Canzano: A brush with Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and Travis Scott

Will Dan Lanning find the 'X-Factor'?

Dan Lanning has completed two seasons at Oregon. (Photo: Naji Saker)

I caught up with Dan Lanning and asked him about an appearance he made on ESPN during the broadcast of the College Football Playoff national title game.

He changed the subject.

Lanning was invited to Houston by the network. The University of Oregon football coach jumped at the opportunity, and justifiably so. Being on the set isn’t the same as playing in the title game. But getting your head coach and football brand exposed to a TV audience of 25 million isn’t a booby prize, either.

Still, it’s not what Lanning wanted to talk about. Because during the Washington-Michigan game, he was ushered to the Nike-owned suite at NRG Stadium, where he watched the game alongside Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter and Travis Scott.

Lanning was star-struck, particularly by Jordan.

“He touched me on the shoulder,” Lanning said. “I haven’t washed my shoulder yet. Him, Derek Jeter, Travis Scott, come on man, that’s the moment you pinch yourself and say ‘What’s this kid from Richmond, Missouri doing hanging out in a suite with Michael Jordan, Travis Scott and Derek Jeter?’”