Ahead of the Music City Bowl originally appeared on The Sporting News, quarterback Luke Altmaier sent a big update to Illinois coach Brett Bielema. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
If the Illinois football program needed a big boost in the weeks leading up to the Music City Bowl against Tennessee on Dec. 30 (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), its three-year starting quarterback Luke Altmyer got it, and there’s no doubt he wants his college career to be remembered for.
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On Friday afternoon, Altmaier made it official on social media: one last ride.
“I love playing, man,” Altmaier said in a 37-second video. “I love competing. That’s what I bleed. That’s what I love. That’s what I breathe. That’s what I prepare for.”
Altmaier said it was impossible for him not to complete this story with teammates who have given him so much guidance and support as Illinois reached unimaginable heights in such a short period of time — the laundry list is truly endless.
“Any opportunity that I get to go out and play football — especially with these guys that I love so much — I don’t take it for granted,” Altmaier said.
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Neither did his coach, Bret Bielema. Bielema spoke fondly of Altmaier after the Illini accepted a bowl invitation. Bielema hinted that the Mississippian might be in the game but wanted to let the 21-touchdown signal-caller complete the honors.
“I just received a text message [Luke’s mom] “Betsy Altmyer, when I walked in here, she said she thought half the people from Mississippi were going to come to Nashville,” Bielema said last Sunday. “I’m excited that people are going to come from Mississippi.
When the Volunteers reportedly engaged in near-season-altering poaching to lure Altmaier away from Champaign, Bielema chose to play upright.
“Honestly, I’ve never spoken to Luke about that conversation in any way, shape, or form,” Bielema said. “One of the things I really appreciate about Luke’s demeanor and personality is that he’s the same guy every day. It’s really cool to get to play another game with him and have an SEC opponent.”
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Now, Altmaier will have the chance to write his story the way he always wanted: to write it authentically.
“Leaving here as one of the most decorated players in Illinois football history, he represents so much more than all these great things about Illinois,” Bielema said. “Having that moment for him is what I cherish the most. “
If Altmaier rides off triumphantly into the sunset, it will truly end an era in Champagne.
Well done on this.