CHAMPAIGN — When Mike Dudek talked to his father by phone Monday night, the conversation was largely about the start of Illinois’ spring football practice.
They talk football often and for far too long nearly every conversation has centered to some degree on Mike Dudek’s knee. But near the end of Monday night’s chat, Dudek realized this conversation had not included a single reference to the serious injuries that had threatened to derail his college football career.
Mike Dudek was shocked. And relieved.
To understand how he juggled those emotions requires a look in Dudek’s rearview mirror.