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!

Jordan Wisely - MTV's The Challenge

1) Jordan Wisely is an MTV star from Mustang, Oklahoma, who has competed in four seasons of The Challenge. Jordan made his first appearance on MTV during The Real World Portland which aired in 2013. 

2) Jordan is a 2-time Challenge champion who won Battle of the Exes II and XXX: Dirty 30, where he took home the biggest prize amount in Challenge history ($450,000).

3) Wisely is the owner of Strapped Mfg. Co. which builds custom motorcycles and designs and sells handmade motorcycle jackets.

D: What are your favorite fruits or vegetables?

Jordan Wisely: I like broccoli and other vegetables when you saute them and bake them to make them crispy. So really, I like vegetables when they are smothered in grease. That's how I like them.

D's Follow Up: My favorite veggies are broccoli, peas, and green beans. I haven't really tried them the way Jordan likes them. Just the way my Dad makes them.

J: What have been your favorite Challenge events to compete in?

Jordan Wisely: I love the individual challenges that are athletic. I grew up wrestling and playing football. I want to do the sports competitions. I hate the puzzles. You never know if somebody is going to accidentally solve it. 

J's Follow Up: If I was playing I think I would like the puzzles the most but I would be good at some of the sports competitions too. I might be a good Challenge player someday?

On Saturday, May 19th, we attended the third Challenge Throwdown for the Cause in Yorkville, IL. This event was a volleyball tournament where 6 cast members from The Challenge competed in a volleyball tournament with fans to raise money for Diem Brown's MedGift charity, who's mission is to provide emotional, physical, and financial support to those experiencing health related hardships.

The boys and I got to meet our favorite cast members including Jordan, Derrick, Darrell, Laurel, Nicole Z., Tori, Cohutta, and Ashley K. We met Jordan after his volleyball victory and his biggest fan Jordan V. had the chance to shake hands and ask Jordan about his favorite type of challenges. Jordan's response would be the same as mine if I was a competitor. He loves the athletic competitions which he clearly excels in and is not a big fan of the puzzles, which could be solved quickly and randomly by another competitor. But just as much as being good at multiple sports and physical activities is important in The Challenge, so is being good at odd puzzles. Jordan has been good at both during his time in The Challenge competitions.

Jordan was one of the nicest people we met throughout the day at Pinheadz in Yorkville. He went out of his way to say hi to the boys on multiple occasions, he spent about five minutes talking The Challenge with us, and after our Jordan and I went to get hot dogs inside, we even found Danny playing a giant game of "Beer Pong" with Jordan when we came back. They were battling it out Challenge style to be the first player to eliminate all of the cups from the game. It came down to one cup for each but ultimately Jordan came out on top in the end. It was an incredible experience for D and for us as spectators. It felt like D was in the middle of an elimination with the XXX: Dirty Thirty champion. Too much fun!

We had the greatest time at our first Challenge Throwdown for the Cause event and we are making plans to attend the next event in IL on September 8th in Marseilles for a golf event. Huge thanks to Jordan for hanging with us guys for the afternoon and sharing his stories!

Allen Robinson - Chicago Bears

1) Allen Robinson #12 is a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.

2) Robinson was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (Pick #61 overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Allen spent his first four seasons with the Jaguars where he made the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2015. 

3) Allen Robinson attended Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania from 2011-2013 where he was named a consensus All-American (2013), 2x First Team All-Big Ten (2012, 2013) and was a 2-time recipient of the Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year Award (2012, 2013), given to the conference's top receiver.

D: What's your favorite pregame meal?

Allen Robinson: Actually, I don't like eating before a game. So a lot of times before a game, I don't eat anything. 

D's Follow Up: I can't believe he doesn't eat before a game. I like to eat waffles, fruit, cereal, and breakfast sandwiches before a game. I drink Gatorade and water during my games.

J: What's been your favorite part about Chicago so far?

Allen Robinson: I would have to say downtown Chicago.

J's Follow Up: I'm a big fan of downtown Chicago too and I really like food! Pizza is my favorite and I like it from anywhere in Chicago.

Dad: Did you play any other sports while growing up?

Allen Robinson: Baseball and Basketball.

Dad: We have yet to meet a professional athlete who was not a multi-sport star while growing up. It's clear that playing more than one sport helps you in a variety of ways. Standing at 6' 3" and having lightning quick speed would be a tough matchup for anyone on the basketball court and he would certainly be an intimidating player to pitch against on the baseball field too.

Dom: Who was your favorite athlete growing up?

Allen Robinson: Randy Moss

Dom's Follow Up: I hope he wants to be like Randy Moss because he (Randy Moss) is one of the best players to ever play and he scored a ton of touchdowns.

On Friday night, May 25th, we had the opportunity to meet superstar wide receiver and Chicago Bears' new offensive weapon, Allen Robinson, at the grand opening of the new Dick's Sporting Goods store in Gurnee. This was Allen's first public signing since arriving in Chicago via free agency in March and this was an event we were not going to miss. Robinson was widely considered the top wide receiver in free agency in 2018 and the Bears were fortunate to land such a talented receiver to their new-look roster under new head coach Matt Nagy.

Photo credit / Getty Images

My Friday morning started earlier than usual as I headed out to Gurnee at 7:00 am in hopes of being one of the first 300 people to get a wristband to meet Robinson. Because the boys were celebrating Jordan's birthday with friends later in the morning, I recruited my in-laws, Silvia and Jack Jones to come and wait with me to get a wristband for the event. They are so nice and understanding and were willing to rise early so their grandsons could have the opportunity to meet one of the most talked about football players in our house. I was also able to get two extra wristbands from a couple in front of us which allowed us to invite our friends David and Dom Niedbalac.

We got to Dick's Sports Goods a little before 6 pm and the line moved quickly as Bears fans shook hands and took photos with the wide receiver. We had a great experience meeting Allen as he was all smiles on Friday night. The five of us got to ask questions and come face to face with the exciting new addition to our Chicago Bears...and he was as cool as we expected. We are thrilled that Allen is now a Chicago Bear and it looks like he is enjoying his time in his new city. Thank you to Allen for coming out to meet with fans on his Friday night. We wish him the best for a healthy and productive season wearing the navy and orange on Sundays this fall. #BearDown

Photo credit / Getty Images