On his eighth birthday in March 1985, David Brauer sat near the Assembly Hall court for an Illinois basketball game. At halftime, Illini receiver David Williams was presented with his All-American plaque.
Williams was already an Illinois icon, setting a school record with 101 catches in '84 and grabbing another 92 his senior season.
As Williams walked by, Brauer asked for an autograph.
"He said, 'Sure, hold this for me,'" handing a stunned Brauer his All-American award.
Williams signed "Happy Birthday, David. David Williams #1."
It was a huge thrill for Brauer, who kept the piece of paper.