The Top 10 Countdown has begun! In honor of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium in 2015, NIU has been naming the Top 50 Huskie players in stadium history since Monday, June 29. The first 40 names were presented in random order, one at a time, with the Top 10 Countdown beginning August 24th.
The final announcement will be made on Friday, Sept. 4, the day before NIU opens the 2015 season versus UNLV at Huskie Stadium at 6:30 p.m. The 50 Greatest Players in Huskie Stadium history (1965-present) were selected by individual vote of a 13-person committee of current and former staff members, NIU's long-time radio broadcast team, Huskie Hall of Famers like Joe Novak and George Bork, and individuals whose experience with Huskie Football collectively dates back 100s of years.
Presented by
Compass Mortgage, Huskie Stadium's 50 Greatest Players have been introduced, one each day, on NIUHuskies.com and through the department's primary social media platforms on Twitter (@NIUAthletics), Facebook (NIU Huskies) and Instagram (niuhuskies).
Here is the list of the players announced so far, in order of announcement. To see each player's complete bio, click on his name, or simply scroll down.
June 29 -
John Lalonde, FB (1968-70) June 30 -
Doug Bartlett, DT (1983-86) July 1 -
Scott Wedige, C (2009-11) July 2 -
P.J. Fleck, WR (1999-2001, 2003) July 3 -
Vince Scott, K (1980-83) July 6 -
Curt Pardridge, WR (1982-85) July 7 -
Randee Drew, CB (2000-03) July 8 -
Brad Cieslak, TE (2002-04) July 9 -
Adam Dach, FB (1988-91) July 10 -
Jerry Meyers, DT (1973-75) July 13 -
Max Gill, DT (1979-82) July 14 -
Frank Lewandoski, LB (1976-79) July 15 -
Martel Moore, WR (2009-12) July 16 -
Scott Kellar, DT (1982-85) July 17 -
Dave Petway, S (1977-80)
July 20 -
Thomas Hammock, TB (1999-2002)
July 21 -
Steve Azar, PK (2000-03) July 22 -
Ken Bishop, DT (2012-13) July 23 -
Mitch Jacoby, TE (1993-96) July 24 -
Deon Mitchell, WR (1995-98)
July 27 -
Scott Bolzan, OT (1980-83)
July 28 -
Tim Tyrrell, QB (1982-83) July 29 -
Chad Spann, TB (2007-10) July 30 -
Dan Sheldon, WR (2001-04) July 31 -
Mike Terna, LB (1977-80) Aug. 3 -
Randy Clark, OL (1977-79) Aug. 4 -
Tom Wittum, P-PK (1969-71) Aug. 5 -
Tommylee Lewis, WR-KR (2011-present) Aug. 6 -
Cary Caliendo, DE (1987-90) Aug. 7 -
Clarence Vaughn, LB (1983-84, '86) Aug. 10 -
Trevor Olson, OT (2008-11) Aug. 11 -
Hollis Thomas, DT (1992-95) Aug. 12 -
Dave Petzke, WR (1977-79) Aug. 13 -
Doug Free, OT (2003-06) Aug. 14 -
Larry Clark, LB (1970-72) Aug. 17 -
Jimmie Ward, DB (2010-13) Aug. 18 -
Bob Gregolunas, QB-LB (1973-75) Aug. 19 -
Todd Peat, OT-OG (1983-86) Aug. 20 -
Jake Coffman, DE (2007-10) Aug. 21 -
Stacey Robinson, QB (1989-90) Aug. 24 -
No. 10 Justin McCareins, WR (1997-2000) Aug. 25 -
No. 9 John Spilis, SE (1966-68) Aug. 26 -
No. 8 Ryan Diem, OT (1997-2000) Aug. 27 -
No. 7 Mark Kellar, FB (1971-73) Aug. 28 -
No. 6 Larry English, DE (2005-08) Aug. 31 -
No. 5 Chandler Harnish, QB (2008-11) Sept. 1 -
No. 4 Garrett Wolfe, TB (2004-06) Sept. 2 -
No. 3 Michael Turner, TB (2000-03) Sept. 3 -
No. 2 LeShon Johnson, TB (1992-93) Sept. 5 -
No. 1 Jordan Lynch, QB (2010-13) 
Sept. 5, 2015 - No. 1 Jordan Lynch, QB (2010-13)
A Chicago native from Mt. Carmel High School, Lynch led NIU to a 24-4 record with three wins over Bowl Championship Series (BCS) teams, as the Huskies spent 15 weeks in the national rankings during his tenure as a starter. A threat as both a passer and a rusher, Lynch set five NCAA and 25 NIU career, single season and single game records from 2010-2013 and ranks in the Top 10 in 24 career categories. He accounted for 100 total touchdowns (51 passing, 48 rushing, one receiving) and averaged 7.1 yards every time he touched the ball. A finalist for the 2013 Heisman Trophy, Lynch's third-place finish ranks as the best ever by a Mid-American Conference player. He received 558 votes and was first on 40 ballots. Lynch was also a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, the Senior CLASS Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He earned first-team All-America accolades from the Associated Press, Phil Steele, and Lindy's and was named to the second team units by CBSSports.com and USA Today. He won back-to-back Vern Smith Leadership and MAC Offensive Player of the Years honors. Lynch was a second-team AP All-American as a junior and garnered All-America honors from Phil Steele, CBSSports.com and SI.com as well. Lynch had 12 career games with at least 100 rushing and 200 passing yards and 22 100-yard rushing games. In two seasons as a starter, he accounted for 348.8 yards of total offense per game with averages of 133.4 rushing and 215.4 passing yards. He is the first player in FBS history to rush for 1,500 and pass for 2,500 yards in a season. Lynch ran for 300 yards or more twice, and in 2012 ran for 100-yards in 12 of the Huskies' 14 games. Perhaps more impressively, Lynch never lost a game at Huskie Stadium (11-0) or a road game (12-0) as a starter. Read his NIUHuskies.com bio here.
