Matt Blair research assistance needed>>>

**JunoSosa** · 08-01-2010, 11:04 AM

Hi all:

Been researching Matt Blair's career and I could use more help from the historians on this site. As many of you know, Blair was probably ISU's best football player ever. All-Big 8, All-American, Sun Bowl MVP, All-Rookie, All-Pro, Super Bowl IX and XI, and soon to be NFL Hall of Fame?

Who has little known stories? Pictures? Videos? Let's hear/see them!

This is what I have so far...

Vikings Matt Blair Photo Gallery

Vikings Matt Blair Video Highlights

Big XII Conference Legends

Sun Bowl Anniversary Team

Best Vikings Draft Picks of All Time

Matt Blair - 1999 ISU Hall of Fame

Crazy Canton Cuts

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1jiKcOiaT8&feature=related"]Matt Blair - Super Bowl IX Blocked Punt at 7:30[/ame]

**IsUaClone2** · 08-01-2010, 11:22 AM

I seem to remember Johnny Majors telling a reporter that Matt Blair played "Monster Back". The reported then asked, "Where does a Monster Back line up?" Johnny told him, "Anywhere he wants to."

**dualthreat** · 08-01-2010, 11:30 AM

iowa state has had some darn good linebackers. Even recently. Dobbins, Ace, Jesse Smith, Word. Oh and Knott, Klein and George

**Broodwich** · 08-01-2010, 01:44 PM

I still want a colossal, unique hamburger named after this guy at a restaurant in Ames.

**SwirlingFloater** · 08-01-2010, 02:33 PM

I stopped at the Memorial Union bookstore a few years ago when he was in Ames to meet Matt and get a couple copies of his book, "To Be A Viking", signed for my brother and another buddy that is a huge Vikings fan. It was great to get a chance to visit with him. Growing up as a Vikings fan, he was amazing to watch. His athleticism at the linebacker position was amazing. Very nice guy too.

**joefrog** · 08-01-2010, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by SwirlingFloater

I stopped at the Memorial Union bookstore a few years ago when he was in Ames to meet Matt and get a couple copies of his book, "To Be A Viking", signed for my brother and another buddy that is a huge Vikings fan. It was great to get a chance to visit with him. Growing up as a Vikings fan, he was amazing to watch. His athleticism at the linebacker position was amazing. Very nice guy too.

I think he suffered a bad injury at some point that cost him a little umph, but I also seem to remember Johnny Majors claiming that Matt Blair was the best athlete he had ever seen or coached. That is quite high praise.

ISU has some great football history that people, especially in this state, are way to quick to forget. Thankfully, I think I our current pres, AD, coach and players don't plan on letting that happen anymore.

**joefrog** · 08-01-2010, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by dualthreat

iowa state has had some darn good linebackers. Even recently. Dobbins, Ace, Jesse Smith, Word. Oh and Knott, Klein and George

He was such a stud, and seems to get lost in the mix sometimes. He was such a key part of getting ISU football back on track.

**cyclone79** · 08-01-2010, 04:11 PM

It was 1970 and Oklahoma was recruiting Matt Blair. You could take recruits to away games back in the day; Chuck Fairbanks had brought him to Ames. The score was 28 to 0 at half with ISU in control, Matt Blair decided then and there he would become a cyclone. I almost forgot we are cyclones; Oklahoma won the game 29-28 but Matt did become a cyclone and you know the rest of the story.

**REDCYBIRD** · 08-01-2010, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by cyclone79

It was 1970 and Oklahoma was recruiting Matt Blair. You could take recruits to away games back in the day; Chuck Fairbanks had brought him to Ames. The score was 28 to 0 at half with ISU in control, Matt Blair decided then and there he would become a cyclone. I almost forgot we are cyclones; Oklahoma won the game 29-28 but Matt did become a cyclone and you know the rest of the story.

I became reacquainted with Matt in 1999 at a celebrity golf tournament in Oklahoma. I asked him what was attractive at ISU to choose us over OU. He said two things: Johnny Majors and ISU offered a scholly. OU & OSU wanted him to walk on & the rest is history.

**JunoSosa** · 08-01-2010, 09:46 PM

Also found this picture of Matt jumping up with his finger heavily taped.

What could be under that tape? Lets look at the attachment.

**cloneu** · 08-02-2010, 03:14 PM

My dad lived on the same floor as him when my dad was a freshman. He said Matt had a lot of blonde lady friends.

**CYKOFAN** · 08-02-2010, 03:31 PM

joefrog- Blair did suffer a knee injury at Colorado. I was at the game and it came on a nasty clip that as I recall was nowhere near the ball and completely unnecessary. I also was lucky enough to cruise around Ames sitting in the middle of a basketball player I knew named Jim Miller and Blair riding shotgun. Needless to say nobody gave us any crap, though I doubt anybody could even see me sitting next to Blair.

**cjclone** · 08-02-2010, 04:41 PM

Super nice guy. I played a pick up basketball game against him once when he was back for VEISHA. They were talking about him being the football coach after Criner at the time.

**drednot57** · 08-03-2010, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by dualthreat

iowa state has had some darn good linebackers. Even recently. Dobbins, Ace, Jesse Smith, Word. Oh and Knott, Klein and George

Let's not forget Chris Washington, Keith Schroeder (the "monster back" before MB), and Larry Ratigan,

**drednot57** · 08-03-2010, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by cjclone

Super nice guy. I played a pick up basketball game against him once when he was back for VEISHA. They were talking about him being the football coach after Criner at the time.

Considering the atmosphere surrounding the FB program after Criner's firing, it's just as well the MB didn't become head coach. Everyone in a leadership position at ISU totally dissed the FB program, and Matt's rep would have taken a huge hit as he wouldn't have been any more successful than Walden.