With Harris as escort, don't try to swipe this kid's candy

For Chicago Bear Tommie Harris, a bye week turned into a “boo” week.

Harris spent late Sunday afternoon trick-or-treating with 9-year old Ryan Politzki of Arlington Heights in the boy's neighborhood.

Politzki was the winner of Goodwill's first Gridiron Ghosts and Goblins Contest. His name was chosen from thousands of entries that were completed at local Goodwill Store & Donation Centers in the greater Chicagoland area

The contest was a partnership between Goodwill and NewsRadio 780 WBBM, US 99.5 and Fresh 105.9.

His father, Steve Politzki, said the family shops at the Goodwill store at 1551 N. Dryden Ave. in Arlington Heights.

Politzki said Ryan, a who is not yet a true-blue sports fan like his dad, was actually reluctant to enter the drawing.

But when Steve and Stacey Politzki's house in the 1900 block of East Suffield Drive became the place to be Sunday, Ryan said he was surprised and excited.

Neighbors congregated to get a glimpse of the Bear defensive tackle and possibly an autograph. Meanwhile Ryan, a student at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, shunned a traditional Halloween costume in favor of a Bears jersey. He was also joined by his friend, Matthew Salomonson.

Stacey Politzki said she's never experienced such a large crowd at her house on Halloween. But she welcomed the hoopla not only for Ryan, but for her husband she describes as “obsessed” with football.

“It's very fun,” she said.

Harris arrived in his black SUV with his son Tyson, dressed as Woody from “Toy Story,” in tow. Before collecting candy with the kids, he signed autographs, putting his name on footballs and basketballs.

Harris recalled back to his childhood Halloweens, when trick-or-treat hours ran all day and costumes were a little more primitive.

“We didn't pay money for all these nice costumes, so we had to be creative and make our own. I was a ghost like every Halloween,” said Harris.

He also said he had a brush with football greatness when he was Ryan's age.

“When I was younger, I had a chance to meet Emmitt Smith, but he wasn't too nice,” brushing off his request for an autograph.

Later when he had a chance to meet Smith, Harris joked, “I gave him a hard time.”