Sept. 3, 2015 - No. 2 LeShon Johnson, TB (1992-93)
Johnson, a native of Haskell, Okla. nicknamed "Cowboy", played for NIU in 1992 and 1993 after starting his college career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. As a senior in 1993, he led the nation, rushing for 1,976 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games to average 179.6 rushing yards per game. His average at the time ranked fourth all-time in NCAA Division I history. Named a first team All-American by the Associated Press, United Press International, Football News, Kodak, Walter Camp, the Football Writer's Association of America, The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly, he also was named the National Back of the Year by UPI and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and Football News' Offensive Player of the Year Award. Johnson garnered 176 votes (five first-place nods, 51 second place votes and 59 third-place) to finish sixth in balloting for the 1993 Heisman Trophy. He had five of the top eight single-game rushing games in the NCAA Division I-A football in 1993, including a then school-record 322 yards versus Southern Illinois. In 22 career games, he ran for 100 or more yards 15 times. He earned honorable mention All-America honors as a junior after finishing eighth in the NCAA in rushing with 1,338 yards on 265 carries. Johnson was drafted in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and went on to a six-year NFL career with the Packers, Giants and Cardinals. In 1999, he earned the Ed Block Courage Award with the New York Giants, given to one player on each team as nominated by his teammates for showing courage and perseverance. Johnson's top season came in 1996 with the Arizona Cardinals when he gained 634 yards on 141 carries and caught 15 passes for 176 yards. He was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. Read his NIUHuskies.com Hall of Fame bio here.
Sept. 2, 2015 - No. 3 Michael Turner, TB (2000-03)
NIU's career leader with 6,038 all-purpose yards, Michael Turner earned All-America honors from Football Digest, The Sporting News and CNN/Sports Illustrated in 2002 and AP, CNN/Sports Illustrated and Sporting News All-America honors in 2003. A big, physical runner listed at 6-0 and 228 pounds, Turner set the NIU single season and career rushing records while leading the Huskies to some of the greatest victories in school history between 2000 and 2003. He still owns NIU's career and single season all-purpose records with 4,941 rushing, 451 receiving and 646 kickoff return yards. As a junior, Turner rushed for 1,915 yards on a school-record 338 carries. He turned around the next season and gained 1,648 yards on 310 totes. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 110 yards per game over his 45-game career. Nicknamed "Turner the Burner" the North Chicago native out of North Chicago High School set a NIU school record with 21 100-yard games and had seven 200-yard days. He ran for 200 yards or more six times in 2002 and had nine 100-yard games in both 2002 and 2003. Turner went on to an All-Pro career in the National Football League, spending nine years with the San Diego Chargers (2004-07) and Atlanta Falcons (2008-12). He gained 7,338 yards and scored 66 touchdowns on 1,639 carries in 134 games while adding 70 catches for 528 yards. He finished second in the MVP voting in 2008 after gaining 1,699 yards on 376 carries for the Falcons. See the original "Turner the Burner" website promotional website here.
Sept. 1, 2015 - No. 4 Garrett Wolfe, TB (2004-06)
In just three seasons and 33 games, Wolfe set the NIU records for career rushing yards (5,164) and rushing touchdowns (52), while breaking the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision record for yards per carry with 6.4 per attempt. At the end of his career, his per game average of 156.5 yards per game ranked fourth in NCAA history and his total rushing yards were 11th on the NCAA all-time list and second among three-year players. A Chicago native and Holy Cross High School product, Wolfe led the FBS in rushing and all-purpose yards as a senior with marks of 148.3 and 167.5 yards per game, respectively. He set the NCAA record with 1,181 yards in the first five games of the season and finished the year with a MAC record 1,928 yards on the ground. Wolfe's knack for the end zone led him to score 57 career touchdowns, 52 on the ground and five receiving. His name fills the NIU record book in rushing, scoring and all-purpose yards. Wolfe won the Vern Smith Award as MAC MVP in 2006 and collected third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press and CollegeFootballNews.com to add to the honorable mention All-America recognitions he earned in 2004 and 2005. SI.com named him an honorable mention All-American and he was a semifinalist for the Doak Campbell and Maxwell awards as a senior. He was a third-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in the 2007 NFL Draft and played four years for his hometown team from 2007-2010. See his complete bio (as a PDF) here..
