Dat was signing autographs today in Lewisville. I took down my A&M pennats in my boys rooms, grabbed the grocery list, and went to meet him.

He was taking his time with everyone, talking with everyone. The kid in front of me was maybe 13 or 14. A pretty big kid, looked like he played football. He could barely look at Dat when it was his turn. He was too shy to talk with Dat, so his mom said, "He wanted to show you he has your number."

The mother produced a picture of her son in a number 59 jersey. Dat smiles and says, "I gave you my autograph, can I have yours?" He handed the kid the pen and said, "Sign it for me please" The kid signed the picture and handed it to Dat.

Dat said, "Thanks."

I'm having trouble putting into words what to write right now. Dat did something without thinking about it, that will carry on with me, and this kid for the rest of our lives. Dat didn't feel like he was any better than this kid.

dan's a class act.

seriously though, sounds like he's doing his alma mater proud! That's a great story.

Way cool. Things like that probably happen with more pro athletes than we realize, but it's great to hear about one of our local heros being so great with a shy young man.

So nice to see pros giving autographs without charging for it.

BTW: When it was my turn, he signed 2 pictures of him in a Cowboys uniform, 2 pennants, and a football.

The lady behind me had a #9 Aggie jersey. She was wearing it, it was almost worn bare, and said she'd been wearing it since his freshman year.

I asked him if he thought about lateraling his interception on Sunday, like in the Cotton Bowl and one other game in the NFL. He laughed and said," No, I was looking to see if anyone was behind me going to strip it." He probably thought I was the biggest jackhole in Denton county, but it was on my mind.

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I asked him if he thought about lateraling his interception on Sunday, like in the Cotton Bowl and one other game in the NFL.

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haha, i was thinking the same thing.

Dat is a class act.

That's awesome. Can't say it surprises me though considering he took that little Vietnamese boy under his wing while he was here. Hell of a representative for A&M.

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Dat smiles and says, "I gave you my autograph, can I have yours?"

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Good stuff.

I remember the stuff about him being there for Phil Bennett's kids after they lost their mom also.

Sounds like he will be a great dad.

VERY COOL!!!!

That's an amazing story. It's stories like these that make you proud to be an Aggie! Gig-Em Dat!!!

Hey SPO Rat,

He actually already is a great dad. Dat and his wife, Becky, have a little girl who is about 13 or 14 months old.

At home, he goes by the name "Datty."

Thanks R5, and congrats to Dat.

Being in Houston we do not get a lot of Dat updates.

I wonder if Roy Williams would sign the panties he wears on his dome and give them away?

I heard he'll sign Kelly Rowland's for a nominal fee.

when dat makes a hit on someone, we used to all yell "take dat!"...now, aren't we original??

"Now none of the frightened soldiers moved, for they saw that cowardice and valor purchased equal plots in the snipers' killing field"

Dat rules.

Dat was great LB for us. Glad to see him do well with the boys.

Franchione had the #1 defense in the nation in 2000 at TCU and the #3 defense in the nation in 2002 at Alabama.
THE WRECKING CREW IS COMING!
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"Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women."

Class Act.

Great Story Rudy. Dat is great person and an excellent representative for the university.

My girlfriend went to the Cowboys signing day at Gilley's Dallas earlier this yr and waited in line for about 45 mins to get his autograph as a present for me. As she was approaching the signing tables (usually a couple of them signing at one time) he got up and left (some other player sat down to replace him). I guess they alternate everyhour or so. So she got out of line discouraged and started yelling at him while he was muching on food in the VIP area and came over to sign. Great guy and g/f for waiting that long to get the autograph.

Just had to give this another bump.

Dat's a cool story.

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

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Tackle made by Number 9, Dat Nguyen.

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Man it was awesome hearing that about 10-12 times per game for four years.

I miss Dat at A&M.

I love posts like this because they never attract any idiot sips and their sad need to comment on anything Aggie.

ttt in honor of Dat's retirment ceremony tonight.

Dat's the MAN!

I knew he was special when I saw him play during my tenure at A&M - however I truly realize his greatness as a player and person even more so today.

Awesome story.

My sons were 4 days old and 9. They are now 8 and 17.

Dat -- Gig Em Ag !!!

another reason I love the Ags!