played growing up, and D is still proud that Sutton told him he saw a vein while flexing his muscles.

Sutton Smith is one of the best college football players in the nation and like most NIU players, he is still underrated and doesn't get the recognition he has earned. The Huskies do things The Hard Way and NIU opponents learn quickly what that means when the ball is kicked off on Saturdays (or Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, lol). They are motivated and excited to prove to the nation what they are all about. We can't wait for the season to kick off on Saturday, September 1st in Iowa vs. the Hawkeyes and we'll be in the house for the home opener against Utah on September 8th. You'll find us in our Huskie gear as we cheer as loud as we can for our favorite team in red and black. Until then, Sutton and the Huskies will grind through fall camp and continue to do things #TheHardWay.

Trae Waynes - Minnesota Vikings

1) Trae Waynes is a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. 

2) Waynes played college football at Michigan State University from 2011-2014 where he became a Big Ten Champion (2013), Rose Bowl Champion (2014), First Team All-Big Ten (2014) and Cotton Bowl Champion (2015). He entered the 2015 NFL Draft after his junior season where he was the 11th overall selection by the Vikings.

3) Trae Waynes attended Bradford High school in Kenosha, Wisconsin where he was teammates with Melvin Gordon, running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. Waynes was a three sport athlete in high school and starred on the track and field and baseball teams.

Photo credit / Getty Images

D: Who are the toughest wide receivers you've played against in the NFL?

Trae Waynes: Second toughest receiver to go up against is Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs and the toughest guy I've covered in the NFL is Antonio Brown from the Steelers. (Note: Danny asked these questions while participating in the football camp, so we paraphrased Trae's answers) 

D's Follow Up: I'm a little surprised because I think Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb would be harder to guard. I do think that Antonio Brown and Tyreek Hill are awesome too.


D: What are your favorite fruits and vegetables?

Trae Waynes: Strawberries and broccoli.

J's Follow Up: Those are two of my favorites too. I eat them almost every week. I eat broccoli at home all the time and every time I go to my Gramma's house.

On July 20th, the boys had an incredible opportunity to take part in a free football camp hosted by Kenosha natives and NFL superstars, Trae Waynes and Melvin Gordon. The three hour camp took place at their alma mater, Bradford High School in Kenosha, WI. 

With thunder and lightning covering the sky at the start of camp, the athletes started inside in the gymnasium and later made their way outside for the second half of camp as the weather cleared up. The boys worked on a range of football skills including receiving, footwork, throwing, and defensive drills. Jordan noted that players were allowed to pick their position group and he chose defensive back and joined just four other players and got nearly an hour of personalized instruction from Vikings defensive back Trae Waynes! 

Rain poured down once again at the end of camp, which sent campers and parents running for their cars. We we made our way back to camp about 30 minutes later and J got to take pictures and say goodbye to Trae and Melvin. It was 10 pm and Danny was tired, cold, and frozen, so he didn't make his way back from the car. Overall, the guys had a tremendous time and hope to be back for next year's camp. Thank you Trae for giving them an amazing experience!

Melvin Gordon - San Diego Chargers

1) Melvin Gordon is a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League.

2) Melvin attended the University of Wisconsin from 2011-2014 where he became a 2-time Big Ten Champion (2011, 2012), Doak Walker Award (Best running back in college football) Winner (2014), Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2014), All-American (2014), and First-Team All Big Ten (2014) performer. Gordon was also named a Heisman Finalist during his final season, finishing second in voting behind Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

3) Melvin Gordon attended Bradford High school in Kenosha, Wisconsin where he also starred in track and field. He was also a high school teammate of Trae Waynes, cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings.

Photo credit Getty Images

J: Who were some of your favorite football players growing up?

Melvin Gordon: LT (Ladainian Tomlinson) and Barry Sanders. I do watch guys like Demarco Murray now.

J's Follow Up: I like LT too and I even have his jersey in blue. Barry Sanders was a juke machine. He did spin moves and cuts and broke other players' ankles. I love to watch Melvin because he's like both of those guys.

D: What are your favorite fruits and vegetables?

Melvin Gordon: I like strawberries and peaches and for vegetables, broccoli and corn.
D's Follow Up: I like all of them. They all are good for you and they taste good. Strawberries and broccoli are my two favorites.

