The Chicago Bears need a quarterback. They have needed one for the entire history of their franchise. In 100 years, they have never had a 4000-yard passer which tells you everything you need to know about the past. Now, all we can focus on is the future. Other than the occasional one-off the year, they […]

The one reason the Chicago Bears are the perfect fit for Russell Wilson – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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You don’t need to read Nonagon’s bio to understand that the Logan Square trio has a soft spot for the great posthardcore bands that shaped American underground rock in the 80s and early 90s. They make that evident with every note of their long-in-the-works debut album, They Birds (Controlled Burn): it’s wall-to-wall with twisting bursts of husky, half-harmonized vocals, vivifying guitar riffs that perfectly balance acerbic with sweet, and brawny rhythms that inject the melodies with locomotive force.…Read More

About 3 a.m., he was walking home when he noticed a person get out of a dark-colored vehicle in the 9600 block of South Exchange Avenue, and opened fire.

A 15-year-old boy was wounded in a drive-by Wednesday in South Deering on the South Side.

About 3 a.m., he was walking home when he noticed a person get out of a dark-colored vehicle in the 9600 block of South Exchange Avenue, and fired shots. Chicago police said.

The boy was struck in the hip, the left leg, and brought to Come Children’s Hospital for treatment, police said.

Area Two detectives are investigating.

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With 4,211 people allowed inside American Airlines Center for the game, Hawks fans from across Texas and elsewhere gathered in Dallas on Tuesday for Kane’s milestone moment.

Jordan Homa was watching a Blackhawks game late last month at her home in Houston when she heard the broadcast mention Patrick Kane’s 1,000th career NHL game was coming up.

‘‘My curious mind went to Google and typed in, ‘How many games has Patrick Kane played?’ ’’ she said. ‘‘I did the math to figure out when 1,000 was, and I looked at the calendar.’’

The verdict: March 9 in Dallas — just a four-hour drive away. She texted her dad to get him on board and bought two tickets.

On Tuesday, she made the pilgrimage across eastern Texas to be one of the relatively few Hawks fans to witness Kane’s milestone moment in person.

‘‘This is a moment I’ll get to tell my kids about,’’ she said. ‘‘I think that’s pretty special.’’

Kane’s 1,000th game originally was set to be at home Sunday against the Lightning. The Hawks-Hurricanes postponement Feb. 20, however, bumped the timeline back one game, depriving Kane of the chance to enjoy the milestone in Chicago.

That might have been for the best, though. With no fans yet allowed inside the United Center, Sunday was a strange environment. In fact, Kane said Tuesday he’s waiting to do a full ceremony until fans have returned.

In Dallas, which has allowed some fans into American Airlines Center since the start of the season, at least there was some energy in the building for the occasion. The announced attendance for the 6-1 Hawks loss was 4,211.

‘‘I was thinking that, as well,’’ Kane said after the morning skate Tuesday. ‘‘Chicago fans always seem to travel well to Dallas or any other city. It’s amazing to have the support.’’

Coach Jeremy Colliton concurred.

‘‘It’s not the same [as a full arena], but there’s still a live energy to it,’’ he said. ‘‘A lot of times, the 3,000 or 4,000 people that are there, they take it seriously as far as bringing energy. You like it.’’

The thousand or so Hawks fans — many of whom get to see their favorite team only rarely, much less see big occasions for their favorite team — mixed among the Stars’ supporters in attendance definitely took it seriously.

‘‘I couldn’t believe it,’’ said Matthew Bevers, a lifelong Texas resident-turned-Hawks fan with tickets in Section 306. ‘‘I was talking to my girlfriend about how fortunate [it is] that we’re going to be able to be there. This is an incredible thing to be there for, something I can talk about forever.’’

‘‘We originally had planned to go Thursday night, but we switched to Tuesday,’’ said Section 314 ticket-holder Joey Smith, who watched Kane highlights ‘‘for hours’’ Sunday after realizing what Tuesday would be. ‘‘Everything just [fell] into place perfectly to be his 1,000th career game.’’

Photos courtesy of Jordan Homa

Hawks games in popular snowbird cities and states — Arizona, Dallas, Florida, Carolina, Nashville — often are filled with contingents of fans clad in red and black.

