My Memorial Day story...."Laying a Hero To Rest"
I served one year on the USAF Honor Guard Team. Best tour of duty ever. We headed to El Paso on one assignment to lay to rest a fellow Airman. After the long ride on the bus, we exited to find the man was of hispanic heritage, and there was easily a hundred family members there.
We wore the blue berets, white gloves, tailored uniforms, and had the shiniest boots in the military.
We lined up and carried the flag draped casket out of the hearse and to the gravesight. The family was crying, but that was nothing we weren't used to.
Our firing party had polished M-1 Garands, and they lined up to the right, all 7 of them, with the Sgt. out in front. The Firing Party was my favorite. There is just something about the feeling of cracking that 21 gun salute...especially when we nailed it just right.
I was on the Casket Detail that day, on the right side of the casket, facing the widow and family. There was a tent over the family, and I recall seeing a couple little kids next to the widow. That always made it hard.
The Flag Detail was right behind me at the foot of the casket. Two Airmen on each end with M-1's, an Airman holding the US Flag, and one holding the USAF flag. I had been on the Flag Detail many times...always had to worry about locking your knees and passing out in the event we had a long service.
Our Bugler was off in the distance, and we had a 2nd Bugler there this day as well.
It was a nice, cool day. Not a cloud in the sky.
Following the words from the Priest, our performance began. On this particular day, the Bugler absolutely nailed every note to Taps. Better yet, the 2nd Bugler echoed a faded Taps on a delay note, and it was breathtaking. They are just human, and I know its a guy and a trumpet, but they sometimes made mistakes, missed a note, or simply had a bad day. Not today. When we had days like this, when it was perfect, we got chills up our spine. This was one of those times.
And without skipping a beat, a second after the last note was played, the Sgt. called the Firing Party to order and "Fire...POP, Fire...POP, Fire...POP". Three distinct shots in unison from all seven guns for the 21 gun salute. When the first shot went off, the entire audience jumped. The widow cried uncontrollably. We were so taken in and moved by the playing of Taps, that it caught us, all of us, off guard.
After the final shot, we snapped the flag up off of the casket, and began the methodical twists and turns to create a perfectly folded flag. The Sgt. at the head of the casket turned slowly, and accepted three spent shell casings from the 21 gun salute, and placed them inside the last fold of the flag.
He then turned and was met by the Lieutenant, who presented the customary slow version of a salute and took the flag from the Sgt (Sgt. Ken Horton).
The LT then walked over to the widow, handed her the flag and offered his condolences, and gave one more slow salute.
The widow grabbed ahold of the LT and cried, and cried, and cried. I looked across the casket and saw the Airman across from me, and the two to his right. We all had tears in our eyes. For the first time ever, Sgt. Horton, who was a huge man, built like a beast, did an about face and turned to dismiss us, and he was unable to speak. I never saw him quiver, but he did that day. He finally gathered himself and dismissed us, and we marched back to the bus. I remember looking out the window of the bus as we drove away, and seeing the family still embracing as they comforted each other.
It was a long ride back to the base, and not a word was said. As we exited the bus, the LT stood at the door and saluted each one of us as we headed back to the squadron.
I (we) buried a lot of servicemen during my tour on the team, but I will never forget that one. I wanted to go back and meet that family, but never got the chance. So for him, for the family, I always carry a heavy heart on Memorial Day. And that is what Memorial Day means to me.
MancardFootball
Friday, May 25, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Circle of Giving in the NFL - Arlen Harris commits to area youth
Most high school and college football players can only fantasize about a career in the National Football League. The ambiance of the NFL stage is so larger than life that just meeting an NFL player can be a memory that lasts a lifetime. But what becomes of an NFL player’s dreams once he makes it to the big leagues and comes out on the other side? Broadcasting has been a common landing place for many, while at the same time, there are those that choose to give back, and become the teacher. And then those dreams change. Seeing others succeed becomes more rewarding than anything else.
Enter Arlen Harris. Arlen left the NFL in 2007 after five seasons, three of which with the St. Louis Rams, and now calls St. Charles , Missouri his home. Arlen was one of those power running backs that delivered punishment to any defender that dared to enter his path. He has since evolved into a trainer, mentor, and coach, and is teaching youth and high school football players what it really takes to succeed.
