Tim Tyrrell spearheaded the hall of fame 1983 NIU football team that won the MAC Championship and went to the school’s first major bowl, the California Bowl, defeating Cal State Fullerton 20-13.

Tyrrell was named the MAC MVP for his efforts that season as the all-purpose quarterback. In 1983, he posted 1,799 all-purpose yards (539 rushing and 1,260 passing) and 15 touchdowns (seven rushing and eight throwing).

After the 1983 season, ‘Mr. Intangible’ went on to the NFL as an All-Pro special teams player with the Rams. He also spent time in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.