🔥 The Team and I are both on Fire: My Wild Game Day Experience 🔥

Submitted by GoodLuckVarsity on November 27th, 2023 at 9:33 AM

Here is a wild story for you:

On Saturday, my 3 brothers and I headed to Ann Arbor for The Game. We parked on Jewett as we always do and made the 1.5 mile walk to the stadium, stopping at Stadium Market for strombolis on the way.

My feet get cold pretty easily, so I was wearing battery-powered heated insoles, which I purchased from Amazon about 1.5 months ago. They were not powered on at the time as I had (stupidly, but possibly thankfully?) forgotten the key fob remote at home, which I didn’t realize until we got out of the car. 
 

As we crossed the dirt tailgate lot in front of Crisler Arena about 50 yards from the stadium entrance, the insole in my right shoe exploded and burst into flames. There was no warning, no slow heating up, and no impact that would’ve caused this. I immediately hit the deck yelling and my brothers were able to remove my shoe after what I believe was about 10-12 seconds (double-knotted laces and high top shoes made it difficult). It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life. 
 

One of my brothers ran all the way back to the golf course to get service so he could call 911 (no thanks to the traffic cops on Stadium who said said they could not use their walkies to radio for help), and the ambulance was there in 5 minutes. Friendly M fans offered me beer, tequila and a joint (all of which I declined not knowing what drugs the doctors would give me), while an OSU fan (predictably) asked if he could have my ticket (also declined). 
 

The ambulance was there in 5 minutes, and I was able to watch every play of the game from a bed at U of M Hospital in between treatments. I have first, second and third degree burns on my foot. I did not see Zak there, but I’m pretty sure the whole hospital knew I was there after my outburst when we sealed the game. My skin looked like a melted, charred plastic bag peeling way off my foot in weird directions, so they had to cut a bunch of that off which hurt like crazy. I was eventually discharged and have skin graft surgery coming later this week. I should make a full recovery. 
 

Anyway, I thought I would share as I’m guessing many of you live in MI have some type of battery-operated clothing or are considering putting some on a Christmas list. It may seem like a great way to stay warm while shoveling snow, skiing or attending an outdoor event, but I would be very careful with these types of accessories. Maybe stick to the old school insulated layers or go with disposable heaters. 
 

Bummer that I had to miss the game, but I’m grateful that it wasn’t worse. My brothers acted quickly or I’m convinced it would’ve burned all the way through to the bone. And now I just might be able to convince my wife that I deserve a trip to the Rose Bowl since I had to miss The Game. Go Blue, beat Iowa!

GoBlueBill

November 27th, 2023 at 9:44 AM ^

Damn, what a shitty thing to have happen to you. Im glad it sounds like you are going to be ok.

Thanks for the warning about battery operated clothing. Im sure it will help for all us MGoBloggers to be more wary and ready , should something go sideways . 

The Mad Hatter

November 27th, 2023 at 9:50 AM ^

In all seriousness, that looks like it hurt like hell, and it was really shitty of the traffic cops not to call for help.  That's literally their job!  And find some painkillers (good ones) before surgery, because hospitals are insanely stingy with them these days.

It's just a shame that you'll have to light your foot on fire next year, since that may be the reason we won the game.

MadMonkey

November 27th, 2023 at 9:53 AM ^

Word on the street is that people in East Lansing are interested in this technology.  Something about modifying it for use in couches.

 

[Have a full and speedy recovery.  See you in Pasadena]

Double-D

November 27th, 2023 at 9:59 AM ^

I believe we have several Attorneys on the Blog that would like to make your acquaintance.

I mean the pain and suffering of missing out on the live gameday experience alone…

Kevin C

November 27th, 2023 at 10:01 AM ^

I've always used chemical toe-warmers for outdoor activities in winter weather.  After reading your post, I'm not going to change.

Get well soon.

1989 UM GRAD

November 27th, 2023 at 10:09 AM ^

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you for not posting pictures of your foot. 
 

Looks like you’ll need to set your foot on fire every year for The Game. Can’t take any chances on changing your game day rituals. 

rob f

November 27th, 2023 at 10:13 AM ^

Flame broiled, just like Jim Harbaugh's steaks.

 

Seriously, though: Hoping for a quick recovery for you and that you get to take that Rose Bowl trip you mentioned.

Midukman

November 27th, 2023 at 10:32 AM ^

Dam I'm sorry this happened, but also laughed my ass off as it seems like something that would definitely happen to me. My wife quit smoking some years ago and started vaping. We were heading up north and her vape was between us in the console and the bastard blew up and started on fire while doing 80 on I 75. Scared the hell out of us and i almost rolled her new SUV at the time. I agree, you should get to see all the games from here on out for free. Also tag the review you leave on amazon for these socks. 

MGlobules

November 27th, 2023 at 10:39 AM ^

Ouch. When we were kids, my brothers and I would race to put our shoes on every morning. It always ended in a tie.

That's all I got. Please heel well. 

Midukman

November 27th, 2023 at 10:48 AM ^

Darn Tough and smartwool socks are game changers for cold feet. While not cheap I've converted my entire drawer. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer