Greg Engel, an Illini offensive lineman from the 1990s, will celebrate his 54th birthday on Saturday.
As a freshman in 1989, the former Bloomington High School star began his career at the University of Illinois as a fourth-string center behind Curt Loveless, Rich Giannakos and Pat Wendt.
“In the first practice we worked on some one-on-one blocks and (offensive line coach) Mike Diehl put us up against Mo Gardner,” Engel said. “I set back a little bit, but I lived to talk about it.”
Despite having a disc removed in his back in the summer of 1990 and being sidelined for nearly three months, Engel got his first start against Iowa in November 1990 when Lovelace was injured.
“I lost badly in that game, but it was a baptism of fire for me,” he said. “It just shows you’re ready when your number is called.”
Engel eventually became one of Illinois’ most durable players, starting all 32 games from 1991 to 1993. He earned All-Big Ten second team honors as a senior.
“I’m happy for the honor considering it was my second team after first-round draft pick Corey Reimer (Wisconsin),” he said. “I think I was able to improve because I had some really good players in practice.”
Team-wise, the Illini had remarkable success against Ohio State in Engel’s four letter-winning seasons.
“We beat Ohio State four out of five times (1989-1992), but we got a touchdown callback in that loss (20-12 in 1993),” Engel said. “Officials called Derek Allen downfield. We watched the tape and he wasn’t downfield.”
The University of Illinois had good results against the University of Michigan in back-to-back games in Ann Arbor, including a tie with the No. 3 Wolverines in 1992 and an upset victory over the No. 13 University of Michigan in 1993.
“I remember before a game in 1993, I went out wearing orange pants before the game, and right before the game I changed into blue (pants),” Engel said. “Everyone got fired up and really liked it. It was something different, almost like a treat or something. But to be honest, the last (game-winning) drive is a little vague. We moved the ball the whole game. I watch that game on YouTube sometimes and I can’t believe Johnny (Johnson) made that (touchdown) throw to Jim Klein. . He wasn’t very open.”
Scouted by John Makovich, Engel played his final two seasons for Lou Tepper. He said the two head coaches had distinctly different personalities and styles.
“Makovic was a great customer,” Engel said. “He had a way of keeping his cool, at least on the surface. It was more of a business approach, where if you didn’t perform, he would replace you. . One practice, when I made a bad snap, he just came over and rolled his eyes. He just said, “If you can’t do it, we’ll find someone else who can.” I did. Tepper was a little more passionate, in a good way. ”
Engel was not selected in the 1994 NFL Draft, but signed a free agent contract with manager Bobby Ross’ San Diego Chargers.
“I had options to choose between the Chargers, the (New York) Giants, Kansas City and Indianapolis,” Engel said. “I decided to give San Diego a try. I thought I’d at least go to California and get $2,000 and a plane ticket. I ended up staying four and a half years.”
In Engel’s rookie season, the Chargers lost 49-26 to Steve Young’s San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX.
After being released by San Diego, he became a member of the Oakland Raiders’ practice squad, played a few Arena League games with Portland, and then spent one season in Europe with the Berlin Thunder.
“I was just trying to find a way to keep playing,” Engel said.
Engel played his last NFL game in 1999 with the Detroit Lions. Now, he’s rooting for Detroit to have a long run in the playoffs.
“I hope they win it all,” he said. “They have a great coach (Dan Campbell). I think he can still play. He’s progressing well.”
Since 2001, Engel has worked in sales and is currently based in Bloomington as a senior sales representative for Viatris.
Engel’s two sons, McClain and Preston, followed in their father’s footsteps and earned degrees from the University of Illinois. McClain was the manager of the Illini State basketball team and currently serves as the UI’s workers’ compensation claims specialist. Preston played for Lovie Smith’s Illini State football team in 2020 and 2022 and is currently an agent with Country Financial Insurance in Champaign.
Irini’s birthday
➜ Saturday: Megan McDonald, Volleyball
➜ Sunday: Tim Beckman, football coach (60)
➜ Monday: Nick Anderson, basketball (57)
➜ Tuesday: Joe Tanner, swimming and diving (75)
➜ Wednesday: Lee Labadie, track and field/cross country (75)
➜ Thursday: Adam Miller, basketball (23)
➜ Friday: Justin Stepp, football coach (43)
The author is Mike Pearson, author of Illinois Legends, Lists & Lore (3rd edition available online). Get daily Illini birthdays, trivia and historical trivia on IlliniLegends on X and SportsLegendsListsLore on Facebook. His websites are www.SportsLLL.com and www.IlliniPosters.com.
