Early Tuesday morning Bob F and I hit the Jersey Turnpike for our trip down to Philly for the Donovan McNabb signing. All was going great. We were making amazing time and stopped for breakfast right before exit 11. When we got back to the van the unthinkable happened (well not really unthinkable since it happened just two days before)....it would not start. We tried for about fifteen minutes to no avail so we tried to get a boost for the gas station attendant...still would not start. A tow-truck had to come get it (Turnpike restrictions would not allow the rental company to come for it). We had to unload all the product and await a replacement van (these things really do happen to me on a daily basis...nothing on this blog is embellished!) Eventually the van came and we had to give the driver a ride back to his location. I ended up squatting in the back of the van (only a two seater) for the ten minute ride down the pike.





Finally we were ready to roll and re-hit the road. We ended not being too late and Donovan was extremely understanding. We had to set up in a hurry (ironically the whole point of leaving at the crack of dawn was to not have to scramble). The signing itself was a total success. McNabb was there to sign Syracuse product as part of our Syracuse/Steiner partnership. He signed 'Cuse helmets, 'Cuse footballs and a wide variety of incredible Syracuse photos. Not only did Donovan sign the items but he inscribed quite a few of them with a variety of things including "Go 'Cuse!" and his college years. The product really came out unbelievable. Aside from giving us those awesome inscriptions McNabb made for some great conversation. I told him a few horror stories about fellow Giants fans getting abused in his stadium. He could not believe how ruthless his supporters are (but they are). Anyway, after the signing was over we banged through the pack up in about an hour and went through the always inconvenient reload at a hotel loading dock. After that Bob F dropped me off at Philadelphia International Airport where I was slated to fly to Indianapolis (for a private signing with Larry Bird). As always I had a slight flight delay but eventually touched down in Indy at about 9:00. On the plane ride I read Tiki Barber's new book in it's entirety (I am not very good at many things but I read incredibly fast). The book is awesome. I recommend you all pick it up (or I'll trade you mine for an Endy Chavez bobblehead).
Check back later for a recap of the Larry Bird signing.