“We’re not as ready as I usually like to be. The weather was kind of eating my lunch on Friday and I only ended up [finishing the rigging] Saturday, 6:30 in the evening.”

– Michael Troffer, Chief Engineer and Nik’s uncle

Terry Troffer (Nik’s father, midway through first walk): “Nik, if you get a chance, give it a bounce one time so I can watch the reaction.”

Nik (incredulously): “It’s moving, dad. I’m not going to give it a bounce.”

Terry: “All right.”
“What an incredibly beautiful city at night Chicago is. Absolutely beautiful.”

– Nik Wallenda during first walk

Terry Troffer: “The wire looks good, Nik.”

Nik Wallenda: “It’s white and round and made of cables. Right, dad?”

Terry Troffer: “That’s right.”
“These sway guys at the end were a little close. Next time we need them to be a little further. If I do Chicago again.”

– Nik, speaking privately (but on-mike) to his father at end of first walk and hinting at doing another stunt in Chicago some day.

“I think it’s pretty cool but I’d much rather he be a proctologist.”

– Amadaos Wallenda, Nik’s 12-year-old son, at end of broadcast, carrying out what may have been a triple-dog-dare.