Israel Idonije is an 11-year veteran in the NFL.  Not only has he been an asset on the field, but his off-the-field endeavors make him a standout example for youth today.

He has worked hard to use the platform of the NFL for good and he has been recognized repeatedly for his character and the work he does with youth.

Idonije will be at the Barnes & Noble in the Geneva Commons at 2 p.m. Saturday signing the comic book he created, The Protectors.

Using sports as a backdrop, The Protectors contains a positive message to youth about discovering their unique abilities and talents and choosing good despite the obstacles that will come their way.

According to the Barnes & Noble website, Idonije will be signing The Protectors #0 and The Protectors #1. Free tickets will be given out starting at 9 a.m. to determine line order for signing. Book purchase required for signing. Please contact the store for additional information.

• WHO: Longtime Chicago Bear and Comic Book Creator Israel Idonije
• WHAT: Book signing and appearance at Barnes and Noble.  He will also sign one other non-book item and will take pictures as well.
• WHERE:  Barnes and Noble, Geneva Commons, Commons Dr, Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 262-8568
• WHEN: 2-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
• WHY: Israel Idonije, creator of the comic book, The Protectors, was asked to be part of the Barnes & Noble nationwide “Get Pop-Cultured” event.

About ‘The Protectors’

NFL Defensive End Israel Idonije has been a fan of comic books since he was a child. He started Athlitacomics in 2007 during the Chicago Bears training camp when he had an idea for a superhero story he felt would appeal to both die-hard sports fans and comic book enthusiasts.

The story of “The Protectors” was conceived at that time. He brought on the acclaimed creative team of writer Ron Marz and artist Bart Sears to help him bring the comic project to the finish line.  The Protectors story combines sports action and superhero spectacle as never seen before.

Pro football superstar Isaac Chike seems to have the perfect life of success, wealth and fame. But his perfect life is turned upside down when he discovers his true purpose in life. Isaac learns he is destined to be one of The Protectors, a small group of gifted heroes blessed with miraculous powers. Now Isaac and a handful of other star athletes must choose between the lives they know, and the greater good of protecting mankind from enemies intent on enslaving the world. Are Isaac and his friends worthy of becoming The Protectors?

The Protectors has debuted with a limited edition issue #0 and issue #1.  The narrative of this epic series of cosmic proportions, with the world at stake, will soon unfold in earnest with more issues.  

Israel Idonije can be found on Facebook and Twitter @iidonije and Athlitacomics  can be found on Facebook and Twitter @ATHLiTACOMiCS.