Miss Illinois and the Mama's Boy

It's a full house today, with two in-studio guests. First, meet Choreographer & international television host Shanon Lersch, who just happens to be a former Miss Illinois and former Luvabull. Then, it's number 55 - linebacker Otis Wilson of the 1985 Superbowl Champion Chicago Bears!

Episode Segments:

Sports and Torts: Shanon Lersch Former Chicago Luvabulls performer and Miss Illinois USA 2008 Shanon Lersch has moved on in the world. All the way to China in fact, where she is the Paula Abdul of that country. Or something like that. Shanon is a performer/judge/choreographer for Tsingtao Dance Passion that airs to an audience of millions. We’ll learn what that’s like, and what its like living in a different culture.
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Sports and Torts: Otis Wilson The mama’s boy has got some great stories to tell about the 1985 Bears, including some behind-the-scenes stuff you may not have heard about. We’ll also get the story on long overdue trip to the White House for the Superbowl Champs.
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Links to Related Websites:

Otis Wilson Charitable Association The Otis Wilson Charitable Association (OWCA) has developed an advanced, holistic program focused on the overall well-being of children based on training and development. The OWCA has collaborated with leaders in the nutrition, health and fitness industry to create an all-inclusive program to instill the desire and energy in children to live active and healthy lifestyles.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Otis Wilson After starting his college career at Syracuse University, Wilson transferred to the University of Louisville. Wilson was a three year letter winner, from 1977 to 1979. In 1979, Wilson was a team captain and was named first-team All-American by the Sporting News. Wilson ranks second all-time in Louisville football history with 484 career tackles, and ranks fifth with 32 tackles for loss. Wilson was selected in the first round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, and went on to a nine year career in the NFL. As a starting outside linebacker for the Bears, Wilson played on one of the most dominating defenses in football history as part of the linebacking trio with Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall. This defense helped the Bears to win Super Bowl XX. That same year, he also made the only Pro Bowl selection of his career. He was a featured soloist of the "Shuffling Crew" in the video The Super Bowl Shuffle in 1985. Wilson's role with the 1985 was one of the most critical. While he didn't call the plays and run the defense like fellow linebacker Mike Singletary did, he was possibly the Bears' most feared pass-rusher and the most intimidating player when he lined up in the 46 defense. Because Singletary stayed in the middle and covered backs out of the backfield/stopped the run, and Wilber Marshall was basically a free-lancer who roamed the field, Wilson was the main blitzer in the Bears' 46. He had 10.5 sacks in the 1985 season, and numerous times he hurried the QB into errant throws. Wilson played with the Bears until 1987. Injuries kept him from playing in the 1988 season. In 1989, he signed with the Los Angeles Raiders, but played only one game in the season and retired soon afterwards. He finished his 9-season career with 36 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 31 fumble return yards 10 interceptions, 115 return yards, and 2 touchdowns in 110 games. During Super Bowl XLIV, Wilson joined other members of the 1985 Chicago Bears in resurrecting the Super Bowl Shuffle in a Boost Mobile commercial. The Otis Wilson Charitable Association