The COVID restrictions this season temporarily have slowed that turnout, but the huge public interest in Kane’s milestone game Tuesday brought it back. Hours before the game, the cheapest resale tickets on Stubhub were around $55, with lower-bowl tickets more than $100. Those are typical prices in Chicago but atypical in Dallas.

For the many Chicagoans who now live in Texas, however, those prices were worth it.

Caitlin O’Sullivan saw Kane’s championship-sealing goal in Game 6 of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final in person. Having since relocated to Dallas, she cherished this opportunity to see history made again, albeit in slightly less dramatic fashion.

‘‘I’ve grown up watching Patrick Kane on the Hawks,’’ she said. ‘‘Now that I don’t live in Chicago anymore, that homesick nostalgia factor to see something so important to one of my teams, to one of the players so important to that team, is very special.’’

Zach Klein, a former Hawks employee, felt his homesickness disappear altogether.

‘‘I wish I could still be in Chicago, seeing more Blackhawks games,’’ Klein said shortly before heading up to Section 332. ‘‘But I think I’ll make an exception for this one.’’

Other Hawks fans still living in Chicago but obviously unable to see the Hawks at home this season traveled down specifically for the game.

‘‘I decided: ‘Let’s go down. Why not?’ ’’ said Gary Winthrope, who drove 15 hours and stayed overnight in Missouri to make it work. ‘‘The atmosphere is something that everyone has missed, so it’s going to be awesome to be in a stadium that’s cheering for a goal, no matter who it is.’’

And for Will Brault, who moved away from his Chicago-based family for college, the game was a reunion.

‘‘[My brother] booked his flight on Sunday,’’ Brault said. ‘‘I told him: ‘I’ve got two tickets to this game; I’m going regardless.’ And he was like: ‘All right, yeah. I’ll come down.’ ’’

Several fans mentioned Texas’ lack of intense hockey culture as something that made the anticipation for the game even sweeter.

But big events such as this one, even if it did occur in Dallas purely by happenstance, help to change that culture. Bevers, for example, said watching Kane inspired him to start playing hockey just last year.

‘‘Hopefully [Kane] can hear some Hawks fans in the stands,’’ Brault said. ‘‘Because he means a lot to the city of Chicago, and we want to show him that all the way down in Texas.’’

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Chicago Cubs: Winning is an afterthought for 2021 season by Brandon Hinrichs

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Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bulls should think about making a move prior to the 2021 NBA trade deadline on March 25.

However, this is not the normal trade deadline Bulls fans are used to. For the first time in a few years, the Bulls will not be sellers. Chicago is currently 16-18 and sit in the Eastern Conference’s 9th seed.

But, between the 4th seeded Boston Celtics and the Bulls are just two games of separation. That’s it.

The race out East is going to be a tight one, and the Bulls realistically have a shot to finish anywhere between the fourth or eighth seed, depending upon how they finish out the season. The All Star break is over and done with, and the Bulls saw their star Zach LaVine have a big place in this year’s festivities.

It was a great weekend for the Bulls and LaVine, but now the focus is shifted towards a playoff run and it begins Thursday night against a powerhouse: the Philadelphia 76ers.

Billy Donovan has these guys playing hard, and they haven’t even been at full strength all year. Different guys have been hurt at times, with Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter being the biggest current missing pieces.

Prior to this month’s trade deadline, you might have convinced fans that Chicago could sell — if we were talking about this maybe a month or so ago. However, with just how close the East has become and with the Bulls playing some competitive ball, there’s reason to believe they could buy.

All they need is a little run to put themselves in prime playoff positioning, and one or two moves could make that happen. Before the deadline on March 25, these are some deals which fans should want to happen.

Next: Trade 1: Nikola Vucevic

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Chicago Bears News: Allen Robinson receives franchise tag, what’s next? by Jordan Campbell

The Chicago Cubs players and coaches are looking to shock all the skeptics out there who believe that this is an aging, underachieving team that’s better served being torn down at the trade deadline.

Unfortunately, the players and coaching staff are not making all the big organizational decisions. Those come from their General Manager, Jed Hoyer, and through their ownership, the Ricketts. Their actions throughout the offseason suggesting that the organization is all-in on rebuilding their farm-system as opposed to contending immediately for another World Series championship.

Trading away Yu Darvish who is coming off a terrific season for minor league prospects in return is not something a team looking to “win now” would do. Neither is letting Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester depart when both could have easily been kept.

