Steven M. Sipple: Joe and his public
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So, what’s up with Joe?
If Joe Ganz isn’t tossing footballs to stay sharp for the NFL Draft, he just might be tossing out one-liners in a speech to a business group or signing autographs at a sporting goods store, shopping center or car show. He’s everywhere lately.
Ganz had four public appearances last week, which brings the former Nebraska quarterback’s total to 14 since early January. Not bad when you consider Ganz is almost on pace to match the ever-popular Matt Davison’s deluge of appearances right after he completed his eligibility at NU in 2000 — not that anyone ventures to officially track these things.
At any rate, Davison estimates he made 30 to 40 appearances in the five months right after his senior season, before he turned his attention to trying to make it in the NFL. I mention Davison’s name mostly because he remains in heavy demand as a speaker.
“I know (ex-Husker QB) Zac Taylor also did a lot of this stuff,” says Ganz, who signed autographs Wednesday night at a downtown Lincoln hotel for a windows company gathering. “I guess I never really knew it was going to be this big. It’s kind of weird. You walk into a place and get a standing ovation.”
Funny, but I’ve never had that happen.
Taylor, the 2006 Big 12 offensive player of the year, says he made about 15 public appearances from January to June after his senior season.
Nate Swift, the Huskers’ leading receiver this past season, also has made some public appearances since early January. A few of the other 2008 Husker seniors have gotten in on the act, as is the case with NU seniors after virtually every season (after their NCAA playing eligibility expires, they can accept money for appearances).
I know a couple of high-profile ex-Husker football players who once were paid $1,500 just to show up at a Super Bowl party in a fan’s home. Just watch the game and shoot the bull. What a country.
Ganz is Joe Popular in Huskerville because he was the clear-cut MVP of a 2008 Nebraska squad that provided ample optimism for a proud and tradition-rich program trying to return to elite status.
Obviously, playing a high-profile position helps a guy’s popularity.
Plus, Ganz has a pretty decent story to tell.
“I knew I had to have a good year in order for anything like this to happen,” he says. “I guess I had a pretty good year, and people want to hear what I have to say.”
Folks tend to gravitate toward underdogs. Ganz is an underdog again in his NFL bid. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, although Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper and Stephen McGee of Texas A&M were among the 21 invitees. Gimme a break.
“It’s a good feeling to know people respect what you’ve done,” Ganz said. “But I wouldn’t pay more than 20 bucks to hear myself talk.”
Ah, humility. Another reason people seem to like Joe.
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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