MESA, ARIZ. — Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck grew up in Sugar Grove, Ill., as a Chicago Bears fan. His favorite player was quarterback Jim McMahon, so much so that Fleck dressed up as McMahon on Halloween for several years.
In a move orchestrated by Rate Bowl officials on Dec. 24, McMahon popped in quickly at the Gophers practice at Mesa Community College. McMahon delivered an autographed photo of young P.J. dressed up like McMahon.
“Holy … oh, my gosh!" Fleck said upon seeing McMahon on the practice field and shaking his hand.
“I wanted to give you that picture,” McMahon said. “I see you’re still copying my look,” he added, rubbing Fleck’s shaved head.
“This is unbelievable,” Fleck said. “I was your biggest fan, your biggest fan. … Thanks for being such an inspiration for me as a kid. I was always a little different, and you were perfect timing for me."
The two talked about the Super Bowl-winning 1985 Bears for a bit before McMahon, who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., left to let Fleck tend to practice. “You were a huge inspiration for my life,” Fleck added.