Aug.31, 2015 - No. 5 Chandler Harnish, QB (2008-11)
Harnish electrified the Huskie faithful with both his arm and his legs as a four-year starter for NIU. He made a strong impression in his debut at Minnesota in 2008, throwing for 326 yards and two touchdowns, and added a little drama in his Huskie finale as he led the Huskies to a 38-20 come-from-behind victory over Arkansas State in the 2012 GoDaddy Bowl. In between, the native of Bluffton, Ind. set multiple NIU records, garnered national and league accolades and firmly left his mark on NIU football history. The first Huskie signal caller to lead NIU to back-to-back MAC title games, Harnish was at his best in the 2011 MAC Championship game. Trailing 20-0 at halftime, he led a furious second-half rally, throwing three touchdown passes to help NIU to a 23-20 victory over Ohio and give the Huskies their first MAC championship in 28 years. Read his NIUHuskies.com bio here.
Aug. 28, 2015 - No. 6 Larry English, DE (2005-08)
One of the most dominant defensive players in NIU and MAC history, English accomplished many things on the field during his time in DeKalb that no Huskie ever had before. After coming to NIU from Aurora, Ill. and Marmion Academy, he started 47 games at defensive end for the Huskies, developing into a dominant defender who forced opposing coaches to game plan around him, as well as the unquestioned leader of the NIU program. During that time, English set the NIU all-time records in quarterback sacks (31.5) and tackles for loss (63) and was the first defensive player to win the Vern Smith Leadership Award twice (2007, `08) as the MAC's Most Valuable Player as voted by the league's coaches. He also recorded an incredible five sacks in one game at Idaho on Sept. 22, 2007, another NIU record. A three-time first team All-MAC selection, English then became the first Huskie to ever be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft when the San Diego Chargers took him 16th overall in 2009. Still NIU's highest ever NFL Draft pick, English still plays in the league for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having amassed 12.0 sacks and 103 total tackles in 64 games over the past six seasons. Read his NIUHuskies.com bio here.
Aug. 27, 2015 - No. 7 Mark Kellar, FB (1971-73)
Kellar set the NIU records for career and single season rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns from 1971-73. In a season that featured superstar rushers Tony Dorsett of Pittsburgh, Archie Griffin of Ohio State and Jim Cappelletti of Penn State, it was Kellar who claimed the NCAA Division I-A rushing title with 1,719 yards in 1973 as he averaged 156.3 rushing yards per game. He was named an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press, United Press International, Football News and Kodak while picking up his third team MVP honor. His jersey No. 31 was retired during his senior season at NIU. A 6-0, 232-pound back out of Carpentersville, Illinois and Dundee Crown High School, Kellar became the 18th player in major college history to crack the 3,000-yard mark with 3,745 yards on 744 carries and 32 rushing scores while averaging almost 121 rushing yards per game and more than five yards per carry. He posted 19 100-yard rushing games and ran for 200-or-more yards in a game three times while playing in 31 games. As a junior, Kellar gained 1,316 yards to rank sixth among NCAA rushers. Kellar played in the North-South Shrine Game following his senior season and was drafted by both the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL and the Chicago Fire of the World Football League in 1974. Kellar signed with the Fire and starred for the Chicago franchise of the WFL in 1974 and 1975 before moving to the NFL where he spent three seasons with the Vikings (1976-78). He was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1983. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 26, 2015 - No. 8 Ryan Diem, OT (1997-2000)
A product of Carol Stream, Ill., offensive tackle Ryan Diem was one of the key figures that helped head coach Joe Novak revive the NIU football program at the turn of the millennium. A three-time All-MAC selection, Diem paved the way as the Huskies improved every year he was on the team before eventually helping NIU post its first winning season in a decade in 2000. He started seven games as a true freshman and went on to make 35 consecutive starts throughout his Huskie career. His blocking helped William Andrews and Thomas Hammock rush for over 1,000 yards in 1999 and 2000, respectively. A mechanical engineering major, he earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors as a junior and was a two-time MAC Honor Roll recipient. After he earned third team All-America honors from Football News and played in the Senior Bowl following his senior season, Diem then became NIU's first NFL draft pick since LeShon Johnson in 1994 when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he would win a Super Bowl as the team's starting right tackle in 2007, becoming the first Huskie to ever start in a Super Bowl. Diem was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 25, 2015 - No. 9 John Spilis, SE (1966-68)
A man who held the NIU football receiving touchdowns in a career record for a remarkable 32 years, Chicago native John Spilis excelled as a pass catcher during the early years of Huskie Stadium. Spilis, who tallied a then-school record 22 touchdown receptions and 1,815 receiving yards from 1966-68 for the Huskies, also held the title as NIU's highest ever NFL draft pick for 40 years after the Green Bay Packers made him the No. 64 overall selection in the 1969 NFL Draft - a Huskie best that Spilis held until Larry English was selected No. 16 overall in 2009. During his time in DeKalb, Spilis led NIU in receiving and scoring his final two seasons and also posed as a special teams threat, returning kicks of 97 and 90 yards for touchdowns as a senior. He co-captained the 1968 Huskie team, additionally earning Team MVP honors during his senior season. Professionally, he played 40 games over three seasons with the Packers during an era where NIU's NFL players were few and far between. Spilis was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984 and in 1999 was named one of the Top Five players of the century on NIU's All-Century Team.Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 24, 2015 - No. 10 Justin McCareins, WR (1997-2000)
