While the rest of their state is in the midst of a deep cold spell, the No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers are enjoying the warm weather down in south Florida.
For a few players Tuesday night, that also included catching a large shark off the coast.
Seriously.
Based on the photo above from Wisconsin football’s Twitter account, defensive linemen Chikwe Obasih and Garrett Rand, running back Taiwan Deal, and tight ends Troy Fumagalli and Kyle Penniston, along with quality control coach Matt Miller reeled in a 450-pound hammerhead shark in a deep-sea fishing expedition.
Here’s the Instagram video from Obasih of the Badgers bringing in the large “fish”:
Be sure to look at the video and the photos within the above embeds, especially the second photo detailing the length (8 feet!) and weight of the shark, which they named “Big Bug.”
As a former Floridan who’s gone shark fishing before, it is a pretty crazy feeling to bring in a large beast like that. Granted, it was when I was 16 and we were looking for 3-to-4-foot black tip sharks. For my troubles on that late spring evening off the Gulf Coast, I caught of all things a 50-pound sting ray, which was immediately cut off my line by my buddy’s stepdad before any further craziness ensued.
Badgers take over South Beach
To further remind all of us how warm Florida is right now compared to Wisconsin and a good chunk of the United States, the Badgers went to South Beach for some relaxation and fun in the sun.
That included jet skis, playing volleyball, and specialists working to get much-needed tans. Again, be sure to check out Wisconsin’s Instagram page for more pictures and stories.
RB SQUAD ✊ pic.twitter.com/1mYlXjwc9r
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 27, 2017
South Beach ☀️ pic.twitter.com/0WLs85IciT
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 27, 2017
Sun + Sand + Jet Skis + Friends
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 27, 2017
= One Solid Beach Day ☀️ pic.twitter.com/HyqwqLd643
Potential update on T.J. Edwards?
Thursday morning, a few reporters spoke with Edwards about the NFL Advisory Board grade the All-American inside linebacker received.
FWIW: #Badgers TJ Edwards got grade from NFL Advisory Board: “come back to school” grade. He wasn’t surprised.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 28, 2017
#Badgers LB TJ Edwards says he got a "come back to school grade" from the draft advisory committee. Said he wasn't surprised. Still on the fence about his decision. pic.twitter.com/6CklwVHNfh
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) December 28, 2017
#Badgers T.J. Edwards said the biggest concern from the advisory board centered around his speed.
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) December 28, 2017
Edwards is still gathering feedback from other sources: “I’m still on the fence, just because there’s so many things that go into it.” #Badgers
— Jason Galloway (@Jason_Galloway) December 28, 2017