Husky Talk- Dan Deignan

All new Husky Talk with former UConn Football star Tight Endand captain Dan Deignan. This episode was a long time in the making, and we finally got it done. It was a long show, but worth every second. Dan shared some amazing memories and stories throughout our time, captivating, plusentertaining.

Dan played football from the very beginning starting at 6years old, following in his older brothers' footsteps. Initially a kicker and linebacker, he attended powerhouse high school St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida. Dan's brother ended up playing at Purdue as a Punter and Kickoff specialist,also spent time in NFL camps. Dan was converted to a Tight End as a junior and had a standout senior season.

UConn was recruiting him hard at the time. Coach Mike Kelly,who also recruited me was the Tight Ends coach. Dan took his official visit and knew UConn was where he wanted to be. He tells a funny story about seeing snow for the first time and making a snow angel on the field in front of everyonewho were quite surprised!

His career was stellar, an outstanding work ethic, nobodyworked harder or gave more effort than Dan. He redshirted but still traveled and dressed for every game which was a great experience, He worked hard in the weight room, developed his technique, and got himself on the field. From his redshirt sophomore year on he was reliable, dependable, and a contributor. Dan played a big part on the best team at UConn in 1998 going 10-3 and winning the only playoff game in school history. I was his teammate in 1999 and 2000, Ilearned what it meant to bust your ass by watching Dan.

 In 2000, we had a different player as a captain for eachgame because Coach Edsall didn't feel anyone took the reins and stood out. After the season, at our awards banquet was when he decided to name who the true captain was for the year. Dan won the award, and I believe it was such aspecial accomplishment to this day. His desire, dedication, determination was unmatched. Dan played with such heart and passion; he led by example but also took charge vocally when needed. Coming back his senior year from doubleshoulder surgery, is inspiring and showed his love for the game. That is the definition of leadership and Dan stepped up, always was our leader.

Now he has a family, a successful job working in medicalsales, a 10-year-old son that he coaches in all sports. It was a blast talking with Dan, I haven't seen him in 25 years, but he is another alum who is the definition of bleeding blue. I respect everything he has done and accomplished, thank you for coming on the show. It was an honor to hear his journey.