Arlen’s high school coach, Jack Helm said he was not surprised upon hearing of Arlen’s commitment to the youth in the St. Charles community.
“What sets Arlen apart is he doesn’t big league anyone,” Helm said, “he just wants to be Arlen, and he has the unique combination of everything an athlete could be.”
Helm said he knew Arlen since the 4th grade, taught him in the 5th grade, and was part of the coaching staff for the Downingtown Whippets, a large high school in the Chester , Pennsylvania area when Arlen ran the football. Helm said Arlen did things that no one could coach. Records reflect Arlen ran for over 4,700 yards for the Whippets and scored 60 touchdowns.
Helm said he was not surprised to hear what Arlen was doing in the St. Charles community. “He has always been that kinda kid. Whatever “it” is, Arlen has it,” Helm said.
Arlen’s first mission was to assemble the right group of leaders, including Lindenwood Lions Running Back Denodus O’Bryant, and he started his own youth training program called Runit Performance. On Sunday, January 29, 2012, Arlen held the very first running back showcase which featured 32 of the best high school running backs in and around St. Louis .
“This was a great event,” said former Rams Offensive Tackle Orlando Pace. “I wish I had something like this when I was in high school.”
Pace was among several NFL players in attendance, and shared inspiring words to the group at the end of the event.
The showcase put 32 players through a combine style competition, and three athletes left the event with top honors. Kirkwood High’s Ramon Alton earned the top position player award. Lutheran North’s Ryan Moore earned the top performance award. St. Louis University High’s Terek Hawkins earned the “beast” award after having the highest cumulative score.
Devon Fuller, a competitor at the showcase and leading rusher at Troy High School said he was very inspired by Arlen Harris, and was committed to following his dreams of playing football.
“I’ve never been trained in such a demanding environment,” Fuller said. “I’m just used to running people over, and it was real cool to have been trained by a pro.”
Arlen closed out the day not with a final farewell, but with a commitment to be there for these athletes if needed. He pointed out this was simply day one of the rest of their football career.
“There is no one sheet of paper that can list a bunch of steps required to succeed,” said Arlen, “you have to live it, you have to train, and only you set your limitations.”
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
And the rebuilding begins
How does one actually rebuild an NFL football team? How does it get broke in the first place? Lets first look at the players. First of all, playing football at the NFL level is something of a miracle in and of itself. Here's how one gets there. Is it luck? No. It is pure raw talent, personal drive, and skill. Not just regular skill....out of this world kind of skill. And no pun intended on Andrew Luck...perhaps he will enjoy his career in Indy.
Most often, future NFL players start pretty young in little league football, but their destiny is usually pretty apparent. There's always that "one kid" that was simply off the charts.
Fast forward to High School, that one kid usually also stands out, and may even be a starter on a varsity squad for all four years. Then, if he survives girls, work, peer pressure, and trouble, and gets decent grades, he is off to college. For a quick example of the kind of skill I am referring to...search Arlen Harris on youtube and check out his high school (and college) plays....wow!!!
The college transition is very complex, and very overwhelming. Can a great kid on a bad school team get looked at? Maybe....but the better the school, the better the odds. So, just getting into a Stanford, Mizzou, or Michigan takes a little luck, and mom and dad's decision on where the kid grows up and plays also is a major factor...i.e. Jeremy Maclin (Kirkwood...Mizzou...Eagles).
So, if a kid gets the right look from a scout, he is off to college. But wait, once he is there, he is no longer a standout. He may have been the best in Jonesville, MO...but, now on the college team, he is just one of 50 young men that were also the best somewhere. Now, he has four years of college ball...which usually means one year as a red shirt (not playing), one year as a backup, and maybe a year or two as a starter. Only the best of the best start as a Freshman...and that is very rare.
Fast forward to year three or four in college, and that very rare player we just mentioned sprouts to the top of the list on somebody's scouting report. There are hundreds of college football programs, and there are players in every single one that is the best on both sides of the ball. That leaves thousands of graduating seniors, and eligible juniors, that make themselves available for the NFL draft. And on that long list, are the best, of the best, of the best....and then there are hundreds of those!
