Just remembered this recently and thought I'd share...

Aug 21, 2014, 3:55 PM

I went to the South Carolina/Clemson game in 2000 (most notable for "The Catch 2"). I was sitting in the upper deck on the South side. Anyway, when I got there I noticed an older gentlemen next to me was wearing an Ohio State sweatshirt. So, I struck up a conversation with him based on the sweatshirt. Turns out he was an Ohio State grad, but he had decided to travel around the country that year to visit some of the college stadiums that were on his "bucket list." He started asking me all sorts of questions about Clemson, our traditions, rivals, etc, and I was happy to share all that I knew with him.

After a while it was about time for the game to start, and the Tigers were preparing to run down the Hill. He leaned over and told me that he had heard about this tradition, and that he was really excited to finally be able to see it in person. So, we both turned to watch the Greatest 25 Seconds in College Football.

Once that was done I turned to him to ask him what he thought about it, and there were tears streaming down his face. He reached out to shake my hand, and of course I took it. He told me that it was the grandest thing he'd ever seen in his many years following college football.

Anyway, it was a while ago, but I just happened to think about it the other day. I'm just really glad I got to sit next to that Ohio State fan that day, and every time I think about that experience I am just so thankful to be a Tiger!