TBT: Catching up with David Key

Submitted by readyourguard on

This is the 4th installment of my TBT series where I catch up with former players to ask them about their recruitment and playing days at Michigan, and find out what they've been doing since then.

Previoulsy: Clay Miller Tim Williams Mike Dames

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It was customary for Bo to introduce the new freshman at the first team meeting of the fall. He’d stand at his podium and introduced each one by name, where they were from, and what position they played. After he introduced them all, he had them sing The Victors. The rest of the team listened, and then booed the freshmen mercilessly. It didn’t matter how good they sang, they were getting booed. That’s just the way it was.

I vividly remember Bo introducing this next guy because he was from Columbus Ohio. He stood at the front of the team meeting room with his eyes wide open as 100+ guys he’d never met booed and hissed because he was from Columbus. I thought, “Damn, poor kid.” And then I wondered how a guy from the Buckeye’s own backyard was able to escape the clutches of OSU and choose “that school up north”?

There is no question David Key was recruited by Ohio State University which was just a stone's throw from his front door.  He had a scholarship offer. He also had many family and friends who played for the Buckeyes. On top of that, his mom worked for the school for years. Despite what many of their clueess fans tried to claim over the years, the Bucks never "cooled on him".  In fact, as you'll find out shortly, it was quite the opposite, 

David liked Coach Bruce and he liked the school. He could have chosen them and nobody would have batted an eye. But when he visited Michigan, met Bo Schembechler, and experienced the camaraderie and academic opportunity in Ann Arbor, he felt the choice was a no-brainer. He fell in love with everything about it. His parents never interjected or tried to influence him. They supported him and held their opinion until his decision was made. As it turned out, they loved Michigan for many of the same reasons David did. Like many, he believes it was the best decision he ever made (aside from marrying his wife).

After committing to Michigan and returning home, he received a call from Coach Bruce, asking him to come for a visit. David informed him that he had committed to UofM, but Coach Bruce was persistent. “That’s ok. Come anyway.” So the following weekend, he made the short drive to enemy territory for his official visit. He was young, had family that played there, a mom that worked there, and probably felt at least a slight sense of obligation to play for his hometown team. And what do you know? It was impressive. Those sneaky Buckeyes pulled out all the stops and rolled out the red carpet for their special guest. They wined and dined him, so to speak. They talked up their program, talked down the other, and applied just the right amount of pressure on the local product. It did the trick because David started to wonder if he made a hasty decision.  Maybe he made the wrong choice. Maybe he was supposed to play for Ohio State. It was almost too much to say no to.

Almost.

When I asked what Bo said when he found out about David's visit to Ohio State - just days after committing - his response was, “Only a fool tells all.” Wise beyond his years.

David roomed with Greg McMurtry his first two years and lived next door to Warde Manuel and the late, great Vada Murray (RIP). He also lived with Leroy Hoard and Todd Plate, all great players who went on to very successful careers following school. Warde was actually in David and Linda’s wedding and they remain very close friends to this day.

Michigan was 36-11-1 during his four years in Ann Arbor. He collected three Big Ten Championship Rings, went 1-1 in two Rose Bowls, beat Alabama and Ole Miss in other bowl games, and “never lost to Ohio State on his watch” as a starter – a fact he proudly mentions whenever an unruly Buckeye fan tries to puff up their chest. The team finished in the Top 10 three times in his 4 years

He was also involved some historically memorable games:

  • A win over Alabama in a game Bo missed due to heart issues.
  • A game we led by 3 scores in the 4th quarter to the #1 ranked Miami Hurricanes, only to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
  • Bo’s second Rose Bowl victory
  • The Rocket Ismail show
  • MSU getting away with a blatant trip of Desmond on the 2-point attempt.
  • Started on Bo’s last team and Gary Moeller’s first team.

Upon graduation, David was drafted by the New England Patriots where he played in the league for three years but it wasn't as much fun as college.  The money was good and the lifestyle was exciting, but it just wasn't the same.  You don't have the same motivations. It may sound cliche but the fact was, it was a job. There were constant meetings, outside commitments, not the same camaraderie, and the never-ending fear of losing your job.  It was exactly what Bo talked about during his "The Team, The Team, The Team" speech. "You'll play for a contract.  You'll play for this. You'll play for that.  You'll play for everything else but the team".  As usual, Bo was right.