So, with that said....if someone makes it to the NFL as a paid football player....they've earned it, and they have the talent and skill to be there. Are there better players than others...absolutely. Just look at Cam Newton and Tim Tebow; a couple freshman QB's with a great start. Comparitively, Gabbert, out of Mizzou, not so hot of a start. But, put Gabbert at Denver or Carolina, and things may have been different.
So....in my world...the only role the players have in the rebuilding of an NFL team is to listen to their coaches. Oh, did I mention coaches???!!!
Here is where "the system" is broken. Only in the NFL can you underperform, and still have a job. The good old boy network is in full force. Take Don Shula for example...the best coach ever at Miami. Don holds the record as the only NFL coach to lead his team in a totally undefeated season. However, behold (in my freaky wizard voice), his kid Dave Shula also holds a record! Dave Shula is the first NFL coach to reach 50 losses the fastest...he is now a manager at the Shula Steakhouse chain. But why was Dave Shula a coach in the first place???!!! Oh yeah, his dad got him the job. Well, maybe not directly, but you do the math. Regardless, good for him...but what about the players and other coaches under him that suffered...geeeze...what a mess. I wonder how many "I told ya so's" floated around the Bengals front office when he got the can after 69 games. He had a 19 and 53 record.
That is where an owner has to step in and run his organization! There is a shuffling around the NFL that takes place every year. Spagnuolo already has a job lined up as a Defensive Coordinator, and there is talk about who to bring to St Louis to replace him. Names have surfaced of coaches with a winning record...and names have surfaced with coaches who have a losing record....which makes no sense.
The only way to rebuild this Rams team, is to get the right person in the GM position with a Bill Belichick / Bill Parcells mentality, and build a coaching staff from that. That person has been absent from the Rams front office. Sure, somebody did the hiring and firing, but there was nobody out front as the noisemaker. Too much "rah rah" and not enough "come to Jesus".
So, the Rams need that headstrong leadership, and once that is achieved, the rebuilding can begin. I have several names in my hat that I would like to draw....but hey, that would just turn me into another pundit : )
In the meantime...stay tuned as we follow the events as they unfold this week....until then, perhaps I will send Stan Kroenke a copy of Heartbreak Ridge. That way he can ponder the management style of Gunny Highway....that's what I'm talkin about!
Most often, future NFL players start pretty young in little league football, but their destiny is usually pretty apparent. There's always that "one kid" that was simply off the charts.
Fast forward to High School, that one kid usually also stands out, and may even be a starter on a varsity squad for all four years. Then, if he survives girls, work, peer pressure, and trouble, and gets decent grades, he is off to college. For a quick example of the kind of skill I am referring to...search Arlen Harris on youtube and check out his high school (and college) plays....wow!!!
The college transition is very complex, and very overwhelming. Can a great kid on a bad school team get looked at? Maybe....but the better the school, the better the odds. So, just getting into a Stanford, Mizzou, or Michigan takes a little luck, and mom and dad's decision on where the kid grows up and plays also is a major factor...i.e. Jeremy Maclin (Kirkwood...Mizzou...Eagles).
So, if a kid gets the right look from a scout, he is off to college. But wait, once he is there, he is no longer a standout. He may have been the best in Jonesville, MO...but, now on the college team, he is just one of 50 young men that were also the best somewhere. Now, he has four years of college ball...which usually means one year as a red shirt (not playing), one year as a backup, and maybe a year or two as a starter. Only the best of the best start as a Freshman...and that is very rare.
Fast forward to year three or four in college, and that very rare player we just mentioned sprouts to the top of the list on somebody's scouting report. There are hundreds of college football programs, and there are players in every single one that is the best on both sides of the ball. That leaves thousands of graduating seniors, and eligible juniors, that make themselves available for the NFL draft. And on that long list, are the best, of the best, of the best....and then there are hundreds of those!
So, with that said....if someone makes it to the NFL as a paid football player....they've earned it, and they have the talent and skill to be there. Are there better players than others...absolutely. Just look at Cam Newton and Tim Tebow; a couple freshman QB's with a great start. Comparitively, Gabbert, out of Mizzou, not so hot of a start. But, put Gabbert at Denver or Carolina, and things may have been different.
