Garrett Wolfe
A dynamic college football star whose explosive play at Northern Illinois made him a third-round NFL draft pick for the Chicago Bears.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American gridiron football player·Birthday: August 17·Millennials
Biography
Garrett Wolfe’s football journey is a classic tale of a smaller player making a massive impact. Hailing from Chicago, he became a sensation at Northern Illinois University, where his electric speed and agility turned him into one of the nation's most productive running backs. The hometown Chicago Bears selected him in the 2007 draft, envisioning him as a versatile weapon in their backfield and on special teams. While his professional career didn't reach the stratospheric heights of his college days, Wolfe carved out a niche with his fearless running style and kick-return capabilities over four seasons. His legacy remains firmly rooted in the Mid-American Conference record books, where his name is synonymous with breathtaking, long-distance touchdowns that captivated fans and defied expectations about a player's size.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Garrett was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Garrett Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Garrett's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 1,928 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season at Northern Illinois, leading the nation in rushing.
- Selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.
- Set the Northern Illinois single-season rushing record with 1,928 yards in 2006.
- Finished his college career as Northern Illinois's all-time leader in all-purpose yards (5,164).
Did You Know?
He was a standout track athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
Wolfe wore jersey number 1 during his time with the Chicago Bears.
He played in Super Bowl XLI with the Bears during his rookie season, though the team lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
“I've always been the smallest guy on the field, so I had to run like I was the biggest.”