Following his time with the Patriots, David could have changed teams and possibly played longer, but he was married and had the future of a young family to consider. He decided it was time to put his degree in Kinesiology to work. Even while he was playing he was thinking about where he could launch his career in fitness training. He started as a personal trainer for a national gym, and then moved up to managing clubs. With his experience and his degree, he decided he would open his own gym. He had a great mentor in former Michigan S&C Coach, Mike Gittleson. David’s passion comes from helping people become healthier and happier versions of themselves. “People underestimate how exercise can affect their lives. Whether it’s an athlete competing at a high level or someone who has never exercised in their life, people walk away with a better version of who they were before they trained with me.”  For 22 years now, he's owned and operated Key Body & Fitness in Columbus Ohio, less than 10 miles from the giant toilet bowl, teachings Ohioans how to improve themselves and train with a Michigan Man.

Lately, he's taken his physical fitness to the competitive stage of the International Federation of Body Building & Fitness. He turned pro about a year ago and has gained a greater appreciation for the business side of the fitness industry. He can earn money and endorsements through the pro circuit while quenching that never-ending desire to compete. He also needs a little extra motivation because – get this – “I like to eat and drink and have a good time” and “I don’t really like working out.” Wait. What? Don’t like to work out? He might be the most physically fit 48 year old you’ll ever meet, and even he needs extra motivation to get off the couch, just like the rest of us. He loves food and is known to go on some serious binges. Following his last competition, he gained over 25 pounds! “I’m a carnivore, man. I love steak.” He also has a sweet tooth for Chunky Monkey Ice Cream and Garrett’s Popcorn in Chicago. The man loves his food, but he pays for it by working out 3 or 4 hours a day. 

I think it's working.

David has been married to Linda – an Ohio State alum – for almost 25 years. They have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Both his daughters attended Michigan. His oldest is married to former Michigan Linebacker Brandon Logan. She’s now an assistant director for a non-profit organization that provides college access services to public schools and underrepresented students. His youngest will be a senior and is majoring in Evolutionary Anthropology.  She'll be travelling to Brazil this summer to study sustainability, and take in some of the Olympics.

His son played football at Toledo. He broke all of David’s old football and some track records at Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, where they both attended. His son retired from football and has transferred to Ohio State to finish his college degree, although he remains a big Michigan fan. “Papa”, as the grandkids call him, has a little work to do on his son’s daughter who seems to favor Ohio State.  However, the other two love Michigan since their dad and grandpa both played for the Maize and Blue.

Family, education, physical fitness, and the University of Michigan are what steer this family’s ship through the mucky waters of Columbus, Ohio.

Those who stay….

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Some quick tidbits about David

He played from 1986-1990 and wore #26

His favorite Ann Arbor restaurant is the Ann Arbor Chop House

The best dish he makes is Terryaki Chicken Wings

Obviously he'd allow his son to play football, but what about his grandsons? The two boys are good sized, athletic, and come from a family of football players (father, uncles, and both grandfathers played Division 1 college football). David has some safety concerns but he feels the kids can still play the game and be safe. He wants his grandsons to make their own decisions and not base anything on other people’s expectations. They’re both athletic and very smart. Papa wants them to know they can be anything they want to be.

Back row: GA Irv Sigler, Dave Ritter (29), Tony Blankenship (31), Deon Johnson (28), Paul Brown (21), Coleman Wallace (5), Eric Bush (4)

Middle Row: Corwin Borwn (20), David Key (26), Vada Murray (27), Brian Foster (19), Coach billy Harris

Front Row: Tripp Welbourne (3), Todd Plate (6), Dwayne Wallace (8), James Otis Williams (17)

Comments

Louie C

July 14th, 2016 at 12:32 PM ^

Seeing that picture of him reaaally made me re-evaluate my life. Time to get rid of this fluff for sure. I really enjoy these diaries. It's awe inspiring to read about the number of players that donned the wing helmet that have gone on to become great men after their careers at Michigan. Bo was something special. Makes me happy and proud that we have what appears to be the second coming of Bo at the helm.

Rasmus

July 14th, 2016 at 1:16 PM ^

#19 is Brian Foster. Safety. Didn't letter until his senior year, 1992. See, for example, the full 1990 team photo at Bentley. [Key is in first row.]

#21 is identified as "Paul Brown" in the full 1990 photo. Definitely him. I can't find him in the roster database, and there's only one #21 listed for the 1990 team (Desmond!). But there he is in the team photos. Must not have been on the team for long? Does not appear in the 1989 or 1991 photos.