Ownership tried saving face from well-deserved fan criticism by increasing their payroll to sign former all-stars Jake Arrieta and Joc Pederson on low-cost deals. Both players certainly have a chip on their shoulders as they want to get back to playing at a high level as do the rest of the players on the roster.

In all likelihood, ownership is hoping all of their aging veterans, including Kris Bryant, rebound to have strong seasons so that they can ultimately be used as valuable trade chips. If that weren’t the case, the Cubs wouldn’t have been heavily involved in so many trade rumors circling around Kris Bryant and Wilson Contreras this offseason.

Everyone who follows the Cubs knows that this is a team likely on its last gasp of air as far as being able to contend for a playoff spot, let alone a World Series. The division on paper is weak outside of the Saint Louis Cardinals so there is the possibility that the Cubs could find themselves in playoff contention by the mid-way point of the season.

Given the expiring contracts and a cast of aging veterans past their prime, even if the Cubs are in first place in a weak division by mid-July, ownership might still pull the plug on the season in order to rebuild for the future. This makes plenty of sense given that ownership has been hesitant to give long-term deals to free agents and players on their roster after witnessing numerous deals in the past backfire on them.

The Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel contracts immediately come to mind. We also know that mid-season trades since winning the 2016 World Series haven’t paid great dividends, only further depleting a weakened farm-system.

Related Story: The Chicago Cubs are in danger of losing some stars before 2022

Expect everyone in the Cubs’ organization to continue saying all the right things to the press. No one is going to openly acknowledge that the Cubs aren’t serious about competing for a playoff spot or championship. In this case, actions speak louder than words.

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Aquarius.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Because your idealism is aroused, and you’re willing to work on behalf of the welfare of someone else, this is an excellent day to deal with friends and groups. Your support for them might help finish something so that it can be released.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Today you will impress people in authority. In part, this could be related to the sensitive connection that you have with a friend or a member of a group. Because you know what is at stake, you know what is expected of you, and what a difference you can make.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You might hold a parent or someone in a position of authority in high regard. Perhaps this respect is what encourages you to help someone finish something related to medicine, the law, higher education, publishing or the media. You can get a lot done!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Your appreciation of beauty is heightened, which is why you will enjoy museums, galleries or a chance to admire the creative work of others online or in person. You might also feel attracted to someone who is “different.” (This could influence how you deal with shared property.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your sympathy for someone who needs your help will prompt you to set events in motion that will remedy circumstances for a third party. You might do fundraising or encourage someone else to contribute to a charitable cause. (This is your style.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

It’s a mixed bag today when dealing with partners, spouses and close friends because you might feel gratified and full of admiration; or you might be disappointed. Could go either way. Hopefully, you will get support for working to get better organized, which is what you want to achieve.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Your efforts might earn praise from coworkers today; or perhaps a colleague will seek you out for advice or counsel? You might wrap up a creative project or something related to your kids or sports. Trust your creative ideas today. Trust your sympathy with children.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Romance, the arts and your involvement with children cannot be ignored today. However, these areas might also trigger feelings ranging from admiration to confusion or discouragement. (A mixed bag!) Your involvement with a female family member or perhaps a parent could be important.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Today you will choose to trust your hunches about something. Or perhaps it’s a choice between eagle mind or mouse mind? (The big picture or the details.) Listen to your ideas about how to make where you live look more attractive. They might fly.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Your imagination is heightened today. Not only that, your Spidey sense is also heightened, which is why you will go with your gut instincts about situations and judgments about others (especially daily contacts, neighbors and siblings). “Use the Force, Luke.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your luck is a bit better than average today because the moon is in your sign. However, your financial judgment might be a bit off because instead of using your logic, you will go with your feelings. This is why you might go overboard being extravagant in some way. Oops!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Your sensitivity to others is very acute and highly developed today. (You’re picking up acid rock through your Mercury fillings.) Be careful because your usual buffer that you have every day when you’re dealing with others might not be there, which leaves you a bit exposed to everyone’s vibes. Protect yourself.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Jon Hamm (1971) shares your birthday. You are passionate, independent and quick to take the lead. Nevertheless, you work well with others because partnerships are important to you. This year let go of what is no longer relevant or useful and move on to something new and different. This is not a time of loss. Au contraire! You are lightening your load to make room for new beginnings!

