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| LEFT Keith Wenning poses for a photo with Braisen Rainwaters, 8, on July 11 at the meet and greet at Stoops Automotive. RIGHT Keith Wenning signs a shirt for Larry Rees, who said he's a longtime Ball State football fan. BELOW Wenning poses with Keith Siefring. To see more photographs, view our online gallery here. DN PHOTOS BREANNA DAUGHTERTY |
The typical day in the life of a NFL rookie is mainly spent watching film, in team meetings or memorizing the playbook.
For an hour and a half Friday, however, former Ball State quarterback and current Baltimore Ravens’ first-year quarterback Keith Wenning spent some of his time at the Stoops Automotive showroom in Muncie to sign autographs and take pictures with fans of all ages.
“[People coming here] means a lot,” Wenning said. “It means I did something right.”
The starting quarterback for all four of his collegiate years, Wenning left Ball State as the program’s all-time leader in touchdown passes, passing yards, pass completions and pass attempts.
In addition to his personal achievements, Wenning led the Cardinals to back-to-back bowl appearances his junior and senior seasons before the Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
These accolades are what led Randy Stoops, co-owner of Stoops Automotive, to invite Wenning to his dealership Friday evening.
Stoops said he receives frequent suggestions of people to host at his dealership, but when the opportunity with Wenning arose, the pairing was mutually beneficial.
“I have watched [Wenning] grow for four years,” said Stoops, a Cardinal Varsity Club board member.
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Keith Wenning career statistics at Ball State Touchdown passes: 92 Pass yards: 11,402 Completions: 1,035 Attempts: 1,642 |
“Keith is the ideal guy. ... This is the kind of kid you want.”
Many of those in attendance appeared to hold the same respect of Wenning as Stoops, as several went out of their way to tell the 6-foot-3 quarterback how much they appreciate the way he carries himself.
“[The Wennings] are really great people,” Jean Siefring, a friend of the family, said. “They have good heads on their shoulders, and they will take the time for anybody.”
Though it was his first signing appearance as a professional athlete, Wenning said being involved in the community is something he intends to continue.
“Hopefully, I am able [to help] financially and with my time,” he said. “Whatever it may be, give back as often as possible. Who knows what it may be, but just something.”
Even though Wenning has moved on to the next chapter of his life and is no longer the Cardinals’ quarterback, what he did for the program has not been forgotten.
“We’re in the middle of July and we’re talking Ball State football,” Stoops said. “Keith did a lot for the university. ... It’s just great to see him move forward.”
To see more photographs, view our online gallery here.
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