As I write this, I’m watching the intersection of sports and pop culture at the ESPYs – an event that gets a bad rap but is quite enjoyable IMO. And it got me to thinking of instances of when Illini sports and the celebrity world came crashing together. I had to stretch, but I came up with a top ten list plus a few more. Keep in mind these are not just celebs who are U of I alums. Rather, there has to be some sort of Illini sports connection…no matter how obscure or minimal. So without further ado…
Honorable mention:
- Gene Honda: The Blackhawks, White Sox, and Illini football PA announcer qualifies as a Chicago celeb.