Question on introducing yourself to PSU football players

[Madsol]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

 

[LionJim]

Going up to him would be all about you. You got to understand, also, that these guys get approached all the time. I wouldn't have approached him, either. If it were John Urschel, I definitely would have, though. The difference is, I guess, that maybe Urschel would get something out of meeting me, as well, as I'm a mathematician and I've got a decent story with a PSU connection. What would Irvin Charles get out of meeting me? Nothing.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

I don't see an issue if you stop to say hi and maybe that you're an alum or fan and looking forward to next season - especially if your daughters are fans and think it would be cool to meet a Penn State football player (this assuming he's sort of just hanging out and not eating or otherwise engaged).

 

[fairgambit]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

No. I never approach "celebrities" in public unless I am at a function where it is expected, or I am in a setting where it would be impolite not to do so. For example, I was once on an elevator alone, when Franco Harris, also alone, got on. It would have been in poor taste not to greet him and acknowledge his presence. Otherwise, I give them their space.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

I saw Franco about a month ago. Walked up, introduced myself, shook his hand and told him his biggest fan in the world is my mom who lives in Warren, PA. He said to say hi and thanks to my mom, and that was it. He has enormous hands btw

 

[LionJim]

No. I never approach "celebrities" in public unless I am at a function where it is expected, or I am in a setting where it would be impolite not to do so. For example, I was once on an elevator alone, when Franco Harris, also alone, got on. It would have been in poor taste not to greet him and acknowledge his presence. Otherwise, I give them their space.

Agree 100%. I once had an opportuinity to chat up Elizabeth Shue and I wanted to tell her all about my buddy Fairgambit but refrained.

 

[njlion73]

I might have, just to say hi and wish him well. A few years ago I was waiting for my luggage in Newark airport and noticed a couple young ladies from PSU Womens VB team. It was the day after they had won the National Championship so I introduced myself and congratulated them. I did not try to have any conversation other than to congratulate them then moved away so I wasn't bothering them.

 

[fairgambit]

Agree 100%. I once had an opportuinity to chat up Elizabeth Shue and I wanted to tell her all about my buddy Fairgamibt but refrained.

Good Lord Jim! Surely you must be aware of the "Elisabeth Shue Exception". What I said applies to all celebrities EXCEPT Elisabeth Shue.

 

[Madsol]

Had it been Franklin or one of the other coaches that I recognized, I might have said something short and sweet. But a college kid? I don't know, just felt weird.

 

[LionJim]

Good Lord Jim! Surely you must be aware of the "Elisabeth Shue Exception". What I said applies to all celebrities EXCEPT Elisabeth Shue.

Okay. I've got her number and will let her know that I f'd up.

 

[mrtailgate]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

You should have said that if he doesn't have 40 catches and 7 TD's that you were going to roast him on the boards. That would light a fire under him.

 

[joeparules]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

I went to the autograph sessions before the Blue-White games in 2004 and 2005 with my girls to get autographs of players like DWill, Justin King, Poz, Dan Connor, etc and felt like a "kid in a candy store". I put the autographed footballs on our book case at home and thought ... you know what, my girls didn't particularly have fun doing it so it was really all about a 40-something year old guy asking kids for their signatures. I realized it was fun for me but also kind of creepy so I stopped doing the autographs.

I've encountered some players since (like Kyle Carter being behind us in line at the Waffle Shop) and just let them go. We passed several players walking back to our car after the B1G CCG (BBell, DeSean, TM, etc) and said "good game" as they were looking at us (and us at them) as we passed, but my daughter declined taking a picture with TM when I offered because he looked exhausted.

So I guess my answer is I might say something if I recognized him and we crossed paths (like "good luck this season"), but wouldn't walk up to him just to say something.

 

[Mack_Daddy]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

Depends. If you're at the BLUE/WHITE game. Then, of course. Out and about, I'd say no. People, no matter how famous, have a private life.

I will share a cool story how this was performed by my best friend, Tony.

We were gambling at a Jersey casino and walking a corridor when Dom DeLouise comes walking towards us.

Tony noticed him first and yelled. "DOM! When are you gonna come to my restaurant and eat?!?"

Dom, as he walked by, smiling, he gestured to himself and said. "Look at me. Do you think I need to eat more?" And, he kept walking.

Was really cool. And, a cool story to tell.

 

[psuro]

Going up to him would be all about you. You got to understand, also, that these guys get approached all the time. I wouldn't have approached him, either. If it were John Urschel, I definitely would have, though. The difference is, I guess, that maybe Urschel would get something out of meeting me, as well, as I'm a mathematician and I've got a decent story with a PSU connection. What would Irvin Charles get out of meeting me? Nothing.