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Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the most highly anticipated events of the entire year. Spanning this year from March 19th to April 4th, over 250 Chicago-based restaurants put together prix fixe multi-course menus at incredible prices in with the idea that dining at some of the city’s best restaurants doesn’t always have to break the bank. As bars and restaurants continue to open their doors wider for increased capacity, it’s a treat that Chicago Restaurant Week 2021 is a full-go with reduced capacity dining in-restaurant or takeout options for a delicious meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.

We took a few moments to dive into the depths of everything Choose Chicago’s annual meal parade has to offer this year and picked out 15 of our favorite restaurants, menus, and price points for Chicago Restaurant Week this year.

2542 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $39 per person | 

Logan Square’s newest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Doug Psaltis and Pastry Chef Hsing Chen, is offering their modern Greek spread as a great intro to the restaurant. Choose from the Meze Collection or Andros Salad to start and either Grilled Calamari or Crispy Kataifi Cheese Pie; then move onto a main course of Pork Kontosouvli, Eggplant Moussaka or Wood Oven Roasted Sea Bream; with Baklava Frozen Yogurt as dessert. 

615 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60661

141 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in + to-go packages | $110 for two | 

avec’s brand new, airy location in River North is offering its iconic rustic Mediterranean dishes for Restaurant Week. Start with house-marinated olives, ciabatta and the chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates, enjoy a salad of shaved brussels sprouts with Calabrian chili and golden raisins, then move on to the main course of wood oven paella with confit chicken, escargot, sausage, mussels and tangerine aioli. Finish with a dessert of coffee hazelnut dark chocolate tiramisu. Available for $55 per person for dine-in at River North. Available to-go from the West Loop location in a meal kit for two for $110. 

817 W Lake St, Chicago, Illinois 60607

Quick Hits: Dinner | Available for dine-in, pick-up or delivery | $55 per person | 

The award-winning luxe steakhouse in Chicago’s West Loop is reopening this March after a winter break of service. Indulge in a choice of classic Caesar, Wedge Salad, Onion Soup Fondue or Lobster Bisque to start, before choosing your main course of Steak Frites with bone marrow butter, King Salmon, Vegetable Risotto or Organic Half Chicken with truffle chicken jus. For dessert, your choice of strawberry cheesecake or sticky toffee pudding. 

221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in, to-go, and delivery via GrubHub | $39 per person | 

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, the restaurant located at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, is offering a four-course Chicago Restaurant Week special. Start with the Soup of the Day, followed by your choice of House Made Smoke Sausage with caramelized onions and peppers and spicy tomato sauce; or Pork Belly with honey garlic roasted pork belly, and jalapeños creamed corn. For the main, choose between the FireLake Rotisserie Half Chicken with natural jus, fennel potato salad, and skillet corn; or the Half Slab Calabrian Pork Ribs with house made Calabrian chili barbeque, fennel potato salad, and cornbread. For dessert, enjoy a decadent Chocolate Cake. 

2075 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60614

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $55 per person | 

At Lincoln Park’s favorite neighborhood destination, Gemini, guests can start off with their choice of Prosciutto and Burrata Crostini, Lobster Bisque, or Grilled Octopus. For the main course, guests have the option between Berkshire Pork Chop, Alaskan Halibut, or an 8oz Filet Frites. For dessert, choose between Apple Pie or Chocolate Cake.

340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Quick Hits: Lunch and Dinner | Dine-in and to-go | $25 per person for lunch, $55 per person for dinner | 

Nonnina is offering signature dishes from their classic Italian fare menu for Chicago Restaurant Week. Start off with Meatballs, Beet Salad, Breaded Eggplant, or classic Minestrone soup. Followed by fresh-cut pasta offerings including Carbonara, Braised Short Rib Pappardelle, Seafood Risotto or Roasted Mushroom and Cauliflower Bolognese. For the main course, guests can choose from Pork Belly and Polenta, Chicken Parmesan, Branzino or Roasted Vegetables.

1200 W Webster Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60614

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $39 per person | 

At the neighborhood Mexican cantina, Old Pueblo Cantina, guests can start off with their choice of a Roasted Beet Salad or Chicken Tortilla Soup. For the main course, choose from Chili Lime Shrimp Skewer or a Skirt Steak Skewers. For dessert, diners have their choice of Flan or house made Churros.

