IP-Chicago burbs:2012

[arfmax]

Capped off a nice weekend of free signings with current Chicago Bears linebacker, and 7-consecutive Pro Bowl selection, Lance Briggs. I got three cards and 1 8x10 signed for free, at a grand opening in Arlington Heights, IL.

Photo of the signed 8x10 and cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...s19aug2012.jpg

-arfmax

[TPotts]

Awesome Briggs'. I always liked him!

[arfmax]

Yesterday, I got current Anaheim Ducks right winger and Team USA silver medalist in the Vancouver Olympic Games, Bobby Ryan, 8 cards signed, for free, at an appearance in Downers Grove, IL.

Photo of the signed cards in photobucket:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...n01sep2012.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Stretching the bounds of 'Chicago burbs' a bit, but today I went to the Al McGuire Center at Marquette University to attend the Dwyane Wade book signing. Wade would only sign the books, no personalization, no inscription, and no other items. I bought two books, and he signed both. He was incredibly fast, but he shook hands, and looked up and said hi when he signed.

Photo of the signed book in photobucket:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...e11sep2012.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Today I got an autograph from 3-time Nascar Sprint Cup Series winner Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 car, at an appearance at Offic Depot, one of his sponsors, in Arlington Heights, IL. I had Stewart sign a 1:24 Scale Stock Car, which he signed on the windshield, for free.

Photo of Stewart at the event (sideways, sorry):
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...o13sep2012.jpg

Photo of the Stewart auto:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...t13sep2012.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Today, I got autographs from current Chicago Bears tight end Matt Spaeth, and current Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett, at a joint appearance at a cellular store in Vernon Hills, IL.
I got 2 8x10's and 2 cards signed by Spaeth, and 6 cards signed by Bennett, for free.

Photo of the signed Spaeth items:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2e5cf125.jpg

Photo of the signed Bennett cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...psdfc12a43.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Today I got autographs from Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, 7 cards signed, for free, at a TV show taping in Vernon Hills, IL.

Photo of the signed cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...y25sep2012.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Today I got autographs from former Chicago Bear, San Francisco 49er, and Dallas Cowboys linebacker and special teamer Jim Schwantz. Schwantz won Super Bowl XXX with the Cowboys, was selected to a Pro Bowl, and is a current Chicago Bears pre and post-game broadcaster, as well as the mayor of a local suburb! He signed all 13 cards that I brought, for free, at an event at a library in Vernon Hills, IL, where he also showed his Super Bowl ring, replica Super Bowl trophy, authentic Super Bowl football, game used jersey, game-used helmets, and 2 signed photos from Steve Young and Reggie White, and told stories of his career.

Photo of the signed cards:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...z04oct2012.jpg

-arfmax

[arfmax]

Today I got autographs from current Chicago Bears long snapper, Patrick Mannelly, 3 8x10's signed, for free, at an appearance in Libertyville, IL.
Currently, Mannelly is the longest tenured player on the Bears roster with 15 seasons played, and on September 27, 2010, Mannelly broke Steve McMichael's Chicago Bears record for most games played as a Bear, with 192.

Photo of the signed photos:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/...y08oct2012.jpg

-arfmax

[BPensyl125]

Also, one of the few players from Duke in the NFL. Good job.