In a celebratory government meeting, DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes proclaimed September 7, 2024, as \"NIU Football Day\" in honor of the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies' historic victory over the fifth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This momentous win, which ended a 0-14 record against top-10 teams, marked a significant milestone for the Huskies, who triumphed with a score of 16-14 in South Bend.

Mayor Barnes highlighted the achievement as a testament to the university's strong athletic program, its dedicated student-athletes, coaches, and the supportive community. He noted that NIU, a prominent research institution with over 250,000 alumni, has a rich history in collegiate athletics, including 16 bowl game appearances.

Athletic Director Thomas Hammock expressed gratitude for the community's support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between NIU and DeKalb. He acknowledged the emotional significance of the victory and the pride it brought to the local community, while also reminding attendees that the season was still in its early stages.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for the Huskies, as the team aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming season. The proclamation and the celebratory atmosphere underscored the community's pride in their university and its athletic accomplishments.