565 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $55 per person | 

Chose your adventure with PROXI’s globally inspired cuisine this Chicago Restaurant Week 2021, the first time they are participating. The iconic tempura elotes are naturally a choice for the first course, or choose Muhammara paratha, grilled eggplant with Thai basil or soba noodle salad with gochujang and crispy vegetables. For the second course, choose grilled squid, Knanom krok with coconut milk pancakes, burrata or black pepper pork; for the third, choose a fried half chicken, braised pork belly, grilled king trumpet mushroom and tofu hotpot or the popular Corvina in coconut moilee. Finish with a black sesame chocolate brownie dish or coconut panna cotta with blood orange and spiced dukkah. 

4229 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Quick Hits: Dinner | To-go only | $55 per person |

For Chicago Restaurant Week 2021, diners will receive the ultimate three-course French meal from North Center’s new Robert Et Fils. Guests will receive both a housemade Demi Baguette with Cultured Butter and Watercress Soup for their first course, followed by Pepper Steak and Mashed Potatoes. For dessert, guests will receive Vacherin Agrumes, a preserved citrus meringue with whipped cream.

123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $55 per person | 

Enjoy a seasonally inspired Michelin-starred meal from Chef Andrew Zimmerman. Choices for each of the four courses include: ricotta gnocchi, smoked trout or roasted sweetbreads to start; a second course of Lady Edison ham, potato agnolotti with black truffle butter or Sablefish misoyaki; a third course of duck breast, roasted monkfish, grilled broccoli and curry, or grilled beef sirloin. For dessert, choose either milk chocolate and banana or cheesecake and pear. 

1146 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $55 per person | 

At Sophia Steak, guests can start off with their choice of Prosciutto and Burrata Crostini, Lobster Bisque, or a Baby Iceberg Wedge. For the main course, guests can choose from Soy Glazed Jumbo Shrimp, Steak Sophia, or Short Rib Tagliatelle. For dessert, guests have the option between Lemon Cheesecake and Butterscotch Creme Brulee. 

145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in and take-out | $55 per person | 

The popular Loop tavern from sisters Clodagh & Amy Lawless is reopening this March just in time for Restaurant Week. To start off the meal, chose between Hamachi Crudo or a Tasting of Two Prosciuttos, before moving onto your main with a choice of Robata Grilled Salmon Steak or Braised Beef Short Ribs. For dessert, enjoy a Smores Crunch Bar with optional cocktail or wine pairings.

1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60607

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $55 per person | 

For Chicago Restaurant Week 2021 , guests who dine at The Press Room will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail. For starters, diners will have their choice of Brussel Sprouts, Kale Caesar, or Steak Tartare. For the second course, diners can choose from Tagliltelli Norcina, Parsnip Agnolotti, or a King Trumpet Mushroom. For the third course, guests can choose from Seared Scallops, Short Rib, or Roasted Cauliflower. All guests will have the option between a Tahini Brownie or Vanilla Panna Cotta for dessert.

400 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Quick Hits: Brunch, lunch, and dinner | Dine-in and to-go | Weekday Lunch/Weekend Brunch $25 per person, Dinner $39 per person | 

The popular River North restaurants is offering all three meal periods for Restaurant Week — don’t miss out on the weekend brunch menu which includes choice of cocktail in the price, starters such as Oysters, and popular mains such as Shrimp & Grits, Benedict Johnny and Vanilla Bean French Toast. For dinner at $39 per person, choose from Brick Pressed Chicken, Salmon with Beets and Potatoes or Butternut Squash Bucatini as the main, with Mocha Brioche Bread Pudding or Sorbet for dessert. 

3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois 60657

Quick Hits: Dinner | Dine-in only | $39 per person | 

Wood, the 6-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, is offering the ultimate three-course dinner for Restaurant Week. Guests can start off with Warm Spiced Carrot Soup, Rabbit Rillette en Croute, House Charcuterie & Cheese, Chicago Spring Garden, or a Gem Salad. For the main course, guests have the option of Double Cheeseburger & Frites, Hand-Rolled Spinach Tagliatelle, Slagel Family Farms Chicken Schnitzel, Radiatore Pasta, and more.

Chicago Restaurant Week 2021  Featured Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

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Moving the Chains with … Illinois State wide receiver Austin Nagel

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By Barry Bottino,
today at 5:59 am

In his first game of the spring football season, Illinois State junior wide receiver Austin Nagel posted a career-best 132 receiving yards for the Redbirds.