The all-time leader in every major NIU receiving category, Justin McCareins thrilled fans at Huskie Stadium with his incredible play-making ability for four seasons from 1997-2000. Hailing from nearby Naperville, Ill., McCareins led NIU in receiving yards in 1998, 1999 and again during his senior campaign 2000, a season that saw him earn first team All-MAC, honorable mention All-American and MAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors. He finished his remarkable career as a Huskie with 204 receptions for 2,991 receiving yards with 29 catching touchdowns, all NIU records that still stand today. McCareins then enjoyed a very successful pro career for eight seasons. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans and quickly made himself one of the most feared pass catchers in the league. After being traded to the New York Jets, McCareins enjoyed four great seasons in the big apple from 2004-07, highlighted by a 56-catch, 770-yard season in 2004. He remains NIU's all-time leading receiver in the NFL as well with 3,676 career receiving yards. McCareins was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 21, 2015 - Stacey Robinson, QB (1989-90)
A wishbone wizard, Stacey Robinson ranks among the best triple option quarterbacks in college football history. With his mixture of composure and elusiveness, Robinson thrilled fans at Huskie Stadium for two seasons, leading NIU to a perfect 11-0 home record from 1989-90 with memorable victories over UNLV, Toledo, Kansas State and Fresno State. His back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons made him a two-time Football News Honorable Mention All-American, and Robinson remains the only NIU QB to average more than 100 yards per game on the ground for an entire career. Following his remarkable achievements in two seasons as a Huskie, Robinson was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. Read his Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 20, 2015 - Jake Coffman, DE (2007-10)
A walk-on who became one of the best Huskie defensive ends ever, Jake Coffman is one of the most unlikely legends in NIU football history. After redshirting, Coffman made a name for himself on defense and special teams before locking down a starting spot and thriving during his final two seasons. In 2009 and 2010, Coffman dominated opposing offensive lines, helping him earn two All-MAC selections and the honor of being the 2009 Touchdown Club of Columbus Male Athlete of the Year. After his incredible Huskie career concluded with a three-sack performance in a victory over Fresno State in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl, Coffman ranks fifth all-time at NIU in sacks (20.0) and ninth in tackles for loss (32.5).
Aug. 19, 2015 - Todd Peat, OG-OT (1983-86)
An imposing, tenacious and versatile offensive lineman, Todd Peat's consistent ability to dominate defenders made him one of NIU's greatest ever blockers. A four-year letterwinner who incredibly was selected to the AP All-American and All-MAC teams three times, Peat started as a freshman during NIU's first MAC championship and California Bowl winning season of 1983 and continued to reign until he co-captained the Huskies and was named NIU team MVP in 1986. After his remarkable collegiate career, Peat immediately excelled at the next level, being named to the 1987 NFL All-Rookie Team after being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 18, 2015 - Bob Gregolunas, QB-LB (1973-75)
The only Huskie ever to lead NIU in passing and tackles in two separate seasons, Bob Gregolunas makes the list because of his contributions to NIU football on both sides of the ball. Gregolunas quarterbacked NIU to a winning season in 1973 before switching over to linebacker for his senior season in 1975, which proved to be a great decision as he not only led the Huskies in tackles that season but was also the first player in program history to be named first team All-MAC at any position. Gregolunas, who served as team captain and was named the team's Defensive MVP in 1975, was then selected in the sixth round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs - as a linebacker. He will be inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the "Class of 2015" on October 9.
Aug. 17, 2015 - Jimmie Ward, DB (2010-13)
A player who transformed from an unknown recruit to an NFL first round draft pick during his time at NIU, Jimmie Ward earns a well-deserved place among the Top 50 Players in Huskie Stadium history. A four-year letterwinner who played in four consecutive MAC Championship games with the Huskies, Ward's incredible rise saw him earn three All-MAC selections during his collegiate career and culminated in first team All-American honors from Sports Illustrated and USA Today as a senior in 2013. Ward finished his NIU career with 11 interceptions, seven of which came during his final campaign, and he currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
Aug. 14, 2015 - Larry Clark, LB (1970-72)
Leader, legend, linebacker - Larry Clark fit the description for each of these terms during his three seasons at NIU from 1970-72. One of the premier players of the Huskies' early years in major college football, Clark established himself as one of the best defenders in program history by leading NIU in tackling each of his three years. The linebacker still ranks third on the school's all-time tackles list with 446 career stops. Clark co-captained the Huskies in 1972, was twice named the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player and blocked seven kicks in his career - showing his versatility and value as a play-making and dominating defender. Following his tremendous time at NIU, Clark was selected in the fifth round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Read NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 13, 2015 - Doug Free, OT (2003-06)
From his Freshman All-America season of 2003 to his third team All-American senior campaign of 2006, Doug Free was almost an ever-present force on the NIU offensive line during his four years playing at Huskie Stadium. A three-time All-MAC selection, including first team recognition his final two seasons, Free established himself as one of the great blockers and leaders in NIU football history, consistently opening up holes for Michael Turner and then Garret Wolfe to run through. Since being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Free has also become one of NIU's greatest NFL players by locking down a starting spot for the Cowboys and helping Dallas make the playoffs three times. Read his NIUHuskies.com bio here.
