The Drive with Jack
*Gregory Eaton, The man who NEVER misses a Super Bowl
(upbeat music) - Jack, I believe you're my good friend, Matt Sloatt, grab a Volcomist, lots of excitement at the two dealerships. What's new with Chevy and Nissan? - Well, Jack, great question. At Nissan, everybody seems to be talking about interest rates. We're offering 0% financing on new vehicles, and we have the all new completely redesigned 2025 kicks on the lot and ready for delivery. It is fantastic. At Chevy, same thing. People are talking about interest rates. Guess what? We have 0% financing on new, and as low as 1.99 used. You gotta come check it out. - Great time to get a car and great place to do it. Grab a Volcomist. Rob, let's go right back to our guest line and down to West Palm Beach, Florida. Welcome in Gregory Eaton, very well-known in mid-Michigan, a tremendous business career. Diehart Spartan fan and legendary follower of Super Bowls. - Greg, are you watching this Michigan State basketball game down there? - Yes, I am. - Not what anyone expected. - No, but when you play somebody that you know, it's hard. He's, you know, and he's playing then once you're playing hard for him. - Yeah, yeah. I would say, whenever you come into a situation that you're a starting foreman, Jackson Kohler, you're starting point guard, Jeremy Fiers, and your most electric player, Cohen Carr, none of them have a basket. - I knew him. (laughs) - Yeah. - And Michigan State now up 58, 47, and that is with a nine-two run. So Broncos cut it in the second half from a 13-point lead down to four, and imagine there are a few people there who are getting a little nervous. - Yeah, they scored 10 points, and we didn't score any. (laughs) - Well, they talk about it being a game of runs. Michigan State had a 13-0 run in the first half after Western had a lead. So, you know, this is, as Tom Isol likes to say, New Year's Eve, the Super Bowl, everything all rolled into one for Western Michigan, and you can imagine what this means to Duane Stevens, coming back here where he played, the coach for two decades, was a trusted assistant to Tom Isol. - The coach is not smiling much. It was not smiling much, he's keeping their face. (laughs) You see slow coming out his nose. - Yeah, something tells me that there will be a spirited practice tomorrow. They go back to big 10 play Friday night in Columbus, Ohio against a Buckeye team that just beat Kentucky by 20. So-- - I didn't know that. - Yeah, Ohio State is mercurial. Greg, some days they look great. Other days they look like they've never seen a basketball before, and you don't know which day you're gonna get 'em, but Michigan State will have to be ready for a team much tougher than Western Michigan. And you've watched Michigan State basketball. How long? - Oh, well, 46. - Since 1946. - 46. - Wow. - Yeah? - Wow. - So right there, I'd go to the games, yeah. - So you saw close to 45 years before they even got into Breslin Center. - Oh, yeah, there was in Jonathan. - Yeah, absolutely. Well, you've seen more games than that now in the Super Bowl. Can you tell us the story again about you and your buddy Herb Adderley, and how it started that you went to Super Bowl I in LA? - Yes. Well, Herb, you know, came to Michigan State. He came here in '58, I mean '57. I was in high school, and I was playing a basketball football track at Texas, and we made it a friendship. We got to be friends, and he would come to my games, and, you know, as a matter of fact, when I was in Texas and I was hanging out at Michigan State, 'cause a lot of my classmates was holding me were at State, so I'd hung on with Mr. State a lot, you know? And I got to, you know, shit, I even met a fact in the old days, I just ride my bike out and hang out with Duffy Daugherty and Biggie Munn in the game, you know? - Yeah, well, Herb was from Philadelphia, originally, and primarily a running back at Michigan State, and then Vince Lombardi drafted him, and didn't take him long to figure out, you know, we got something special here. We're going to put him on defense. - Herb told me he taught him how to run what is hit, run backwards, and he keeps his eye on how to run backwards. - Whatever he taught him, it worked, because he's one of the top 10 cornerbacks, maybe one of the top 10 defensive backs, in football history. - Well, he was the first one for Michigan State to go into Hall of Fame. How about that? - Michigan State, in the pros. - So when Herb said to you, "Hey, Greg, come on out to this game." You didn't have any problem getting tickets, right? - Oh, no, no, the tickets were 10, 8, and 6. Call of Tim holds 100,000, they had about 45,000 students, people, so it wasn't full. - 