He would get contact for math help.

 

[NittPicker]

It's not like you'd be sneaking past the secret service to talk to the president. I wouldn't make a special trip across an airport terminal to talk to someone I didn't personally know but if I happened to be standing next to a player I'd at least wish them the best in the upcoming season. And to be honest, I likely wouldn't recognize most of the players if they were standing beside me.

 

[BBrown]

I don't see an issue if you stop to say hi and maybe that you're an alum or fan and looking forward to next season - especially if your daughters are fans and think it would be cool to meet a Penn State football player (this assuming he's sort of just hanging out and not eating or otherwise engaged).

^^This^^
I think with your daughters there and especially at that age it would have been ok, providing he wasn't eating or otherwise engaged.
If you had been by yourself and went up to him, then yea maybe a little "creepy".

 

[Madsol]

It's not like you'd be sneaking past the secret service to talk to the president. I wouldn't make a special trip across an airport terminal to talk to someone I didn't personally know but if I happened to be standing next to a player I'd at least wish them the best in the upcoming season. And to be honest, I likely wouldn't recognize most of the players if they were standing beside me.

I never would have recognized him but for the tag on his backpack that listed his name. And before anyone thinks I was snooping, the luggage tag was really big and his name was in like 72 font.

 

[doublehaul]

Honestly, I see nothing wrong with acknowledging the player and wishing him good luck or have a good season. Asking for an autograph or expecting a long conversation, no.

 

[Elwood Blues]

You made the right call, Madsol. It would have been fine for your daughters to say hi, but I think it's sort of weird for old dudes to chat up college athletes. At team hotel before Rose Bowl, my girls tracked down dozens of players for autographs / photos. All of them were cool about it (even Saquon who was trying to sneak through the lobby with hood over his head when they tracked him down).

 

[joeparules]

I never would have recognized him but for the tag on his backpack that listed his name. And before anyone thinks I was snooping, the luggage tag was really big and his name was in like 72 font.

I know what you're talking about. We saw a big kid in PSU gear waiting for our plane in LAX after the Rose Bowl, but didn't recognize him. When he turned you couldn't miss the tag on his backpack that said "Colin Castagna".

 

[sluggo72]

Honestly, I see nothing wrong with acknowledging the player and wishing him good luck or have a good season. Asking for an autograph or expecting a long conversation, no.

If he wasn't getting ready to take a big bite out of something, I'd have no problem saying Hi in this setting, and would let my kids go say hi. You would be surprised how flattered these guys are, especially college kids, that get recognized without their jersey numbers on. Now if I saw them out at a mall, and stopped them that would be different as it might attract a whole other group of people they would have to mess with. FWIW I don't like the signing things after the spring game or outside the locker room etc.
I once saw Michele Lee and Sharon Lawrence having a drink in NYC, went over and struck up a conversation with Sharon. She actually liked it, she had just become the PADI spoke person (SCUBA diving) and we talked about diving, that was it. My wife, also a diver, joined in. Michele Lee looked at her stunned, and basically asked what we were talking about, and Sharon confirmed, yes she was a diver and liked to scuba dive. She did give us her private email address and said if we went again she would like to go as well. We never did go that follow up on that.

 

[JoeLion]

I was in line at the airport with Anthony Zeittel earlier this year. He had earphones on, I took that a as a sign and did not approach him. I really don't know what I would say and would probably end up slobbering all over myself.

 

[MontereyLion]

I think I would have probably used the universal Penn State handshake...I would have nodded and said WE ARE to him. That would have opened the door to a conversation or he might have just responded back Penn State and left it at that. Either way there is no harm in acknowledging our mutual bond....Penn State.

 

[LionJim]

I think I would have probably used the universal Penn State handshake...I would have nodded and said WE ARE to him. That would have opened the door to a conversation or he might have just responded back Penn State and left it at that. Either way there is no harm in acknowledging our mutual bond....Penn State.

I guess this is the way to go. Do you EVER not acknowledge a guy wearing PSU gear? I know I don't.

 

[T J]

I don't see an issue if you stop to say hi and maybe that you're an alum or fan and looking forward to next season - especially if your daughters are fans and think it would be cool to meet a Penn State football player (this assuming he's sort of just hanging out and not eating or otherwise engaged).

Yup - Short, sweet, complimentary and respectful would be fine, if he isn't engaged in something.

He may be studying or using his downtime wisely to meet his goals for the day. Respect his time in a private moment, just as you would like to be treated yourself, when you are out with your family.