Aug. 12, 2015 - Dave Petzke, WR (1977-78)
A former walk-on junior college punter, Dave Petzke became one of the greatest pass catchers in NIU history during his two seasons with the Huskies. Hailed for his route-running ability, Petzke's 91 receptions in 1978 led the NCAA, earning him MAC Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-MAC and Associated Press third team All-American - and the mark still ranks as the most by any Huskie in one season. Despite the brevity of his time playing in DeKalb, Petzke still features in the top 10 of every major NIU all-time receiving list after making 148 receptions for 1,958 yards and 16 touchdowns as a Huskie. He was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 11, 2015 - Hollis Thomas, DT (1992-95)
A 14-season veteran of the National Football League, Hollis Thomas' remarkable career in football really took off during his time at NIU in the mid-1990s. With his six-foot, 300-pound frame, Thomas clogged the trenches and was a nightmare for opposing running games, making 202 career tackles as a Huskie with 31.0 tackles for loss. A two-time All-Big West selection and co-captain on the '95 Huskies, Thomas led NIU with 13.0 TFLs during his senior season before making the NFL All-Rookie Team as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles - despite going undrafted in 1996. Thomas is one of three Huskies to ever play in a Super Bowl and owned the NIU records for most games (162), tackles (483) and sacks (20.0) in an NFL career. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 10, 2015 - Trevor Olson, OT (2008-11)
The man who protected star quarterback Chandler Harnish's blind side for four seasons, Trevor Olson goes down as one of the best offensive linemen in NIU football history. The Richfield, Minn., native started 54 consecutive games in his four years anchoring the Huskie offensive line, becoming the program's all-time leader in starts and games played. Olson improved each season and became a two-time first team All-MAC selection and was selected to the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists prior to his senior year. Olson won the 2011 MAC Championship against Ohio with NIU and also started in the Huskies' victories in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl over Fresno State and the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl against Arkansas State. Read his full NIUHuskies.com bio here.
Aug. 7, 2015 - Clarence Vaughn, LB (1983-84, '86)
The first NIU football product to ever play in a Super Bowl, Clarence Vaughn thrived as a linebacker for the Huskies in his three letter-winning seasons of 1983, '84 and '86. Vaughn, who helped the Huskies win the program's first ever Mid-American Conference championship in 1983, led NIU in interceptions in 1984 before finishing his career with a strong 1986 campaign. He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 1987 NFL Draft and played several seasons in the nation's capital, helping Washington win Super Bowl in 1988 and 1992. Vaughn remains the only Huskie with two Super Bowl rings.
Aug. 6, 2015 - Cary Caliendo, DE (1987-90)
One of the best pass rushers in NIU football history, Cary Caliendo is the only man to lead the Huskies in sacks in four consecutive seasons. From his Freshman All-American campaign of 1987 to his Honorable Mention All-American season of 1990, Caliendo terrorized opposing quarterbacks and helped the NIU football program earn 27 wins through those four seasons. His 31.0 career sacks stood as the most ever by a Huskie for 18 years, and Caliendo still ranks second in sacks and tackles for loss (53.0) in a career in NIU history.
Aug. 5, 2015 - Tommylee Lewis ?WR-KR ? 2011-present
An electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, Tommylee Lewis is the only current NIU football player on the 50 Greatest Player in Huskie Stadium History list. The wide receiver and kick-return specialist, who will be a redshirt senior for NIU in 2015, is a three-year letterwinner that already owns 11 various NIU school records. He has four kickoff returns for touchdowns, including the two longest in NIU history, and his 86 receptions in 2013 were the second most ever by a Huskie in a single season. After NIU's undefeated regular season in 2013, Lewis was named first team All-MAC and Honorable Mention All-American for his contributions.
Aug. 4, 2015 - Tom Wittum ? P-PK ? 1969-71
Tom "The Toe" Wittum's time as punter and placekicker on the NIU football teams of 1969-71 is long gone, but the versatile kicker extraordinaire still holds four school records and ranks as one of the best in program history. With 228 career punts and 21 made field goals, Wittum carried the NIU special teams during his time in DeKalb - all while also making his mark on the diamond as one of the best baseball players in Huskie history. Wittum was drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of high school but chose to attend NIU instead. That decision didn't stop Wittum from playing professional sports at the highest level; he punted for the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons and was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl twice - only one of three Huskies to do so. Wittum entered the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame as an inductee in 1987, read his Hall of Fame bio here.
Aug. 3, 2015 - Randy Clark ? OL ? 1977-79
Randy Clark dominated the line of scrimmage for NIU and eventually for several seasons in the NFL, going down as one of the great offensive linemen in Huskie history. Clark was a two-time All-MAC selection at two different positions - at offensive tackle in 1978 and at center in 1979 - and also earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American honors following his senior season, during which he co-captained the Huskies to memorable wins over Toledo and Ohio. He was then selected by the Chicago Bears in the eighth round of the 1980 NFL Draft and excelled in professional football for eight seasons. Clark entered the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame as an inductee in 1987, read his Hall of Fame bio here.