Rasmus

July 17th, 2016 at 9:43 AM ^

Not at all -- just being helpful, I guess. Historian by trade. Married to a girl born and raised across from Michigan Stadium, with both parents lifelong Michigan employees (academia). She played tennis at Pioneer, in Jim Harbaugh's class (before he moved to Palo Alto). She remembers him -- one of her tennis friends went to the prom with him.

Anyhow, Michigan football was a prerequisite for dating her in New York in 1989 -- so those teams made an impression on me and I remember David Key well...

mgoash

July 15th, 2016 at 1:24 PM ^

Irv Sigler!  He was the coach at the high school in my hometown while I was in elementary school and early middle school.  I had no idea he was a graduate assistant at Michigan, but that explains how the winged helmet came to my hometown team, and still persists almost 20 years after he left.  I would say that, along with my parents who love Michigan football, his run of great teams in the 90's was one of the reasons I became so interested in football, choosing to actually sit and watch the games when I was young, rather than running around with all my other middle school friends.  I like him even better now, if that's possible

Edited to add:  Doh, I think this is the son of the coach I'm familiar with.  I'm blaming this one on pregnancy brain.

jls1144

July 22nd, 2016 at 8:15 AM ^

David use to train some of his clients at my old gym.  Pictures don't lie.  No mistaking this man was/is an exceptional athlete.  He proudly struts his Michigan gear here in Cbus.

 

 

Mgodiscgolfer

July 14th, 2016 at 7:48 PM ^

For the first time since I came here back in early 2011, instead of scrolling down to the Mgoboard to see whats what.  I now scroll to the diaries because I can't wait to see your next installment. As usual you hit another right through the uprights. I love the era you are featuring it was when Michigan football became Michigan football for me personally.

Those were the years my brother and I formed a unbreakable bond in part by going to "The Game" ten straight years. I am almost positive that it was 1985-1995 give or take one year when it started, it may have been 86-96. It all started while going to "The Game" at UM first. We looked around us and seen all these Buckeye fans all around us, not as bad as today but there were quite a few. Thats when we decided to go to "The Game" the next ten years in a row. Which obviously meant next year were headed to C-Bus.

I mention this because that was pretty much the same time you are writing about in these diaries. We had some great times and only suffered one loss at the Toilet Bowl during that period. Its a wonder we made it home fine everytime we went down there.Anyway, I was so heart broken when Vada passed I still remember him and Tripp Welbourne jumping up anytime the opposition tried to kick a field goal and those guys got quite a few of them. It had become an adventure for the other teams field goal team each time they stepped out on the field I have never seen any team do it better before or since. I could go on forever with the "cool story bro" thing but it is your diary after all. To be 48 and chiseled like David Key is in that pic is quite the challenge but being 57 and turning 48 would even be a bigger one. Thanx again and as always Go Blue.....Oh and I won't forget to read my guard......At least in the diaries anyway.

1VaBlue1

July 14th, 2016 at 8:32 PM ^

I was astoundingly lucky enough to be at the Big House for Bo's last home game, against OSU.  The game was in hand, but Tripp Welborne picked off a last second pass to end the game (or something close - long time ago).

I was also lucky enough to be at the Big Sombrero in Tampa for that bowl game against Alabama, the one Bo missed.  Great game!  I made the drive from Charelston to watch it, and was walking in when both bands were staging to head into the stadium.  Bama's band was about 5 columns deep (maybe a couple hundred feet long) marching around the facade doing thier 'Roll Tide' chant.  I'll admit it looked and sounded impressive.  But they made the mistake of crossing in front of the UM band, who was ready to march into the stadium.  So they did.  Struck up The Victors and marched right through Bama's formation.  It was a thing of beauty...

RYG, thanks for making one of the best era's of Michigan football come back to life!

Hail To The Blue

July 15th, 2016 at 11:11 AM ^

I had a chance to get to know David's daughter that is currently at UM. She was one of the freshmen that came through my orientation program and I worked with her just last year on a freshman recruiting event for admissions. She is going to go on to do great things. Just a fantastic person, extremely kind, well-spoken, and smart as a whip.

vsd31894

July 20th, 2016 at 10:51 AM ^

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M-Dog

August 6th, 2016 at 8:59 AM ^

I love this series about guys who were there during my era!

I'm a little thrown off by the Grandpa part though.  He must have started really early.

Yeah, that's it.