45,000. So less than half full. - Yes. - Yeah. And it was the Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, and the game was actually on two networks. There was a broadcast on NBC with Kurt Goudy, and there was a broadcast on CBS with Ray Scott, was doing the commentary. And then the second year, it was the Packers again, against the Raiders, and that one I think was in Miami. How did you get that one? - That was in Miami. - That was in Miami, yeah. They state, I mean, I visited them Anderson, just signed that big contract with Green Bay. - Donnie Anderson? - And the Herb was in. He just made a ton of money. He was nice looking, the girls were hanging around him. (laughing) - So when did you get with your group? Now it's down to three, right? Who better have a Super Bowl? - Well, Larry found me, and I was getting interviewed in Miami with Tony Dondre and Lovey. You know, they were the first two coaches, two black coaches to be in the Super Bowl. So I told the press, I can't lose. 'Cause any one win, I'm gonna win. Because I never thought I'd see two black coaches in a Super Bowl, you know, because when it started, it was, you know, I wasn't, that wasn't impossible. They did not even quarterback. And then when we went in, and won, you know, I mean, and that was just good times. It was just changed the whole Super Bowl game, but you know, the first two were world championships. The first Super Bowl was with Joe Nameth. - Right, Super Bowl one was actually the third of these games, because before that, they didn't use that term. - No, they didn't. - Lamar Hunt Son came up with it, I think. The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, Lamar Hunt, his son came up with the term Super Bowl, and it applied, and it stuck. You know, sometimes you get a name, like when Fred Stabley Jr. started calling Irvin Johnson Magic. Sometimes you find a nickname that is better than you could have imagined, and that's what it was with the Super Bowl. Now it's so trademarked, you can't even say it. - But one of the coaches didn't like it. They said that's a crummy name, what a crummy name for the Super Bowl. And it stuck, and it's famous today. - Yeah, exactly. Well, Vince Lombardi winning the first two, and his name is all over the trophy. - Yeah, they named it after him, yeah. - Yeah, so now we've got a Super Bowl in New Orleans. And last year, I think back to being in Santa Clara for the NFC Championship game, and I'm thinking, Greg, this is it. The Lions are gonna do it the first time. - I think so. I don't know why I wouldn't even, I would have played all second strings tomorrow night, the main tonight. Why would you rest that, players? - Yeah, tonight, right? I mean, you got the Lions. - So this is different if they wanna lose tonight. - Right, right. - For what they're telling me now. You know, I'm watching TV and they're telling me that, you know, so you got your beat up anyway. So why don't you rest them? - There's only one scenario, and it's a one in a thousand chance where it wouldn't matter. And that would be if the Lions lost, and then there was a tie with Minnesota. You know, they played the one overtime period. And if it wound up as a tie, then Minnesota would have an advantage with one more win. But if the Lions beat Minnesota, tonight is completely irrelevant. So I think from an injury standpoint. So what would you tell people is the highlight of going to Super Bowls? You've seen so many, you've seen the game evolve. - Well, my highlight was, you know, when Williams went, been the first black quarterback, and then the two coaches. There were my highlights. I mean, every, you know, there were some good games. I mean, I mean, you know, but I picked them up because I didn't think it would be happening, you know. And I just love the game. I think it's exciting. I really, when the soft spring or balance plate, I really get, I really get into it. I've always had decent seats, you know. I've had someone to 50 and I had someone to corner. But now, you know, they send, we can buy two tickets. So it was four hours. Larry died two years ago. But, and Larry found me, they were interviewing me in New Orleans. And he called me, he got a hold of me. He said, "Would you like to join the Never Super Bowl Club?" I said, "I didn't know about it." And I said, "Yeah, I loved you." So they invited me in and I joined. And I've been with them. I got with them, but the 50th Super Bowl. - Wow. You know, Jerry Green, a long time writer for the Detroit News, had been everyone, right, until his death. And then, so, you know, that was finally his last one. He couldn't go too physically. But the week, he had a machine with him, but he didn't go