What a weekend!!! In case you haven’t seen it yet (if you’ve been sleeping for the last 3 days), we pulled of victory #6 this week in Miami against the Dolphins. I think we really showed a lot of character and heart this week, and it’s a good thing because we’re going to need lots of it this year. It was also a great weekend because I got to see my cousins the night before the game. All around great weekend. Thanks to everyone for all of the great support!! We’re looking forward to seeing you all loud and proud on Monday night!!

Michael, Peter, Me and Graham

Check out a new piece on, Zach…”Chick Chattin’ with Zach Strief: An Afternoon of Recipes, Chat, and Football.”

www.chicksinthehuddle.com/2009/10/21/chick-chattin-with-zach-strief-an-afternoon-of-recipes-chat-and-football/

I want to thank all of our amazing fans for coming up big yesterday in the dome. That place was rockin!! When we were walking in at halftime, Jon Stinchcomb looked at me and said “My ears are ringing.” That’s the home field advantage we need and love. Hope you’re all having fun this season!!

Photo credit to Michael Hebert

Melissa and Natasha from Chicks in the Huddle (www.chicksinthehuddle.com) came to visit us tonight. Thanks for spending some time with us! Annnnnd…. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the awesome Baci Italian chocolate. It’s absolutely delicious!! Check out Melissa’s article about Zach and the foundation on www.chicksinthehuddle.com this week!

Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Skewers by Commander’s Palace!! Zach says (and this is a direct quote) “They’re the bomb-diggity.” You can try them, too. Email dreambignola@gmail.com to get your copy of the cookbook today. $15. All proceeds benefit the Dream Big Foundation.

Mandy and I were able to head back to Chicago for the bye week to see my former team play. It was my first time back since I graduated and we were fortunate enough to see a Wildcat victory. My parents met us in Chicago also and we all got to catch up with lots of former players and parents. We would like to thank the current parents for taking us in and throwing such a great tailgate while we were there. One final thanks to Coach Fitzgerald and the whole Northwestern staff for allowing Mandy and I to come talk at practice and spend some time with the team. What a great weekend!!

Talking to the Cats after practice

Mandy and I with my parents outside Ryan Field

I want to give a big thank you to the Who-Dat nation for coming through so big for us this past Sunday. The 12th Man was definitely at full force for our game against the Jets. I am really excited to go into this bye week with so much momentum. Can’t wait to see you all back in the dome on October the 18th to help us try to get to 5-0. Thanks again!!!