Trust the Buzz, that's the Mailman's John Hancock near the back of Michelle Kwan's right skate.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
January 14, 2004 -- If Karl Malone’s second career as an action-film star does not work out perhaps motivational speaking is a possibility. Or should it be motivational penmanship?

Michelle Kwan won a record seventh consecutive State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships title and the eighth overall in her career on skates autographed by the Mailman. In addition to the autograph, it seems that Michelle, a huge Lakers fan, was the recipient of a pep talk delivered by the Mailman. He encouraged Kwan, who is an Olympic gold medal short of a career, to persevere and give the Olympics another try, just like he's trying to win an NBA championship with the Lakers at age 40.

The conversation followed a short game of one-on-one, which featured the 5-2 Kwan taking it right at Malone (think she knew he was on IL?) and having her shot swatted (he's not that injured). Now, if they were playing on skates ...