PS - Just saw the suggestion above by MonteryLion to say We Are and maybe say, my daughters are big fans. Very good idea. Common bond. Upbeat. Opens it up if he wants to engage, or he can continue on doing what he needs to do, if that's the best option at that time.

Imho...

 

[BobPSU92]

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Madsol - This thread raises the OBVIOUS question.....why weren't YOU wearing your PSU gear?

 

[NitNE73]

I saw Franco about a month ago. Walked up, introduced myself, shook his hand and told him his biggest fan in the world is my mom who lives in Warren, PA. He said to say hi and thanks to my mom, and that was it. He has enormous hands btw

I met Franco during our freshman year, as I was high school buddies with his roommate. His hand enveloped mine, so when he made the Immaculate Reception I was not surprised.

 

[heckmans]

I saw Franco about a month ago. Walked up, introduced myself, shook his hand and told him his biggest fan in the world is my mom who lives in Warren, PA. He said to say hi and thanks to my mom, and that was it. He has enormous hands btw

^^^^THIS^^^^

It's all time and place....and demeanor. If I'm at a restaurant and he's there with someone having a conversation, I don't bother him.
If Irving Charles is eating wendy's at a rest stop by himself, no issue in saying, Hi. I'm an alum. My daughters are fans of the program and wanted to say hi. Best of Luck next season. Don't expect to have a 10-minute conversation or have him take an interest in you..even if you're a mathematician meeting John Urshel. Say Hi, Thanks, and bye!

 

[T J]

I met Franco during our freshman year, as I was high school buddies with his roommate. His hand enveloped mine, so when he made the Immaculate Reception I was not surprised.

Seeing your personal icon pic NitNE73, did you Lurch at the opportunity with Franco?

 

[Cincinnati Kid]

I saw Tom Bradley in a hotel lobby a few years ago. I was having a conversation with our newly appointed VP so I could not step way to say hello to Tom . If I had the chance, I would have done so.

 

[KCLion]

I saw Franco about a month ago. Walked up, introduced myself, shook his hand and told him his biggest fan in the world is my mom who lives in Warren, PA. He said to say hi and thanks to my mom, and that was it. He has enormous hands btw

Warren dragons

 

[artsandletters]

Okay. I've got her number and will let her know that I f'd up.

I wonder if it's the same number she gave me.

 

[TiredOldLion]

Well I hate it when those celebrities walk up to me and chat me up!

Actually, I'd think the thing to do is shout out a "We Are" and then give him a thumbs up. If he wants to respond you have an opening to converse.

Never be afraid to offer a greeting. It's one of the things I liked about living in Alabama when folks waved or acknowledged you in some way. Nobody was invisible.

 

[hagberg]

Okay. I've got her number and will let her know that I f'd up.

She asked me to tell you not to do that, and that she appreciates your earlier restraint.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

She asked me to tell you not to do that, and that she appreciates your earlier restraint.

She called me and said the same thing!

 

[kgilbert78]

My brother and I were at the thing for the Paterno Library outside (forget whether it was the ground breaking or dedication--was a B&W weekend,as I recall. Joe was there. Didn't feel right to bug him though. Kinda wish I had. My brother got the chance a few years later and has a framed pic of him and Joe on his desk.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

So yesterday on our way home we stopped at the Sidling Hill rest stop on the Turnpike. I saw a big, athletic-looking kid wearing a PSU sweatshirt and when I looked closer, I noticed his Rose Bowl luggage tag on his backpack. It was Irvin Charles. I went and told my girls (15 and 10) that there was a PSU football player sitting over there and I pulled up his info on GoPSUSports.com and showed them. They both wanted me to go over and say something to him, what, I'm really not sure. But I declined. I told them he didn't want some 48-year old stranger bothering him. They both couldn't believe I didn't say something to him. So I told them I would pose the question to the board: in that setting, would you have gone up and said something to him?

Always depends on circumstances, other person's situation and body language.

Read the situation. If it's not clear then ask what you want to do and proceed respectfully. Probably nothing wrong with a thumbs up and a smile. or just a subtle smile. Or a head nod. See how he reacts...

But if he's alone, wearing a PSU sweatshirt and rose bowl tag on his bag in a PA rest stop, fair to assume he was probably open to a little bit of positive attention--that is, unless his body language suggested otherwise.

 

[Woodpecker]

She called me and said the same thing!

She rolled over and said it to me too.

 

[CLWBT]

I might walk by him and say hello using his name. If he responds with one or two words, I would keep walking. If he responds with a few words, I would stop and wish him well. If a conversation ensues, great. If not, no problem.