Matt Blair passes away
- Thread starter CyTwins
- Start date
Way too early. RIP Matt. One of the best to ever wear a Cyclone jersey.
And a Vikings jersey.
Maybe the most physically punishing Linebacker to ever play the position @ ISU.
Is Matt’s NFL career the best of any Cyclone?
Had the opportunity to meet Matt and his family when he was on his recruiting trip to ISU. I was in the State Gym working out when his dad asked me where the football office was (they were going to meet Matt and Coach Majors there). Took them over there and talked to Matt, his dad, mom, and coach Majors. Nice folks and family. Matt always said hi when we met after that. Didn't realize at the time what an important role I was playing in recruiting.
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I was too young to remember him as a Cyclone, but I was fortunate enough to catch some of his games with the Vikings, and his career has always been a source of pride for me for my Cyclones. Very sad to hear.
Funny thing is when I was little, as a Vikings fan I loved Blair and didn't even know he was a Cyclone.
In fact, on my childhood bedroom door there is still a Matt Blair poster that's been up since I was 4.
In fact, on my childhood bedroom door there is still a Matt Blair poster that's been up since I was 4.
Oh crap.
I remember one Spring game somewhere around ‘90, glancing over and realizing that the guy sitting a few feet away from me was Matt Blair. It was a few years after he’d retired, but in a tank top and shorts, Matt looked like he could still go down on the field and kick some ***.
I remember one Spring game somewhere around ‘90, glancing over and realizing that the guy sitting a few feet away from me was Matt Blair. It was a few years after he’d retired, but in a tank top and shorts, Matt looked like he could still go down on the field and kick some ***.
Read that he had 20 blocked kicks for the Vikings. That's pretty incredible.
This literally brought tears to my eyes. Growing up in the 60's and 70's he was my favorite Cyclone and Viking player of all time. Got to meet him and got his autograph years ago. Such a gentleman. Breaks my heart. Too young.
He was so dominate in this part of the game that the NFL took pity on punters and kickers.
Bud Grant told me once-- "Name any other player that made the NFL change the rules. Matt was one of the best I ever coached."
I knew Matt fairly well. I played basketball with him very frequently. He moved into my apartment on Welch Ave when I graduated.
I went to Cyclone FB games for 51 years (up until this year) and I think he is the best player to play at ISU during those years. Great guy, great athlete. Doubt any Cyclone can match his pro accomplishments either. RIP Matt.
