It’s been quite the week for Kenny Wheaton.
With stops throughout the state of Oregon to sign autographs and take pictures with Ducks fans on the 20th anniversary of the seminal play now referred to as “The Pick,” Wheaton concluded his tour in Eugene on Friday at the campus Duck Store as his former team gears up to play Washington.
In addition, Wheaton will serve as the Grand Marshal for the homecoming parade Saturday, and Oregon will be sporting retro jerseys from the 1994 season to commemorate a play often associated with the program’s revival.
Wheaton, who now lives in Dallas, Texas, took the time amidst the commotion of his autograph signing to speak with the Emerald, touching on what the play meant, where the program is at now and even revealing that an older version of himself would’ve simply ran out of bounds.
You’ve had quite the tour. What’s it like just coming back with all of this attention surrounded by the 20th anniversary of “The Pick” and all the fans coming to receive autographs at an event like this?
It’s tough to put in words. It’s a great feeling, but I can’t even put it into words what it’s like to come back somewhere 20 years later and have people still respect you and thank you for the work that you did. It’s humbling.
The program’s changed a lot. When “The Pick” occurred the team already had three losses, now if the team finished the season with three losses, everyone would think that’s unacceptable. What’s it like to be back at a place that has gone through so much evolving as a program?
When I see it, I’m just being honest, I actually hold my head high and feel proud to know that I was a part of a team that helped get it to this point. It’s not fair that it’s like that, if you lose a couple games, then the season’s over. But, that’s where we were at today.
What made you decide to take off with it and run for the end zone. After you intercepted the ball, the game was sealed. What was going through your mind as to why you took off for the end zone?
Being honest, I was young. My thing is, if I get an interception, I’m going to the house. Now the young me continued to run. Now, the old me would say step out of bounds and the game was over.
Imagine the whole call, everything?
It wouldn’t be. (laughing)
What’s it like to hear that call from Jerry Allen?
It’s good. It’s a huge part of him and its a major part in my football career, everything’s a part of it.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise