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UI homecoming grand marshal fulfilling academic promise

Related Topics: Brandon Lloyd, Illinois

CHAMPAIGN — During Brandon Lloyd's freshman season at Illinois, way back in 1999, the star receiver sat down with The News-Gazette for a long Q&A.

First question: Why Illinois?

"For the academics. That's what my parents kept stressing, and that's what everybody in my family was stressing: Put football aside and what's going to put food on your table. Coming to Illinois, this is a great degree to have. That's why I'm here."

The 36-year-old Lloyd is finishing what the 18-year-old Lloyd started.

After 11 years in the NFL, two kids and seven moves, Lloyd is settled in Denver.