July 31, 2015 - Mike Terna ? LB ? 1977-80
The owner of possibly the finest season ever played by an NIU linebacker, Mike Terna was one of the best defensive ballplayers in Huskie history. Nicknamed "Terna Firma" for his aggressive playing style, Terna moved from fullback to linebacker early in his career at NIU. That switch eventually unleashed a player who would go on to win MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1980 after recording a team-high 151 tackles and a league-high five interceptions. Terna, who co-captained the '80 Huskies to a 7-4 record and was named an AP Honorable Mention All-American that season, still ranks eighth on NIU's all-time tackles list with 408 career stops. He was a member of NIU Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2007, read his Hall of Fame bio here.
July 30, 2015 - Dan Sheldon ? WR ? 2001-04
With his incredible punt-returning and explosive pass-catching, Dan Sheldon excited crowds at Huskie Stadium during his four seasons at NIU. From 2001-04, Sheldon's playmaking ability on offense and special teams made him a fan favorite. The owner of a remarkable nine NIU punt-return records and a top-10 member on the school's all-time receiving and touchdown catches lists, Sheldon was honored with numerous distinctions as a Huskie, including two All-American and Academic All-District selections, 2002 MAC Special Teams Player of the Year recognition and 2004 All-MAC honors. A member of some great NIU football teams in the early 2000s, Sheldon's play helped the Huskies defeat Maryland, Alabama and also Iowa State, against whom he recorded one of his six career 100-yard receiving games.
July 29, 2015 - Chad Spann ? TB ? 2007-10
One of the great ball carriers in NIU football history, Chad Spann's name is littered throughout the Huskie record books after he shredded MAC defenses for four seasons at tailback. Spann was one of the leading forces in the Huskies' surge in success from 2007-10, playing in 50 games with 20 career starts. His back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2009 and '10 not only earned him two first team All-MAC selections and the 2010 Vern Smith Leadership Award as the conference's MVP, but he also leaped into the top 10 of NIU's all-time leading rushing list. After scoring 50 touchdowns in a phenomenal NIU career, Spann played in the NFL for three seasons, featuring for several teams.
July 27, 2015 - Tim Tyrrell ? QB ? 1982-83
The quarterback of the first MAC championship-winning team in NIU football history, Tim Tyrrell makes the top 50 players in Huskie Stadium list for leading the '83 Huskies to glory. A dual-threat quarterback, Tyrrell tallied 1,799 yards of total offense in 1983, which earned him that year's Vern Smith Leadership Award as Mid-American Conference Most Valuable Player - the first Huskie to win that award. After his historic efforts at NIU, Tyrrell transitioned to fullback and excelled in the National Football League, playing six seasons as a pro and making the All-NFL Team in 1985 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Tyrrell was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992, and as part of the 1983 football team in 1995, read his Hall of Fame bio here.
July 27, 2015 - Scott Bolzan ? OT ? 1980-83
A four-year letterwinner who helped the NIU football program secure its first Mid-American Conference Championship, offensive tackle Scott Bolzan was one of the co-captains on that famed 1983 team, which also won the California Bowl. Bolzan's contributions to the Huskies' 10-win campaign of '83 earned him AP Honorable Mention All-American honors as well as first team All-MAC recognition, his second consecutive selection to an All-MAC team. Bolzan, who was NIU's only player selected in the 1984 NFL Draft after the New England Patriots picked him, joined the 1983 Huskies in the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.
July 24, 2015 - Deon Mitchell ? WR ? 1995-98
A dynamic kickoff return specialist who also excelled as a wide receiver, Deon Mitchell thrilled fans at Huskie Stadium during head coach Joe Novak's early years at NIU. In his four years with the Huskies, Mitchell accumulated more kickoff returns (100) and kickoff return yards (2,349) than any other player in NIU football history while also excelling as a receiver to rank in the top 10 in receptions (143) and receiving yards (1,951) in school history. Mitchell, who was twice selected NIU's offensive Most Valuable Player and co-captained the 1998 Huskies, ranks third on the NIU all-time all-purpose yards list with 4,732 yards. He also played in the Arena Football League and NFL Europa following his time in DeKalb.
July 23, 2015 - Mitch Jacoby ? TE ? 1993-96
A reliable and versatile tight end, Mitch Jacoby makes the list after he won four letters during a successful collegiate career at NIU. Playing during NIU's era in the Big West Conference, Jacoby was selected second team All-Big West in 1994 before also earning third team All-National Independent honors in 1996. One of head coach Joe Novak's first team captains during the 1996 season, Jacoby shined for the Huskies before eventually featuring in 24 NFL games for the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
July 22, 2015 - Ken Bishop ? DT ? 2012-2013
After joining the NIU football program from Ellsworth Community College in 2012, Ken Bishop made a huge impact on the Huskies in his two seasons. Bishop was the rare interior defensive line tackling machine, tallying 125 stops, 16.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and even two interceptions in his NIU career. A 2013 first team All-MAC selection and three-time MAC West Defensive Player of the Week, Bishop's unique playmaking abilities from the nose guard position helped the Huskies win the 2012 MAC title and earn a spot in the Orange Bowl that season. Bishop currently plays professionally for the Dallas Cowboys after he was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
July 21, 2015 - Steve Azar ? PK ? 2000-2003
The leading scorer in NIU football history with 370 points, Steve Azar excelled at putting points on the board for the Huskies in each of his four seasons from 2000-03. Azar was a four-time All-MAC selection with two first team recognitions from the conference as he performed well season after season, resulting in the 11 NIU school records he still owns. Through his consistency and quality of kicking, Azar was twice named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, became a two-time Honorable All-American and earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Week an incredible eight times. And showing his clutch on the biggest stage, Azar highlighted a remarkable senior season by kicking a 51-yard field goal that proved decisive in NIU's memorable 19-16 win at Alabama in 2003.