any more after that. - That's right. Does the league take care of you in any way? - We're the only two in the country from the state of Michigan that have been every Super Bowl. (laughing) - So, what about the national football league? How do they look at this and do they treat you well? - Well, the 50th, they're 50th Super Bowl. Larry and them, they got free tickets. Free tickets, hotel, they picked them up. But I wasn't in the club there, so I didn't get that. But I think they'll probably do it next year for the sixth year. - Yeah. - But they should do it. I mean, it's only four of us left. I don't know the other gentleman, but I know he's there. And you know, we had the green keeper from Green Bay, and we had my mom, Hunt's wife. We honored her last year at the Super Bowl 'cause she passed away before the Super Bowl. - Right. Well, the word is that you have to keep doing this until the Lions get there. Is that right? - I'm gonna keep doing it as long as I'm alive. Now, the Lions got to get winning this year. - Hey, hey, Greg, how old are you? - I'm 85. - 85, and I see you at-- - 85 on the 17th this month, next month. - Bless you. I see you at the meetings of the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame selection committee. You're a very important part of that. And you look great. You look like, you don't look like you're 85. I'll tell you that. I hope I look like that if I'm 85. I worked out, I work out, I do things. I mean, I've always loved sports and being a part of sports. And I think you gotta take care of yourself. And my business keeps me business. And I don't wanna retire yet. I mean, I've been a lobbyist for 60, 62 years, you know? Can you believe that? (laughs) - 62 years is a lobbyist. - And I think after, yeah. - Yeah, yeah. Well, tell us about some of the other business ventures you've had. - Well, that's your part, my big business, you know? And I have 155 employees and we're open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So that's a tough business. We never go to bed. - Wow. And of course you had the restaurant too, right? - Yeah, Gregory stole food. That's 56 years old. - Wow. Well, if you see Gregory Eaton around and you have any Super Bowl trivia, he'll probably know the answer because he has been to everyone. What do you think the Lions chances are of getting there finally? Is this as good a team as you've seen from them? - Yeah, I thought the last game they played was the best game they played all year. - Yeah. - I mean, and we had injuries. We've had some good ball players out, but we should get some back. We should get some back. And I didn't think it's our turn. You gotta have a little luck now that we need soon. - Yeah, what do you like about this team? You've seen championship teams? - I like the coach 'cause he does things that he just does his way. And I like the last week when we lost that game, first of all, we just gave him a touchdown. We should have pun it, you know? And then we went for that first down and he got the ball and we worked, you know, they scored and we had to play a catch up with one of the best teams in the league right now. - So, if Dan Campbell said to you, Greg, do you think I go for it too much on four down? Would you tell him to be a little more conservative and punt the ball? - Yeah, yeah, but I wouldn't do that to the coach. 'Cause he said, "Who are you?" "Yeah, I'm the coach." - What do you say in the line? - I think he did that. I don't think he'd do that again. I don't think he'd do it again. So you learn from your mistakes. - Well, the Lions are bad so many different coaches. - And I tell you what, the players love you. They're one through a wall. You have your players who run through a wall for you. And he's, when they come out of the game, good or bad, he hung up to this goal in. And I think that means a lot to the players. - Greg, is there a lesson to be learned from Dan Campbell for people who own businesses, for people who have employees about how to treat them or how to make them give you the maximum effort? - Yeah, I think you learn that. I think you learn that. Most of the coaches will tell you that they learn that. I mean, and they got a good staff. I mean, you know, and the players, they're eating the food. And they're feeding them and they're eating it. And that's why we're, we only got two losses. - Seems weird that there's gonna be a team with three losses and they're gonna be a five seed. They're gonna be on the road in the playoffs here. - Yeah. - It's all gonna come down to next week with Minnesota. What impresses you about the Vikings? - The Vikings are playing some of the best football of any team in the league right now. - Yeah. - They