The Nagel name in his hometown of Lemont is synonymous with football as four cousins also played college football.

Along with catching footballs, Nagel enjoys exploring different restaurants, spending time with his four siblings and would like to challenge teammate John Ridgeway, a 325-pound defensive lineman to a race because he’s knows he can win.

And, Nagel really, really, really misses eating ice cream every day.

Learn more about Nagel in our Moving the Chains Q&A feature:

As an athlete, you have to stay in great shape. What food do you love that you can’t eat much of anymore?

Oh man. I try to limit the ice cream I eat, but it’s a little difficult. I used to eat a lot of sweets and desserts after dinner, but I’ve had to cut those out — especially ice cream.

My love for ice cream started when I was younger. My grandma had an ice cream shop, so I used to go there every day in the summer. She’s just like any other grandma. She would make sure we had our fair share of ice cream every day. It was crazy. I was spoiled in that sense.

What has been the most challenging part of the pandemic for you as a college athlete?

I’ve really had to watch where I go, who I associate with. You have to keep your circle small. You have to stay with athletes. If you’re going to do something, it’s always got to be with other athletes. You really have to watch where you go and who you hang around because if you test positive for the virus, your buddies on the team likely will be out for a little while. It really has been tough on all of us.

You have four siblings. Where do you stand in the family order?

The oldest is my brother Spencer. He also goes to Illinois State. We’ll both be graduating in December. That’s pretty cool to have him here.

I have a younger brother, Cameron, who is two grades younger than me. He plays baseball at Lake Land College (in Mattoon). I have two sisters in high school. Hannah is going to graduate this year, and she’s not sure where she’s going to go to college. We’re trying to get her to come to Illinois State, but she’s a little hesitant about following her two older brothers.

I have a younger sister, Abby, and she’s a sophomore.

What are the best and worst things about having four siblings?

I could tell you that real quick. (Laughs) I still share a room at home with my oldest brother. Privacy is very hard to come by in a house with five kids. I’d say the best thing is there’s never a dull moment. There’s always something going on. Someone’s going to be there to do something with. If my younger brother Cameron is there, I love tormenting him and making his life a little harder.

Who has the best uniform in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, not including Illinois State?

I’ll go with the (blue and gold) South Dakota State jerseys.

There have been about a dozen movies filmed in your hometown of Lemont. Have you ever been on a movie set growing up?

I honestly never have. I did hear that there have been movies shot in the downtown area. But I’ve never been around one.

Movies and TV shows have been a popular entertainment choice during the pandemic. What’s the best thing you’ve watched?

I recently watched this series on YouTube called “The Chosen.” A couple of my teammates put me onto it. It’s the story of Jesus Christ, but it’s not all Biblical. It brings in other elements. It’s a good show.

Lemont has produced numerous pro athletes, including your cousin and former NFL player Coby Fleener, along with pro baseball, hockey and cycling athletes. Why is the town a haven for great athletes?

I can’t remember my life without sports. We have a great youth program that all of my cousins and all the pro football players I know of played in. It’s called the Lemont Hornets. We all started young there and had really good coaches who motivated us more than any coaches ever have.

Growing up, which Lemont athletes did you look up to the most?

My (Nagel) cousins played through Lemont for years. When I was super young, I was watching Aaron, Brett and Connor. When I was getting into middle school, I would go watch my cousin Flynn’s games at Marist (High School). Watching them go through high school and play, they all really motivated me to play.

Your cousins Aaron, Brett and Flynn played football at Northwestern, while your cousin Connor at Truman State. Those teams both wear purple. How did you not choose a program that had purple team colors?

I never thought about it like that. (Laughs) Illinois State was my only full-ride scholarship offer. I took what I could get. But I’m happy I’m here.

What’s the best restaurant in Lemont that you wish was located in Bloomington-Normal?

I’ll have to go with Lemon Tree. Their butter garlic fries are stellar. I miss those.

What’s your favorite spot in Bloomington-Normal to hang out, other than Hancock Stadium?

I’m big on restaurants, and I love trying different foods. Pop-Up Chicken Shop in Bloomington is definitely the spot that I like to be when I get some time. They have a great chicken sandwich.

What’s the best Missouri Valley football stadium you’ve played in during your career?

