The Cynic's Guide to College Football: Greatest Fan Ever
I first heard about this story early in the week and I wanted to write about it then. The only problem was, frankly, I found it hard to believe. It sounded like ESPN had decided to start producing their own soap opera. But after checking with some friends in Nebraska and confirming it's legit, I just had to pass it along. Rex Plock.
1920-2009
The fine gentleman above was Rex Plock. He passed away last Sunday at the age of 89. In the course of his interesting life, he was a World War II vet, a farmer and a restaurant owner. He was also the greatest college football fan ever. And when you finish reading this story, you'll see that I'm not even exaggerating.
Plock was a lifelong Nebraskan, who loved his Huskers. No big shocker there, but here's where it gets interesting. In failing health, he lapsed into a coma from which his doctors and family didn't expect him to wake up. However, six days later, on the day before Nebraska's key Big 12 showdown against Missouri, he suddenly woke up and declared that his one last wish was to watch the Cornhuskers beat the Tigers on Thursday. Just like that, he lapsed back into the coma.
But our story doesn't end there--the next day, he came out of his coma AGAIN, just in time for the game. For three quarters, it looked like he wouldn't get his wish as Nebraska's offense and special teams were as bad as the Missouri weather. But in the fourth quarter, the Husker offense exploded to the tune of 27 unanswered points to win going away.
With his final wish fulfilled, Rex Plock slowly drifted away before passing away on Sunday, presumably still with a smile on his face.
Wanting to see your favorite team win a big game is one thing. Coming out of a coma--twice--to see them do it? That's the stuff of legend.
So Rest in Peace, Mr. Plock. You are the greatest college football fan ever.
Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.
