Northern Illinois University Press

skip to navbar skip to search skip to content

Northern Illinois Huskies Football

Dan Verdun

Foreword by Joe Novak

“Dan Verdun has chronicled a walk through Huskies football history oftentimes told by those who, themselves, were a huge part of it. This is a must read for any fan of NIU football.” —Bill Baker, “The Voice of the Huskies” since 1980

“A must read for every Huskies fan. The history of NIU football is told through the words of the most influential people involved in the football program over the years.” —Mike Sabock, NIU assistant coach (1984-2008)

“Northern Illinois Huskies Football will help football fans everywhere learn about the great athletes that came through NIU football. It can also help a new generation learn to achieve whatever dream they choose to follow—from getting a degree to reaching the highest level in sports.” —LeShon Johnson, former NIU running back and 1993 NCAA rushing leader

1951: Bob Heimerdinger leads Northern Illinois to a perfect record. 1963: Record-setting quarterback George Bork guides the Huskies to the 1963 National Championship. 1983: Bill Mallory coaches the Huskies to a MAC Championship and victory in the California Bowl. 1993: Running back LeShon Johnson finishes sixth in the Heisman Trophy race. 2003: Northern Illinois shocks national powerhouses Maryland and Alabama en-route to a 10-win season. 2011: Quarterback Chandler Harnish sparks the Huskies to a thrilling MAC Championship over Ohio. 2012. The Huskies win another thrilling MAC championship over Kent State

Larry English. Doug Free. Michael Turner. Garrett Wolfe. Jordan Lynch. There’s nothing quite like being a Huskie, and only the chosen few can comprehend the feeling of pride, loyalty, and honor that defines the experience. Northern Illinois Huskies Football captures that feeling through revealing interviews with some of the greatest players to ever wear the Huskie uniform. Sports journalist Dan Verdun chronicles the memories and stories of the countless young men who blocked and tackled their way to victory as a part of the great Huskies football tradition. Telling the fascinating story of Huskies football decade by decade, Verdun recalls all the important moments, unforgettable games, and lasting traditions that have been a part of football at Northern Illinois for over 111 years. From the school’s very first team led by coach John L. Keith in 1899 to Dave Doeren’s most recent squad and its unforgettable trip to the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl, and concluding with the 2013 Orange Bowl game against Florida State under new coach Rod CareyNorthern Illinois Huskies Football will dazzle and delight fans of the subject with its irresistible mix of pride and nostalgia. Lavishly illustrated with photographs from throughout the program’s storied history, and with a foreword by beloved former head coach Joe Novak, Verdun’s book deserves a place in the collection of any football fan ever to sing: Forward together forward. There’s victory in view. Come on you Huskies. Fight on you Huskies. And win for NIU.

Shopping Cart Operations