Fargo, for sure. There’s nothing like playing (against North Dakota State) in Fargo. There’s nothing like all those crazy fans screaming when you’re on the field, then complete silence when (NDSU) is on offense. I’ve never seen anything like it.

ISU quarterback Bryce Jefferson said the ISU wide receiver corps has “crazy speed.” Who’s the fastest player on the roster?

I might get some heat for this one. This is a debate. (Senior cornerback) Jarrell Jackson.

If there’s one guy you could challenge to a race, who would it be?

A guy I think I could beat? (Laughs) It would probably be (325-pound defensive lineman) John Ridgeway. (Laughs)

Who is your most inspirational teammate?

My roommate (and fellow wide receiver) Taylor Grimes. He tore his ACL about a year-and-a-half ago, early in the 2019 season against Northern Arizona. He came back stronger and faster than ever. It was pretty crazy how good he came back.

He just keeps going. He always wants to get better. He always makes the guys around him better because he’s always trying to get better. It’s really good to be around him.

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  Dan Verdun

  Blog co-authors Barry Bottino and Dan Verdun bring years of experience covering collegiate athletics. Barry has covered college athletes for more than two decades in his “On Campus” column, which is published weekly by Shaw Media. Dan has written four books about the state’s football programs–“NIU Huskies Football” (released in 2013), “EIU Panthers Football (2014), “ISU Redbirds” (2016) and “SIU Salukis Football” (2017).

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First Draft will leave you coming back for more

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By Sher,
today at 10:39 am

The pandemic has been brutal on everyone, including businesses trying to survive with closures and reduced capacity. I’m still not game for sitting indoors at a bar or restaurant; therefore, I have become a winter badass looking for accessible patios.

First Draft is a winner!

A recent experience was delightful at a favorite venue in the South Loop neighborhood. First Draft is well-known for its extensive, solid beer list. I have yet to explore their food menu, as I always end up reserving my appetite for the beer. That’s not a bad thing, right? 

I appreciated the great service

Upon arrival, I could see the patio wasn’t set up. I went inside to inquire and a lovely gentleman jumped right in and said “give me 5 minutes.” He did an amazing job, providing me with a small heater near my feet along with a full-size heat lamp. My Saturday was already complete.

Unique beers were calling my name

I started off with a bang, ordering a Cahoots Barrel-Aged 5 by Cahoots Brewing. This is an anniversary Russian Imperial Stout with a whopping 15% ABV. It warmed me to my toes with a flavor profile consisting of bourbon, a bit of chocolate and vanilla, and oak. So good!

My second beer was a Hypnopompa, an Imperial Pastry Stout by Omnipollo (microbrewery in Sweden) and brewed at Twelve Percent Beer Project. This beer is loaded with marshmallows and vanilla beans, sitting at an ABV of 11%. I mostly tasted coffee and chocolate, which made it a little bitter and not as sweet as other pastry stouts I have had. It was still tasty, though.

I can’t recommend First Draft enough and look forward to trying their food one of these days. If you prefer indoors during the winter months, the venue is nicely spread out for comfort. There is also a heated tent on the patio; however, I chose to sit at a table outside of the tent. Cheers!

Filed under:
Beer, Chicago, Chicago pub, Craft beer bars, special tappings, Sports Bar

Tags:
Cahoots Brewing, Chicago, craft beer, first DRAFT, Omnipollo, South Loop, stout, Twelve Percent Beer Project, winter patio

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  Sher

  My greatest passion is street art. I’m constantly pounding the pavement in search of murals with eyes wide open, so follow me on my colorful journey. View all my findings on Instagram @eyespystreetart.
  
  Another passion is beer. I consider myself a beer snob with a preference given to stouts and porters. I’m always willing to try new styles because beer is life. Prost!
  
  Catch me on Twitter @muralhunter

• Latest on ChicagoNow

  • Will IL GOP pick a Gov Candidate who thinks state employee & teacher pensions aren’t excessive & shouldn’t be cut? Watch downstate GOP GOV candidate Paul Schimpf make his case- tonight in Chicago & the N & NW suburbs, cable and web(24/7). Can Speaker Welch and the Dems win re-election to Gov in 2022 by promising middle class voters a big income tax increase?

    from Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz by Jeff Berkowitz
    posted today at 3:32 pm

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    from The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor by Dennis Byrne
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    posted today at 10:39 am

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