July 20, 2015 - Thomas Hammock ? TB ? 1999-2002
An incredible and inspirational running back, Thomas Hammock finished with 2,432 career rushing yards at NIU - even while missing the final 11 games of his senior season after a heart condition forced him to retire from football. Hammock, who had tallied two 1,000-yard seasons, two first team All-MAC selections and two first team Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-American recognitions in his sophomore and junior seasons, began his coaching career immediately upon learning the unfortunate news that ended his playing days. Hammond mentored Michael Turner, who would go on to become another great NIU tailback, and he still remains involved in football, serving as the running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL.
July 17, 2015 - Dave Petway ? S ? 1977-80
A ball-hawking safety, Dave Petway was an integral player for the NIU football program from 1977-80. The Chicago native lettered in each of his four seasons playing at Huskie Stadium and would prove to be one of the best defensive players in program history. As a freshman, Petway returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Southern Illinois, setting an NIU record for longest scoring play that still stands today. He continued that level of play throughout his Huskie career, eventually leading NIU in pass deflections with nine during his senior season in 1980 and helping the team post a 7-4 record that year. Following his Huskie career, Petway played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers for one season.
July 16, 2015 - Scott Kellar ? DT ? 1982-85
One of the most dominant defensive linemen in NIU football history, Scott Kellar set Huskie records that have held up for three decades now. His 12.0 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss during his All-MAC and AP Honorable Mention All-American campaign of 1984 still hold up as the most ever by a Huskie during a season. He still ranks third on the school's all-time tackles for loss list with 47.0 and fourth on NIU's career sacks list with 23.0. After his decorated college career, Kellar, who lettered all four seasons with the Huskies, was drafted in the fifth round of 1986 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
July 15, 2015 - Martel Moore ? WR ? 2009-12
Martel Moore, a four-year letterwinner at wide receiver from 2009-12, ranks in the top five in school history of every major receiving category after he helped the NIU football program transform into one of the most successful in the nation during his time as a Huskie. Moore still ranks second in career receiving yards (2,544) and touchdown catches (24) and fourth in career receptions (178) following his splendid career making plays through the air for NIU. A 2012 first team All-MAC selection, Moore played a huge role in NIU winning back-to-back MAC Championships in 2011 and 2012 as he led the Huskies in receptions both seasons. Read his full NIUHuskies.com bio here.
July 14, 2015 - Frank Lewandoski ? LB ? 1976-79
The leading tackler in NIU football history, Frank Lewandoski anchored the NIU linebacker corps of the late 1970s with dominating physicality and a knack for finding the football. After piling up four 100-tackle seasons and 616 career stops, Lewandoski still has far more tackles than any Huskie in history has amassed. His incredible four-year reign earned him two Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American selections, three All-Mid-American Conference recognitions and the 1979 MAC Defensive Player of the Year award. As consistent of a defensive player that NIU has ever had, Lewandoski still also owns the school and MAC record for tackles in a game thanks to his 33-stop performance against Western Michigan in 1978. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
July 13, 2015 - Max Gill ? DT ? 1979-82
A dominating defensive tackle who lived in offensive backfields, Max Gill makes the list of the top 50 players in Huskie Stadium history. Gill, a four-year letterwinner, led NIU in tackles for loss (TFLs) in three straight seasons from 1980-82, and his 39.0 career TFLs still rank as the eighth most ever by a Huskie. As a team co-captain in 1982, Gill earned All-MAC recognition for the second time, garnered NIU team MVP honors and was selected Honorable Mention All-American by the AP after helping the Huskies pitch shutouts against Eastern Michigan and Ohio.
July 10, 2015 - Jerry Meyers ? DT ? 1973-75
A three-year letterman for the Huskies under head coach Jerry Ippoliti, Jerry Meyers made a big impression on his coaches and teammates alike with his strong play and personality. He tallied 269 career tackles at NIU, topping the century mark for tackles in each of his final two seasons. Meyers was selected as one of NIU's team captains in 1975 for the program's inaugural season in the Mid-American Conference and, following a four-year stint with the Chicago Bears, he was named to the All-Time Huskie Stadium and NIU All-Century Teams.
