Mesmerized

A nearly 90-year-old man mesmerized some of the best players on the NSU Demons football team this morning.

Walter Ledet is an extraordinary senior citizen -- and an iconic figure at Northwestern for a multitude of reasons. Chances are that most of the 10 Demon players taping pieces for the new videoboard at Turpin Stadium knew that Ledet was the first football All-American in school history, back in 1938, as an offensive guard for the Louisiana State Normal Demons of Coach Harry Turpin.

But there's no way for college students to fully grasp how life was 70 years ago. This morning, they got a glimpse from Ledet, as he fielded all of the same questions the current day players did -- and then some.

Not wanting to spoil the enjoyment of those in Turpin Stadium this year, I won't be specific about the answers and dialog that ensued as the players sat in the NSU journalism department's TV studio and watched and listened to Ledet.

But I can share a little insight without giving away the surprises. There was absolute silence as Ledet explained the harsh lifestyle during the Great Depression and what it meant to have a chance to be in college during those days. There were roars of laughter when Ledet explained why he spurned a $150 per game, 10-game contract offer in 1939 from the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles to accept a coaching position at the Normal School. (Hint - money wasn't the biggest reason.)

After Ledet fielded questions that covered decades of Demon football history, and life lessons, there was one final reaction. The Demon players and coaches applauded.

You can look for some of the content from this morning's taping session all season long on the videoboard during the seven home games at Turpin Stadium.

There will be other prominent Demons, including current and former NFL stars, involved.