Dad: Were you a bowler in high school?

Melvin Gordon: I should have been but I also ran track.
Dad's Follow Up: I was actually serious when I asked this question. After seemingly rolling nothing but strikes and putting up 200+ games, it became obvious that Melvin spends a lot of time bowling. I think if he had known how much he loved to bowl back then, he probably would have been a bowler and been the best on the team.

On Friday night, July 20th, the boys had an incredible opportunity to take part in a free football camp hosted by Kenosha natives and NFL superstars, Melvin Gordon and Trae Waynes. The camp took place at their alma mater, Bradford High School in Kenosha, WI. I learned about the camp from ProStart Sports on Facebook and the boys were excited for an opportunity to meet two of their favorite NFL players and take part in three hours of football fun. 

The camp was scheduled to begin at 6 pm on Friday night and we planned to head out to Kenosha at 4:30 pm to secure their spots in camp and grab some dinner. While waiting to leave home, Melvin posted on Facebook that he was heading to GRC (Guttormsen Recreation Center) to bowl before camp at 4 pm and he sent out an open invitation for anyone to join him. When you have an opportunity to go bowling with your hero that you cheer for on Sunday afternoons, you don't pass it up. So we didn't. Sure enough, we arrive at 4 pm and Melvin welcomes the boys to join in for bowling fun on his lane.

Jordan and Danny had the opportunity of a lifetime to bowl 2+ games with Melvin. Melvin was an INCREDIBLE bowler and clearly spends a great amount of time at the bowling alley during the offseason. He throws his ball with the spin of a professional, just barely missing the gutter and firing back at the pins with authority. Strike after strike after strike. Melvin even converted a nearly impossible 6-7 split which is even more difficult for a left hander. An hour of high fives, bowling, and eating pizza took place and we left the GRC with memories we will never forget. Melvin was even kind enough to sign J's jersey and their football cards.

The boys eventually made their way to camp, thanks to Aunt Jacquie who braved the rain and watched over the guys as they showed out to their new friend Melvin and Vikings superstar Trae Waynes. Jordan noted that players were allowed to pick their position group and he chose defensive back where he joined four other players and got nearly an hour of personalized instruction from Vikings defensive back and 2015 11th overall pick, Trae Waynes. Rain came pouring down near the end of camp, which sent campers and parents running. We eventually made our way back to camp and J got to say goodbye to his two new friends and the boys spent the car ride home sharing their unbelievable stories.

I can't thank Melvin enough for the opportunity to let the J and D bowl with him and give them memories that will last a lifetime. We hope that Melvin has another healthy and productive season in 2018 for the Chargers. We'll be cheering him on! 

Tyson Kidd - WWE

1) Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson) is a retired professional wrestler for WWE who now works for WWE as a producer.

2) Tyson was the final graduate of the legendary Hart Dungeon, the famous wrestling school created by Stu Hart of the Hart Dynasty.

3) Kidd held 16 titles throughout his wrestling career, most notably winning the World Tag Team Championship (1 time) and the WWE Tag Team Championship (2 times) while in the WWE. Kidd had his career cut short due to a severe/neck spinal injury he suffered 2015. 

BONUS FACT: Tyson is married to WWE Women's Superstar and former SmackDown Women's Champion and Divas Champion, Natalya. 

D: What other sports did you play growing up other than wrestling?

Tyson Kidd: I wasn't a great skater on the ice. I played floor hockey, baseball, and badminton.

D's Follow Up: I've played all of those sports too. I love them. I like floor hockey the best. 

Photo credit / WWE.com

J: Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?

Tyson Kidd: I better say Bret Hart or I'll get in trouble (LOL) but I really liked Owen Hart too.

J's Follow Up: I liked Owen Hart too, a little more than Bret Hart. He was an amazing wrestler and so was Bret. They are two of my all time favorites.

On Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th, the Allstate Arena in Rosemont was host to two WWE pay per view events (NXT Takeover and Money in the Bank). Jordan and I were fortunate enough to catch both shows and meet former wrestler Tyson Kidd before NXT Takeover. 