July 9, 2015 - Adam Dach ? RB ? 1988-91
Dubbed "the ultimate wishbone fullback" by ex-NIU head coach Jerry Pettibone, Adam Dach starred for the Huskies' high-powered triple option attack from 1988-91. A four-year letterwinner, Dach's consistency, which saw him selected first team Freshman All-America in his first season and honorable mention All-America in his final two years, allowed him to become one of the most prolific rushers in Huskie history. He still ranks sixth in NIU rushing history with 3,438 career yards, largely thanks to the 10 100-yard rushing games he accumulated. Dach, who captained the 1991 football team, was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
July 8, 2015 - Brad Cieslak ? TE ? 2002-04
A former walk-on who would go on to play four seasons in the National Football League, Brad Cieslak's play at tight end helped the Huskies significantly during the memorable years of 2002-04. Cieslak improved every year with the NIU football program, culminating in his tremendous 2004 campaign which earned him first team All-MAC recognition after tallying 384 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He was also NIU's Jawan Jackson Award winner in 2004 as the former walk-on who made the biggest impact that season. Following his time at NIU, Cieslak enjoyed a career in professional football playing for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.
July 7, 2015 - Randee Drew ? CB ? 1982-85
Randee Drew went from walking on at NIU in 2000 to being a team co-captain as the Huskies beat Maryland, Alabama and Iowa State in 2003 - and that's not the only reason he makes the top 50 players in Huskie Stadium history list. Drew still holds his place as NIU's all-time leader in passes broken up with 38, while his 14 collegiate interceptions are the fourth-most by a Huskie. A two-time first team All-MAC selection, Drew led the conference in interceptions in both 2002 and 2003 and was named NIU's 2002 Jawan Jackson Award winner as the team's biggest-impact former walk-on.
July 6, 2015 - Curt Pardridge ? WR ? 1982-85
An explosive combination of receiver and returner, Curt Pardridge proved himself as a valuable and versatile member of the NIU football program from 1982-85. He not only helped the Huskies win the school's first Mid-American Conference title in 1983 but also featured heavily in his final two seasons, culminating in his senior year of 1985 that saw him return a 94-yard kickoff against Wisconsin, lead NIU with 1,063 all-purpose yards and earn Honorable Mention All-MAC. Pardridge was then selected in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
July 3, 2015 - Vince Scott ? PK ? 1980-83
A quality kicker can turn a very good team into a great one, something Vince Scott's role on the 1983 NIU football team proved. Scott's accurate, powerful and clutch placekicking made him a weapon that helped the Huskies win the football program's first MAC title as well as the California Bowl that season. Scott, who still owns four NIU kicking records more than three decades after his graduation, was an AP Honorable Mention All-American in 1983 when he led NIU with 80 points scored on 29 extra points and 17 field goals made. The DeKalb native also was a two-time All-MAC selection and MAC Special Teams Player of the Week along with earning Academic All-MAC distinction as a senior. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
July 2, 2015 - P.J. Fleck ? WR ? 1999-2001, 03
With his speed and big-play ability at wide receiver P.J. Fleck helped the Huskies thrive in the MAC at the turn of the millennium. He caught passes in bunches, including a 14-catch, 234-performance against Ohio on Oct. 4, 2003 that earned him USA Today National Player of the Week, allowing the fan favorite to move into the top five of NIU's all-time receptions and receiving yards lists. A 2003 first team All-MAC selection, Fleck also excelled in the classroom during his time at NIU, earning three Academic All-MAC selections and CoSIDA Academic All-American recognition in 2003 after he co-captained the Huskies to one of the best seasons in program history that year.
July 1, 2015 - Scott Wedige ? C ? 2009-11
The man who snapped the ball in every NIU game from 2010-11, Scott Wedige is one of the best offensive linemen in NIU history. A three-year letterwinner who improved every season, Wedige became NIU's starting center in 2010 and never relinquished the job, helping the Huskies win the Humanitarian Bowl in 2010 and the MAC Championship and GoDaddy.com Bowl in the 2011season. He was a two-time first team All-MAC selection and a second team All-American in 2011, the same year he was also named NIU's Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year. After his dominant performances at center helped NIU produced back-to-back 11-win seasons, Wedige played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012. Read his NIUHuskies.com bio here.
June 30, 2015 - Doug Bartlett ? DT ? 1983-86
From his contributions as a freshman to the famous 1983 Huskies MAC-title winning team to his leadership as a team co-captain on NIU's 1986 football team, Doug Bartlett had a great four-year collegiate career in DeKalb. A nose guard with a talent for tallying tackles for loss and sacks, Bartlett's consistency and durability helped him made 43 career TFLs, which still ranks fourth in Huskie history. He was a two-time Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American and All-MAC selection, and drew the attention of professional football scouts in the process, which led to the Los Angeles Rams selecting Bartlett in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft.
June 29, 2015 - John Lalonde ? FB ? 1968-70
One of the first great NIU ball carriers, John Lalonde was nicknamed "The Human Bulldozer" for his relentless tackle-to-tackle running style - despite being just 5-foot-9, 200 pounds. After joining the team in 1968, Lalonde led the Huskies in rushing for the next three seasons, setting then-school records for yards in a season (866 yards in 1968) and career rushing total (2,227 yards). With several 100-yard rushing games to his credit, Lalonde was named an Honorable Mention All-American in 1970, and he became the first Huskie ever to top 2,000 rushing yards in a career. Read his NIU Hall of Fame bio here.
