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'This one is special': Illinois football assistant shows off Citrus Bowl championship ring
Illinois football had a turnaround season under fourth-year coach Bret Bielema, winning 10 games for the first time in two-plus decades, including a victory in the Citrus Bowl.
At least one coach has received his championship ring from the big bowl win, as receivers coach Justin Stepp posted multiple photos of the bling to last week.
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The silver-colored ring reads "CITRUS BOWL CHAMPIONS" on top, circled around the block "I" logo, encrusted with multiple orange and blue jewels.
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One side of the ring includes a number, plus the Citrus Bowl trophy. The other side has a last name and the program's 100-year logo. Inside the ring are engravings of "The Land of Lincoln Trophy" and "The Cannon" — won in 2024 in rivalry victories against Northwestern and Purdue.
Also engraved inside are the initials "DD," a tribute to late Illini assistant Dana Dimel, who died in December.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football: Illini shows off Citrus Bowl championship ring
