Central Michigan University Athletics
Fuller Enjoying Chance To Play At Home
10/11/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 11, 2000
Ask Joe Fuller the significance of his tattoos--the ones which blanket both arms of the big fullbacks body--and you might be a bit surprised. The history major, noted for his love of reading and visiting museums, portrays many of these affections permanently on his arms.
"I realize they are all there for life," joked Fuller. "They all represent and symbolize various things I have seen or done or things I feel strongly about. Almost all of it is medieval artwork. I really appreciate that kind of art."
After Fuller graduates from CMU, the history buff says he would like to take a year off to travel throughout Europe and visit museums. He then mentioned he would like to come back to CMU to obtain a Ph.D. in history. His lifetime goal, however, is to ultimately become a museum curator.
"There is no better education than actually experiencing something first hand," said Fuller. "Being a museum curator sounds boring to most people but I'm just a big history buff and I really get into that kind of stuff."
Choosing CMU was an easy decision for the Mount Pleasant native. Known in high school as Mr. Clean because of his cleanly shaven head, Fuller also earned two state titles and All-American honors while wrestling for Mt. Pleasant High School.
"It is nice to get the opportunity to play close to home," Fuller said. "They gave me a scholarship and I knew there was a good class of players coming in my freshman year. I had options to wrestle at other colleges but the football scholarship made the choice easy for me."
Fuller also found a familiar face in the CMU backfield to help make his transition to college football more comfortable.
"Pete Shepherd and I have played together for a long time," said Fuller. "I know how he plays and he knows how I play. It is nice to be able to play next to such a good friend."
According to Fuller, the biggest role model in his life has been both his brother and father.
"My brother has always been my role model because of what he has done," Fuller said. "He was the captain on the Yale football team and has been successful in everything he has pursued.
"Along with that, my father has taught me hard work. Everything I have learned morally has been from him. I have tried to follow in both their footsteps as best as I can."
Although shoulder injuries have plagued a majority of his college football career, Joe Fuller has shown the kind of hard work and persistence, both on and off of the field, that depicts a true role model.
by: Ryan Meister, Sports Information Assistant
