He was the biggest player on the NIU football team at 6-foot-8, 283 pounds; and, it seems, his exterior was nothing but a shield for what was a kind, fun-loving interior.

With his size, he was compared to former Huskie Ryan Diem, now with the Indianapolis Colts.

Fourteen days shy of 20 years old, Shea Fitzgerald, a sophomore offensive lineman, had the rest of his NIU career ahead of him after playing behind Tim Vincent, a Chicago Bears free agent, as a freshman.

Here are thoughts and memories from those close to Fitzgerald:

Josh Haldi:

“All the guys who were supposed to go out of town are going to be here for Shea and his family. The best way to deal with it is to be together and support each other. It’s just really terrible.”

Aaron Anderson:

“He’s the type of person that was really easy to talk to. You could talk to him about anything. Everybody liked him and loved hanging out with him. He never had a frown on his face. … I don’t think anybody had any doubt that he had the potential to make it [to the NFL]. He was one of the hardest workers on the team.”

Brad Cieslak:

“It’s been a rough couple days, of course, and it’s just sad to see a kid like Shea go in something so stupid and something so unexpected. Pat [Raleigh] and I really didn’t know that many people at the party, and Shea was running around all night making sure we were having a good time and meeting [people]. You couldn’t even say enough good things about this guy.”

Dan Sheldon:

“Everybody liked Shea. He was a great friend. He always got so many looks for his size. He was just a great big guy, and just by knowing him, he was the nicest guy ever. Everyone just got along with him. There are a lot of people now who are really feeling upset; he had a lot of friends.”

Jen Zasada:

“I was supposed to be with him, but I decided to go to the University of Iowa instead. He’s the sweetest person I’ve met my entire life.”

Mike Korcek:

“Sunday morning I got up and heard the news, and I just kind of shoved it out of my mind. It’s really sad, and there are 11 other people going through this grief at this same time. It’s just too young.”

Randee Drew:

“I thought maybe Shea got into a fight or nothing big, then they said Shea died last night. I tried to lay back down and go to sleep, but I couldn’t. At first I was just trying to think it wasn’t true. I turned on the TV and they didn’t say his name; so I thought it wasn’t true.”

Dan Roushar:

“I had an opportunity to spend some good individual time with him. The thing that I learned about him in coaching and dealing with him was that he was just such a genuine person. He had a way about making others around him just feel good about themselves. There were a lot of people that thought he could really be an NFL-type offensive lineman, but his potential was much greater as a person.”

Matt Canada:

“His teammates loved him, and he loved them and the game of football. We had counselors meeting with our team, trying to help them cope with this today. I’m an adult and I can’t explain it to our players. It’s tough.”

Joe Novak:

“Our entire team, coaches and staff are saddened by the tragic events of this past weekend. Our team has lost a very good friend. At this time, all our players are with the family. They have our sincere condolences.”