Yep. I think that describes my feelings to a T on Thursday, August 30, 2012 when this happened......
This sweet shot was captured seconds after he scored the first touchdown of the 2012 season for the BYU Cougars. And not to mention, his first TD in a college game, first catch in a college game, first game he ever played in college period, AND his first game to ever even dress in college. Wow. Talk about a crazy/awesome experience.
Rewinding a bit, when Sky first got in the game on his first play at the beginning of the first quarter, I about had a heart attack. My cute father-in-law was consoling me, but I was just so anxious/nervous/excited. I saw him running out there and immediately just freaked out! On his first play he had a couple of sweet blocks, and my nervousness started to subside--but I was still waiting for his first catch. Little did I know it would be a TD.
After he scored the touchdown, he did a few chest bumps, a few fist pumps, and then this...
...the famous "I Love You" sign. ESPN caught Sky doing this as he was running off the field. A few nights before, Sky & I were in bed, daydreaming about the game and what could happen. We knew it would be his first game at BYU where he was likely to get in for quite a few plays. Sky said, "What should I do if I score a touchdown?!" (meaning how should he celebrate?) I gave him some ideas, but his idea was better than any I had given. He said, "You better watch cause I'm gunna give you the "I love you sign" right after." I thought this was so cute cause this has been "our sign" since the first time we said I love you. (Ya, ya I know it's everyone's sign, but it is still special to us).
So sure enough, Sky fulfilled his promise! First he pointed up to the stands where I was sitting, and then gave me the sign :) I about cried when I saw this. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Here is the replay of the TD and the sign... http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn%3A8320486
Alright, now onto articles. Sky's Facebook page has been BLOWN UP by congratulations, quotes, articles, memories, friend requests, pictures, etc. And I love it! I love reading about his accomplishments and all the good things people have to say about him. Here are some of my favorites...
In the words of head coach Bronco Mendenhall,
"I gave an award to Skyler Ridley for just grit, determination and resolve. For how many years he's battled on the scout team, how hard he's wanted to be a part of the program, how much it meant to him. And then for him to get his opportunity, and to block the way he blocked and catch the ball the way he caught the ball, to play as hard as he played, and to take hits the way he took hits, and bounce up like it was fun--which I think it was to him. It was so refreshing to have no sense of entitlement but just gratitude--and I love that. So I recognized him in front of the team just as the epitome of a mindset that I'd like for kids to have." http://www.ksl.com/?nid=498&sid=22027188
Other articles called Sky "the hero of the game", or the "Y factor of the night". Riley Nelson was quoted saying,
"Really proud of Skyler. It was good, he's kind of a throw back guy and he did exactly what I knew he could do. He'd been doing that all fall camp, and he knew exactly what to do on every play, made a couple tough catches--he's a tough sucker." http://byucougars.com/video/m-football/byu-rolls-over-washington-state
Another article said,
"One of the biggest surprises of the night, Skyler Ridley. Ridley finished with six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, and although these numbers aren't incredibly flashy, he is tough as nails. In the second quarter, he took a hit to the helmet that probably would've cost the defensive player dozens of thousands of dollars in the NFL. Although Ridley probably could've sustained a concussion from the hit, he stood up and lined up for the next play." http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1318767-byu-football-5-lessons-learned-from-the-wsu-game/page/2
Bronco also said of Skyler,
"Skyler was really the story of the game as far as I'm concerned. There was no one that played harder on either side of the ball--and he was productive. There's a difference between playing hard and then also making plays, and he did both. His blocking ability, when you watch the film, he's all over the place. Almost like one of those chihuahua dogs that is just nipping at your heels all the time and your trying to get him away from you and he just keeps coming and coming. He's pesky, and their defensive players were so tired of him. And man they'd throw the ball to him and he'd catch it and he'd get hit hard, and they'd throw the ball to him and he'd catch it and he'd get hit hard... and he just kinda keeps going. And it was really fun to watch him."http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=841&sid=11921977&title=byu-football-with-head-coach-bronco-mendenhall
I LOVE that last quote. It describes the game so well. We had a good laugh at this one too, I call Sky my little chihuahua now. Haha.
Another article that is specifically about Sky is "BYU football: Skyler Ridley answered call when needed." Sky has been interviewed by SO many reporters this past week, and this article has one of his quotes in it...
"Tonight was really a dream come true for me," said Ridley following the WSU game. "To have a catch like that be my first career catch here at BYU — I'm just excited about how it worked out. I obviously wasn't used to catching touchdowns and really didn't know what to do after I scored the touchdown, but having my teammates run up to me and hearing the fans — it was an amazing experience that I'll never forget." http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765601328/BYU-football-Skyler-Ridley-answered-call-when-needed.html?pg=2
Isn't he just the cutest?! And oh so humble!
Now turning to quotes from the fans... so many people just LOVE Sky's story of coming from 3 years on the scout team to being such a star in the opening game of the season. Here are some of the comments that people made on the above article...
"Congrats on a great breakout game Skyler! Here's hoping for you many more opportunities like these in the future. I bet Bronco's book has something about him teaching kids humility, honor, spirit and such. When a 'spotlight' hits you don't blow the moment. Take it in, enjoy the warmth, say something appropriate, and get back to work. A walk-on kid at BYU has earned his stripes. Love it!"
"Doesn’t it warm your heart to hear about the guy that nobody believed has a chance; then to watch him succeed because of his hard work, dedication and personal effort? It’s what America is all about; opportunity to be rewarded for personal effort and refusing to give up! Congratulations Skyler, lots of people admire you and what you have accomplished!"
"Loved the slow motion replay of Skyler's TD. He ran a perfect rout which created distance from the DB. Beautiful TD catch. Reminded me of Austin Colie. Can't wait to see more from Ridley."
"What I liked about Skyler was his toughness. He got popped a few times and bounced up with swagger. With the role he might play, Skyler will have to be able to do that as a WR is BYU's offense. He also made some nice grabs and surprised me some with his route running."Then there were some pretty funny ones from this stream... http://www.cougarcorner.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12711
- Seriously, where'd this guy come from?
- Scout team hero. Bronco style player through and through!
- The guy was an absolute hero last night, and a throw back to the 80s style BYU receiver that runs crisp routes, catches the ball, and hangs on.
- Guy took a beating. Good for him. He was open all night. He and Falslev had great games. Opponents will key in on Hoffman and Apo, opening things up for Ridley and Falslev.
- He caught everything thrown his way even when he was getting hung out to dry with high throws.
Game vs. Weber State this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. MT. Can't wait! Go #17!!!
Love it! Great compilation of all the highlights and articles and such. You two are too cute. Skyler is lucky to have you Jasmine! Love you!
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