To the Illinois Football Family, the wonderful Illini fans, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has been a part of this journey:
As I sit down to write these lines, my heart is filled with thankfulness. This is more than a farewell or a thank-you message; it’s a love letter to a program, a community, and a second home that accepted me with open arms and allowed me to grow, fail, struggle, and become the man and quarterback I am today.
When I decided to transfer to Illinois, I was looking for more than just playing time. I was looking for a purpose. This curriculum instilled in me unflinching faith from the start. Coach Bret Bielema and the entire coaching staff recognized something in me that I was still discovering for myself. They pushed, nurtured, and kept me accountable in ways that transformed my perspective and future.
To my teammates, you are my brothers. You’ve experienced it all: the highs of game-winning drives, the pain of heartbreaking losses, the grind of practice, and the beauty of shared goals. You challenged me to lead with honesty, compete with passion, and be present every day. I’ve learned that great leadership isn’t about being loud; it’s about listening, showing up, and winning the respect of people who work alongside you.
Thank you, fans. Memorial Stadium has a unique heartbeat that is fueled by the voices of thousands of fans who wear orange and blue. Whether it was raining, snowing, or under the bright lights of a primetime game, you were energized. You stood by both us and me. You never made me feel like an outsider, but rather like a part of the family. Thank you for every handshake, shout from the stands, every young fan who proudly wore my jersey. I incorporated you all into every photograph.
To the University and Illini community, your off-field support was as powerful as the game-day cheers. You provided me with the resources I needed to develop as a student, a leader, and a young man looking for his voice. You provided a home away from home, a community that emphasized service, faith, and hard work.
Despite facing injuries, doubts, and frustration, the Illini spirit helped me overcome challenges and rise to new heights. As I embark on the next chapter of my football career, I carry Illinois with me—every lesson, bond, and roar from the stands. This is not a goodbye, but a thank-you from the depths of my heart. #ILL #FamilyForever. Luke Altmyer