Tyson Kidd (TJ) was one of our favorite wrestlers to watch, especially when teamed up with Cesaro. Kidd was a great technical wrestler, a high flyer and he and Cesaro were the perfect compliment to each other. Although his career was cut short due to injury, Tyson Kidd was able to make his mark in WWE as a superstar and was able to reach the pinnacle of the tag team division on three separate occasions. 

WWE is fortunate to have Tyson (TJ) working with them to produce shows now and although he is no longer able to compete, we are excited to know that his influence and input behind the scenes is a part of the shows we watch each week. Thank you to Tyson Kidd for taking the time to say hi and giving Jordan a fun experience he won't forget.

Leonard Floyd (Take 2) - Chicago Bears

1) Leonard Floyd is an outside linebacker wearing #94 for the Chicago Bears who is entering his third season in the NFL. He was selected as the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

2) Leonard was a defensive standout at the University of Georgia where he tallied his best season as a junior when he recorded 72 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three passes defended and one fumble recovery.

3) Growing up in Eastman, Georgia, Floyd was a two-sport star in high school where he competed in football and track and field. In 2011, he was the shot put champion at the Region 3AA meet recording a career-best throw of 14.96 meters.

J: What is your favorite memory of playing in the NFL so far?

Leonard Floyd: Sacking quarterbacks.

J's Follow Up: My favorite Leonard Floyd sack was on Aaron Rodgers during the color rush game on Thursday night football. I'm think he can get 11 or more sacks this year.

Dad: Do you have a favorite player at the University of Georgia that you looked up to?

Leonard Floyd: In my time coming up at Georgia, my favorite player was probably Justin Houston.

Dad's Follow Up: Justin Houston is a favorite of our family too. Jordan once pulled a Justin Houston autographed jersey card from a pack of cards and we've been following his Pro Bowl career ever since. Justin is one of the premier outside linebackers in the NFL and we believe that Leonard Floyd has the talent and drive to reach the same level. 

                

     Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images                  Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

D: What's your favorite fruit or vegetable?

Leonard Floyd: Grapefruit.
D's Follow Up: I don't really like grapefruits that much. I just don't think they taste that good but my mom loves them.

The whole family took a short trip up to Lindenhurst for the Grand Opening of Lake Villa Tire and Service on Saturday, June 23rd to meet Bears star outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. This was a rare opportunity to meet the young Bears superstar during the offseason and we were not going to miss this event. Jordan finished up his flag football game in the morning and we made our way to Lindenhurst to meet #94!

It was a warm and sunny day as we waited to meet Leonard. We had access to great snacks and drinks while we were in line thanks to Lake Villa Tire. The boys brought Chicago Bears rookie cards and two Georgia Bulldogs college cards for Leonard to sign and he was gracious enough to sign all five. Jordan and I had met Leonard at a signing in the mall during his rookie season but this was Jen and Danny's first time meeting one of the new Monsters of the Midway. They were both impressed with how kind and considerate he was to all fans in attendance and he answered all of our questions without hesitation. The only part of the event that left us disappointed was the fact that Leonard didn't sack the little Packers fan before he left.

Leonard Floyd enters his third season with the Bears and he comes into the 2018/19 season with 11.5 career sacks and 67 career tackles. Leonard had his first two seasons cut short due to injury and Bears fans across the country are hopeful he can stay in the lineup for 16 plus games this year. Leonard Floyd has proven that he can be a dominant player in the NFL when he's staring down quarterbacks on Sundays. We wish Leonard a great season this year and we hope to be watching him in the Pro Bowl in February!

AJ Styles - WWE

1) AJ Styles is a professional wrestler with the WWE who is signed to the SmackDown brand show where he is the current WWE Champion (2-time).

2) AJ has wrestled all over the world including Japan, Mexico, and England and competed in over 20 wrestling promotions since making his professional wrestling debut in 1998. AJ Styles has won over 50 championships in his illustrious career. 

3) AJ Styles graduated from Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia in 1996 and soon after attended Anderson University in South Carolina on a partial wrestling scholarship. Styles ultimately left college to enter a professional wrestling school because his friends were trying it and he thought he may have a natural ability to compete. 

J: Did you have a favorite wrestler to watch when you were growing up?

