Former NIU wide receiver Justin McCareins ranks first all-time on the NIU career touchdowns list, and he was in DeKalb on Saturday for NIU’s spring football game.

McCareins signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans this offseason after four seasons with the New York Jets. The receiver is entering his eighth season after being drafted in the fourth round by the Titans in 2001.

McCareins sat down with the Northern Star to talk about being back in DeKalb, Joe Novak and Lukulos.

Northern Star: First of all, what’s it like being back in DeKalb?

Justin McCareins: Driving down on Annie Glidden Road, it gives me a feeling every time about just remembering the best years of my life. It was a great four years that I spent here. I met my wife here and made some of the best friends that I’ll always keep in touch with.

NS: What’s your favorite thing about DeKalb?

JM: I liked Lukulos. When I drove past that, I was glad it was still standing. I used to always get cheese fries late at night. They delivered, too; that was huge.

NS: What was your reaction when you heard about Joe Novak retiring?

JM: He had a long, great career. He had so much to do with this program being where it is today. I gave him a call and told him how much I appreciate him.

NS: Do you keep in touch with any former NIU players?

JM: Yeah. P.J. Fleck [former NIU wide receiver and current assistant coach] is a really good friend of mine. He was in my wedding.

NS: What’s your favorite NFL moment?

JM: Just getting drafted; you’ll never forget that feeling. To hear my name called, it was a good feeling.

NS: Who is the biggest trash talker you have either played with or against?

JM: That’s a tough question. There’s so many trash talkers, it’s hard to pick just one. It’s all in fun and that’s just part of the game. You get so used to it you don’t even take note of it.

NS: Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?

JM: Steve McNair. He was like Superman. He would miss practice because of injuries more than any guy I’ve been around, then go out on Sunday and win the game single-handedly.

NS: You were with the Jets last season. Is the Bill Belichick vs. Eric Mangini “Spygate” stuff overblown?

JM: I think people make a little bit too big of a deal out of it. They obviously had a really talented team and he’s a heck of a coach. That was against us; they beat us so bad it didn’t make a difference. I didn’t care too much and I didn’t follow the story too much.

NS: Who’s the toughest cornerback you have gone up against?

JM: I would have to say Champ Bailey without a doubt. He’s such a great athlete with good instincts, and he’s a big guy. He’s got the whole package.