Dan Story # 2

As I begin to write story #2 I'm starting to think this is a stupid idea, but I will continue on and probably only allow my wife to read these. I was thinking about the title of this blog yesterday and came up with The Book of Daniel, I'm sure someone from the far Christian right will be upset that they can't use the name here to discuss their favorite bible chapter. Too bad, someone from that demographic probably wouldn't like my other choice any better- To All the Dans I've Loved Before. On with #2, I hope you don't think its #2.

The second Dan I remember coming in contact with was the Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Dan Hampton.

In 1979 Grandpa Scott was in a Band called Barbary Coast and they were pretty good. Anyway they were playing a show at the Hemman's Auditorium in Elgin, IL and a few other special guests like a Magician and Bill Buckner of the Cubs were scheduled to perform/MC. Bill Buckner ended up canceling and the event got stuck with Some rookie from the Bears named Dan Hampton. I'm sure at the time everyone was disappointed. I remember meeting Dan Hampton in the Hallway outside of the Auditorium and he was shaking Grandpa Scott's hand. I still remember it clearly even though I was only 4 years old. At that time Grandpa Scott was the biggest person I had ever seen 6'4" and 200 and some pounds. Dan Hampton made my bearded Paul Bunyan looking Dad look small. The guy was huge and I shook his hand and it ate mine. His hands were Gigantic.

The night ended up becoming a really cool story for Grandpa Scott as Dan Hampton became more and more famous. When Grandpa Scott's band went on stage Dan Hampton said he was a skilled musician and asked to "Jam" with the legendary Barbary Coast. So Grandpa Scott can say Hall of Famer Dan Hampton was in his band if only for one night.

More than 20 years later I was in a speedway and noticed some guy next to me at the counter that was almost as big as me. I tend to notice those things because it doesn't happen often. I thought to myself this guy has to be in the NFL. As I looked closer at his face I realized who it was and I immediately turned into Chris Farly's interview character from SNL. I said " Hello Mr. Hampton, aaaaa remember when you played an event in Elgin Illinois............. that was my Dad" He replied kindly "yeah I remember" I really think my response was " that was cool". As he walked out of the gas station gingerly on his crippled hall of fame knees, I picture myself standing at the doorway hitting myself in the head and pulling my hair saying that was so stupid.