The Day Mike O’Brian Met Chicago Bears’ Dick Butkus

It doesn't happen often, but when you meet your heroes, it's special. And the day I met Dick Butkus was just that. Doing what I do and having done it for a very long time, as a part of The Mike & Carla Morning Show, I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of celebrities, rockers and, yes, even a President and Vice President.

But for some reason, your sports idols are a little different, unique. They are athletes that you grow up trying to emulate playing with your friends on the field, on the ice. That's what it was like for me growing up.

I come from a relatively small northwest town in Indiana, just outside of Chicago. Grew up being a huge fan of the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and even the White Sox! Yes, the White Sox...NOT the Cubs! In all those years, I can say that I have met Michael Jordan, various players from the White Sox and even the late great Bobby Hull from the Blackhawks and more. Each meeting turning into a very special memory.

But it was the day that I met Dick Butkus that I remember like it was yesterday. Living in the town of Highland, Indiana, we had a store called Van's Appliances. Not sure how, but early in his career, the owners of the store cut a deal for Butkus to come out to our little town, to that store to sign autographs. I was about 12 or 13 and we all lined up awaiting out chance to meet this soon to be legendary man.

He was only going to be there for a few hours, so it was important to be at the store early. I got there and waited patiently. Long story short, a car pulled up and the biggest guy I had ever seen got out. There he was...DICK BUTKUS! He walked into the store and I remember him to be bigger than the refrigerators that lined the aisle he walked down. Now keep in mind, I was a little kid physically, so to me he was enormous!

I just remember thinking, "...that's him, that's Dick Butkus...WOW!"  As the line started to move, I finally got up to the table, had my plastic Chicago Bear football helmet for him to sign. They also gave each of us a picture he would sign.

Extending my helmet and picture, I shook his hand and said, "...it's nice to meet you Mr. Butkus, I am a big fan!" With that said, he looked up and said, "thanks kid" and that was it! Not sure what I expected in return, but seriously, all I get is a "thanks kid". Hey, it was good enough for me and the fact that I got to meet him and shake his hand was okay.

Enough so that I still remember that moment. So when I heard of his passing, I had time to reflect and recall that memory that I still have. And seeing him play every Sunday afternoon whether it was on tv or lucky enough to see him play in person, he was the greatest! And you know what Dick Butkus, THANK YOU!

Football fans are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season. Some fans are so passionate that their enthusiasm borders on religious fervor. And yes, they pray for their team.  Beyond their prayers, they also have some superstitions. You know the types: they go barechested in zero degree weather and paint themselves in their favorite team's colors. Their mood for the week depends on if their team won or lost. There are fans and then there devout believers.  Those are the ones who get a bit too superstitious.

You know that person who stays in the same spot throughout an entire game, and when their team gives up possession they change positions? That's who we're talking about. So, when things are going well, they're practically immobile. They won't step away for food or even use the bathroom. Why? Because they can’t risk "messing up the flow." On the other hand, if things are not going as planned, they might wander around the living room persistently in search of a lucky seat where good things could potentially happen. Of course, for some fans, their ritualistic and superstitious behaviors might just be traditions, regardless of whether their team comes out on top or experiences a loss.

From wearing a specific jersey to eating a particular snack, these rituals are believed to bring luck and influence the game. For instance, some fans might have a lucky pre-game routine, like wearing mismatched socks or doing a little victory dance before kickoff. Even food choices play a role, with some fans only eating certain foods while watching the game, like nachos or chicken wings, believing that deviating from this menu might lead to bad luck. It's these quirky and often amusing superstitions that add an extra layer of excitement to the football fan experience.

Take a look at a few of these superstition-filled traditions that football fans have been sharing on Reddit.

For some fans, the belief in "jersey power" is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, "I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row." They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn't.

Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young's playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.

This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. "I know it's weird and the results haven't been great, but I'm not going to risk it," they wrote. Priorities, dude!

Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. "Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It's like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome," they humorously explained. That's dedication!

Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, "Everyone has assigned seats at the bar."

Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don't shower right before the game, they're convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, "Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I'll take another shower, for a fresh start."

Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.

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