My Night With Adrian Clayborn

My Night With Adrian Clayborn

March 22, 2011 

My Night with Adrian Clayborn 

Adrian Clayborn 

Last night I had a lot of expectations. I am very happy to say that they were met and exceeded. Across the board, Adrian Clayborn might be the most gracious athlete I have ever met. Last night in Iowa City, Adrian was hosting a dinner for fans to sign autographs and say thanks during his career at Iowa. 

I arrived at the Pit Smokehouse in Iowa City about 6:45, I was the first one in the door and waited in a booth in the corner for everyone else to arrive. Second in the door was Adrian's mother, Tracie. If you couldn't tell it was Adrian's mom by the exact resemblance, the “Clayborn's Mom” t-shirt she had on was a dead giveaway.

I chit-chatted with her for a bit as more people arrived. Soon Adrian arrived, looking very trim and in great shape. He went around the restaurant, shaking hands and saying hello. He thanked every person for coming and signed many autographs and took an overwhelming amount of pictures. I don't think I could smile that long that many times in a row. He soon made his way towards me and sat down. 

Clayborn with fans 

We quickly jumped in to conversation about the upcoming draft, his time at Iowa and Twitter. He mentioned he's anxious for the drsft and ready for it to be done with and to know where he is going, but is very greatful for the chance. He signed a t-shirt for my girlfriend, a flag for me and a jersey for my father(thats a secret please don't tell him). We took a picture together and he soon made his way towards other people. 

There was a family with there 12 year old daughter who had a Clayborn jersey and an Iowa helmet they had brought, her eyes lit up just being able to sit next to Clayborn. There was a middle aged man with his 8 yeard old son. the dad had a replica of Floyd of Rosedale that had been signed by Iowa greats Tim Dwight, Robert Gallery and Bob Sanders. Clayborn was the next great to sign that. 

Adrian and I 

There were other people too, but by far my favorite was the guy on his anniversary night, his wife looked thrilled. 

At the end of the night Adrian did a raffle for the fans who attended. A fan won a signed mini helmet, another won a signed tshirt. The guy who was on his anniversary won a signed football and the last prize of the night was a signed jersey, which I was fortunate enough to win!! Patience is a virtue I guess. 

Clayborn Jersey 

At the end of the night Adrian said goodbye to everyone and it made everyone feel like they were apart of something special. It is great to have someone like him represent the University of Iowa and the football program. I wish more athletes did something like this just to say hello to fans and thank them. I want to thank Adrian for not only being a great athlete to watch at Iowa, but for continuing the line of great Iowa people. 

Also, a HUGE shoutout to the people of The Pit Smokehoue, amazing food and service all night long, highly recommend on Dubuque Street in Iowa City. Thanks guys! 

Joseph Larsen

Community Contributor