Tiller Tunnel to feature plaque of former coach, honor donors, his players, coaches
What began with a conversation with Drew Brees last year is now about to become reality: The Tiller Tunnel in Ross-Ade Stadium.
“The first conversation Drew and I had about the project and the tunnel was way back when he was a volunteer coach during the bowl game,” said Tim House, Purdue’s Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/Associate Vice President for Development.
A series of Zoom calls ensued and it all culminated in the spring with a final vision from Drew and his wife, Brittany, signing off on the project and serving as catalysts by matching all gifts to the project.
“Everybody loved Joe, and Drew’s got the heart for something like this,” said House, who also worked with former Tiller offensive lineman and current Purdue for Life director of development Kelly Kitchel on the project. “It perfectly aligned with his love for Purdue and his love for his coach.”
The tunnel is being built in the northeast corner of Ross-Ade Stadium as part of a renovation project that also includes a re-imagined south end zone as well as a dining/nutrition facility in the north end zone.
The tunnel will connect to the Kozuch Football Performance Complex, allowing players a unique entry point on game days. It also will be a safe access point for the team, which previously had a circuitous route from the locker room to the field that included navigating through the crowd.
The words “Tiller Tunnel” will grace the exit portal into Ross-Ade Stadium. At the point of entry adjacent to Kozuch, donors to the project will be recognized on a plaque. There also will be a plaque that recognizes everyone who played and coached for Tiller, the Boilermaker head coach from 1997-2008 who left as the program’s all-time winningest coach.
“Drew was adamant about having all of those who played for him and coached for him be recognized,” said House. “Drew knows not everyone can write huge checks. He knows he has been blessed and appreciates his time at Purdue and what it has meant for his career.”
Of course, Tiller also will be honored with a plaque next to the names of donors and players/coaches. The Tiller Tunnel will be dedicated before Purdue’s Homecoming game vs. Illinois on Sept. 30.
“I think there are 28 members of the Tiller family, including (wife) Arnette, coming back for the game,” said House. “(Former Purdue defensive end) Shaun Phillips will be the game captain. He’ll be back. Countless other guys will be back because it’s a football reunion. Drew is making every effort to work his schedule to be back, as well.”
Brees was part of Tiller’s first recruiting class in 1997 and started his final three seasons, leading Purdue to the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance in the 2000 season. He went on to a 20-year NFL career highlighted by a Super Bowl title in the 2009 season with the New Orleans Saints.
“Every player whoever runs through the tunnel will have a sense of the history of the program and it might instill further pride in the the sticker on the side of the helmet and the name on the front of the jersey, if you will,” said House.
No doubt, it will be a highly visible tribute to the iconic Tiller, who went 87-62 overall and 53-43 in the Big Ten with 10 bowl trips in 12 seasons as Boilermaker coach. He passed away in September of 2017 at age 74 after battling health issues.
MORE: Rush is on to finish Ross-Ade project
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