AJ Styles: I didn't have a favorite wrestler but I did have a favorite football player. Barry Sanders.

J's Follow Up: Barry Sanders was awesome because he always did a bunch of jukes and spin moves. He was slippery. He's my third favorite running back behind Bo Jackson and Walter Payton.

D's Follow Up: That's awesome. Barry Sanders is one of the best running backs ever.

Photo credit / givemesport.com

The Allstate Arena in Rosemont recently hosted two WWE pay per view events (NXT Takeover and Money in the Bank) on Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th. We had tickets to both events but unfortunately D was too sick to attend. Jordan and I were able to bring a friend to each event in D's place and it worked out well. These two pay per view events were action packed and full of surprises and left us speechless multiple occasions.  

First up was NXT Takeover and Jordan and I were fortunate to meet the phenomenal AJ Styles the Saturday before Money in the Bank. AJ was as awesome as we had hoped and it was an unforgettable experience to meet one of the greatest wrestlers in the world. AJ is currently the WWE champion for SmackDown and he was on his way to another show in Iowa before defending his title against Shinsuke Nakamura the following night. On Sunday, we were excited to be in the building to watch AJ defeat Shinsuke in a brutal "Last Man Standing" match to retain his title and continue his reign as the top superstar on SmackDown. We hope that AJ can keep the WWE championship title around his waist for a long time to come!

Doug Plank - Chicago Bears Alumni

1) Doug Plank is a former NFL safety who played for the Chicago Bears from 1975-1982.

2) Plank played college football for Ohio State University where he won 3 Big Ten championships and went to 3 consecutive Rose Bowls under College Football Hall of Fame coach Woody Hayes.

3) Former Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan named his legendary defense the "46 defense" after Plank's hard hitting and aggressive style.

J: What is your favorite memory about playing for the Bears?

Doug Plank: During my earlier years, one of the defensive coaches created a defense after my jersey number. That defense went on to win the Super Bowl for the Chicago Bears. Although I never played in the Super Bowl, the "46 defense", which was my number, became the defense they used to win the Super Bowl.

J's Follow Up: It's cool that the coach named the defense after him. Too bad he didn't get to play in the Super Bowl with them.

J: What workouts did you use to stay in shape and become such a hard hitting tackler?

Doug Plank: I used to lift weights and condition and train all the time. I still have dumbbells that I work out with. I'm a big believer in arm strength because there is not any sport I can think of that doesn't involve hand strength. Even in football, everyone thinks you tackle with your shoulders. No, you grab them like this and then you take them down. If you have no grip, you can't tackle anybody. I used to tie a dumbbell to a rope with a piece of wood and move it up and down with my wrists. Those things just made me who I was. Even as a smaller player, if you get 200 pounds going fast you can do some damage. That's what I did with the Chicago Bears. Lined up 10 yards away, ball was snapped and I'm off and running. Even if they were 50, 60, 70 pounds heavier than me I could knock them down with the impact. Whatever sport your in, keep working on it daily. All of sudden it amazes you. Just do the little things. Training and hard work.

J's Follow Up: I think getting better at grip strength will help me in tennis, basketball, golf, flag football and other sports. He wasn't real tall or a big guy but he hit real hard when he was playing. His highlights are crazy. Doug Plank Youtube Highlights

Photo credit / chicagobears.com

Jordan and I attended our first ever midnight flea market at the Grayslake Fairgrounds on May 26th, so we could meet Chicago Bear legend Doug Plank. While we attended the event to meet Doug, we also took advantage of our opportunity to check out some unique antiques. I loved the vintage sports equipment I was able to find and Jordan is big into history and loved looking at all of the old currency that was for sale. 

We enjoyed our time meeting Doug Plank and he spent more time with us talking about his career in college and the NFL than any other athlete we have met. One thing that was certain is that Doug Plank loved being an Ohio State Buckeye, a Chicago Bear, and he remains extremely proud of the seven years he was fortunate enough to wear the navy and orange at Soldier Field. Jordan got a first hand lesson in tackling and got to experience the grip strength that Doug said he worked hard to gain while playing. It was a great experience meeting the Chicago Bears gridiron legend and if the Bears were in need of a safety to suit up in an emergency next season, it looks like Doug Plank can still play... even at 65!