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Branson Combs reconnects with Saluki Football family during NFL bye week
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker and Saluki Football alum Branson Combs (2019-23) returned to campus during Homecoming Weekend, one week after he became the 44th player in SIU history to play in the NFL.

Tom Weber
Oct 275 min read


Jeremy Chinn pays tribute to Saluki Football culture under Coach Hill
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football welcomed back one of its all-time greats on Friday when Las Vegas Raiders safety and sixth-year NFL pro Jeremy Chinn returned to campus.

Tom Weber
Oct 244 min read


Carbondale native Tom Striegel (1978-81) reflects on record-setting punting career at SIU
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Tom Striegel was such an amazing punter that even the team’s radio broadcaster joked that he didn’t mind when the offense went 3-and-out, because it meant he could watch Striegel punt the football.

Tom Weber
Oct 207 min read


Branson Combs makes NFL debut
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football alum Branson Combs (2019-23) made his National Football League debut on Sunday morning for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tom Weber
Oct 191 min read


Craig Coffin (2002-06) reflects on record-setting kicking career
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Craig Coffin (2002-06) didn’t start kicking footballs until his junior year of high school in Fort Myers, Florida.

Tom Weber
Oct 68 min read


Strong-armed QB Leonard Hopkins (1972-75) helped shape the future of Saluki Athletics
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois quarterback Leonard Hopkins (1972-75) could throw a football 75 yards in the air. He could sling a...

Tom Weber
Sep 2911 min read


Chris Lockwood (1978-81) reflects on career at SIU
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football alum Chris Lockwood (1978-81) recently retired from a highly successful business career in Colorado,...

Tom Weber
Sep 1810 min read


Chris Lockwood (1978-81) spoke to the team on Friday
CARBONDALE, Ill. — After practice on Friday, Coach Hill introduced Chris Lockwood (1978-81), a 2X First-Team All-Conference offensive tackle. Appreciate your message to the team.

Tom Weber
Sep 121 min read


MyCole Pruitt talks about his NFL longevity and pride in Saluki Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — MyCole Pruitt spoke with StrongDawgs at length about his career at SIU, his longevity in the NFL, and his pride in SIU and Saluki Football.

Tom Weber
Sep 37 min read


Saluki Football office celebrates news that PJ Jules made Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Shouts of celebration echoed through the Saluki Football office this morning when PJ Jules called head coach Nick Hill...

Tom Weber
Aug 262 min read


Part 2: Joel Sambursky talks life after football and McAndrew memories
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In today’s part-two series on the story of quarterback Joel Sambursky (2001-05), he reflects on meeting his wife at SIU, and nearly losing his son, Teddy Sambursky. He talks about opening a business in Carbondale, and looks back at some McAndrew memories. Finally, he answers the question of how he feels about his passing records being broken.

Tom Weber
Aug 236 min read


Part 1: Joel Sambursky arrived at SIU at pivotal moment in program's history
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Joel Sambursky arrived at Southern Illinois in 2001 as one of the first recruits of the Jerry Kill era. It was perhaps the most pivotal union of head coach and quarterback in school history.

Tom Weber
Aug 228 min read
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