have a lot of receivers and yesterday. - Them and Buffalo. Buffalo was playing this. - Yes. Yesterday, Greg, we saw Jalen Naylor from Michigan State come out. And of course, teams are doubling Justin Jefferson and you got Jordan Addison and you got TJ Hockinson. And she got all these receivers and they forgot about Speedy Naylor. Next thing you know, he's in the end zone with the football. - Yeah. (laughing) Yeah, that's true. (laughing) - How much of your time in the winter do you spend in Florida? - I spend four to five months down here. - Yeah. - I've been in Florida 50 years now. - Wow. - I bought a place, Mike Doyle, who I grew up with and he passed away. Mike had the only football when we were playing football. He picked, you know, so by section there, he lived by section. I lived on old Avenue. And it went, you know, we became good friends. And he bought some places in Florida at the Cali Beach Town of the Racquet Club in Longbow Key. And he bought, he told me one and he sold the equipment one. So I've been down here 50 years now. I mean, I've been in West Palm, 17 years now. - So how far are you from Mar-a-Lago? - Mar-a-Lago. - I'm a little way from Mar-a-Lago. - Okay, well that's good. I'd rather be at your place anyway. - But I like the sunset over there on the dog side and the sand is more like talcum powder. - Yeah, yeah. Pretty spectacular if you haven't been there. It's a great place to visit. Greg, thanks so much for joining us. I really appreciate it. - And thank you for calling me and asking me about it. I'll see you when I get home. - You got it. - Maybe I'll see you in New Orleans. That would be great. - Are you gonna come? - Hey, if the lions are there, I'm gonna be there. I don't know what's gonna cost. - Well, you've got my number. - I do. I'm just gonna tell people I know. - Oh, yeah, you should come. We have a big class conference on Thursday. - Oh, really? - Every Thursday. And you know, the foreign press is the best. They love us. - Yeah, I'll bet. - I'll let you know what time we're gonna be there. And we're there all afternoon. We have food. We've got a sponsor. They food us. They feed us and everything. - That sounds pretty good, Rob. Sounds like I might have to be there just hanging out with Gregory Eden. My worst place is to be. - Thank you. - Hey, Spartan fans. When you want the largest and best selection of Spartan gear, Alumni Hall is your ultimate shopping destination. Come get your officially licensed gear. Nike, champion, Columbia, Yeti, new era hats, tailgating gear, and more. MSU students, faculty and military receive 10% off in store every day. And you can earn cash back with their hall pass rewards. Alumni Hall, located at Eastwood Town Center near the Apple Store, or shop anytime at alumnihall.com. For the ultimate Spartan shopping experience, it's Alumni Hall. - To everyone who wants a meal made just for you, let our team member, Arish, share what makes Culver special. 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Head to deanjobs.com. - Jack Elling here with my good friend Matt Sloane has grabbed a vocalist, lots of excitement at the two dealerships. What's new with Chevy and Nissan? - Well, Jack, great question. At Nissan, everybody seems to be talking about interest rates. We're offering 0% financing on new vehicles and we have the all-new, completely redesigned 2025 kicks on the lot and ready for delivery. It is fantastic. At Chevy, same thing. People are talking about interest rates. Guess what? We have 0% financing on new and as low as 1.99 used. You gotta come check it out. - Great time to get a car and great place to do it. Graphable. (upbeat music) - Hey Spartan fans. When you want the largest and best selection of Spartan gear, Alumni Hall is your ultimate shopping destination. Come get your officially licensed gear. Nike, Champion, Columbia, Yeti, new era hats, tailgating gear and more. MSU students, faculty and military receive 10% off in store every day. And you can earn cash back with their hall pass rewards. Alumni Hall located at Eastwood Town Center near the Apple Store or shop anytime at alumnihall.com. For the ultimate Spartan shopping experience, it's Alumni Hall. - To everyone who craves a sweet treat with a little something special, let us tell you about our concrete mixers at Culver's. - There's so many reasons I love fresh frozen custard. It's so rich, so creamy. It's the perfect treat. But when I handcraft it with all of your favorite mixins and see your smiles after every spoonful, it's clear what makes our concrete mixers so special to me is making them just for you. - From Wisconsin with love, welcome to Delicious. (upbeat music) (upbeat music)