Tide lineman pulling hard for Cubbies this week
September 30, 2008
Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson will be pulling against a scout team defense that looks like Kentucky this week.
But the die-hard Cubs fans will also be pulling hard for his team as the baseball playoffs begin.
Johnson came into the media room Monday wearing a Detroit Tigers hat, but had a reasonable explanation.
“The truth is, I couldn’t find a Cubs hat to fit my head because it’s like a size 8. So I had to go with the Tigers,” Johnson admitted. “The adjustable ones don’t have enough depth to fit my big ol’ noggin.”
That prompted speculation about Johnson’s helmet size. It’s still a mystery.
“I don’t know. I had to take all the air out of it, though, I’ll tell you that,” Johnson said.
The guard said he’d be following the Cubs, hoping for the best, expecting ... well, he’s a Cubs fan.
“The first one’s a night game, so I should be good with that,” Johnson said. “But I don’t even want to talk about it. I’m nervous.”
But is he more nervous for the Cubs than Kentucky? Johnson smiled, knowing that he has some control what happens in Saturday’s game against the Wildcats.
“Yes. I’m far more nervous for them. I’m just crossing my fingers for Wednesday.”
Teammate Baron Huber, perhaps an even bigger Cubs fan than Johnson, is doing more than crossing his fingers.
“Praying. We’re both praying,” Johnson said.