So....in my world...the only role the players have in the rebuilding of an NFL team is to listen to their coaches. Oh, did I mention coaches???!!!
Here is where "the system" is broken. Only in the NFL can you underperform, and still have a job. The good old boy network is in full force. Take Don Shula for example...the best coach ever at Miami. Don holds the record as the only NFL coach to lead his team in a totally undefeated season. However, behold (in my freaky wizard voice), his kid Dave Shula also holds a record! Dave Shula is the first NFL coach to reach 50 losses the fastest...he is now a manager at the Shula Steakhouse chain. But why was Dave Shula a coach in the first place???!!! Oh yeah, his dad got him the job. Well, maybe not directly, but you do the math. Regardless, good for him...but what about the players and other coaches under him that suffered...geeeze...what a mess. I wonder how many "I told ya so's" floated around the Bengals front office when he got the can after 69 games. He had a 19 and 53 record.
That is where an owner has to step in and run his organization! There is a shuffling around the NFL that takes place every year. Spagnuolo already has a job lined up as a Defensive Coordinator, and there is talk about who to bring to St Louis to replace him. Names have surfaced of coaches with a winning record...and names have surfaced with coaches who have a losing record....which makes no sense.
The only way to rebuild this Rams team, is to get the right person in the GM position with a Bill Belichick / Bill Parcells mentality, and build a coaching staff from that. That person has been absent from the Rams front office. Sure, somebody did the hiring and firing, but there was nobody out front as the noisemaker. Too much "rah rah" and not enough "come to Jesus".
So, the Rams need that headstrong leadership, and once that is achieved, the rebuilding can begin. I have several names in my hat that I would like to draw....but hey, that would just turn me into another pundit : )
In the meantime...stay tuned as we follow the events as they unfold this week....until then, perhaps I will send Stan Kroenke a copy of Heartbreak Ridge. That way he can ponder the management style of Gunny Highway....that's what I'm talkin about!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Loyal Rams Fans Get A Real Treat
So one day I wake up and find that my hobby as a little league and semi pro stadium announcer has evolved into that of a radio broadcaster and sports reporter. Not a bad transition from chasing bad guys over the past 22 years, and certainly a lot safer. But one more thing that changes once you are "in the biz" is how you look at the game. In a crazy way, you are always looking for the story that sets you apart from the other 100 people writing about the same event. I mean, we were all at the same place, so what makes what I have to say more interesting than that of another reporter. Not only that, the entire thing was televised, so at the end of the day, whats the big deal?
One of the things I enjoy is covering the operations of an event. I once covered a Lindenwood University game and met the fella that Hunter Stadium was named after (Dr. Charles Hunter). He said there were more people attending this particular game last Fall than there were attending college when he charted a course in the 80's to raise money to improve the stadium. Pretty impressive. But there was more. Lindenwood had it all going on: cheerleaders, dancers, a band, a stadium announcer, music, television crew, concessions, souvineers, security, parking control...and the list goes on. But one thing for sure, that game day could not have been any more impressive. It all started with a smile at the main gate and great guest service from start to finish.
Fast forward to the Rams - 49rs game on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Now, in today's day and age, most of us are gainfully employed, and due to the economic conditions, companies will do almost anything to rake in that extra dollar; most of it by lambasting employees about the importance of guest service. The problem is this, by "demanding" your employees provide great guest service is sorta like waiting for your kid to drive you crazy as a teenager before you decide to actually try becoming a parent...and then beating your head against the wall when you realize you should have started being a parent when they were 2 or 3. If you work at a place where guest service is a culture, and not a reaction, then its simple...you win. And thats where we are with the Rams.
The guest service culture demonstrated by the Rams organization was simply second to none. I bought tickets for my wife and three kids to sit in the stands, while I had a press pass to the booth. Regardless, the day cost me about $500 when I figure in gas, parking, and snacks.....and that is pretty darn close to an entire week's take home salary at my day job (yeah...I work two jobs). As we approached the Broadway entrance, we were surrounded by a sea of Jackson and Bradford jerseys, plus all of the throwbacks all the way from Holt and Bruce to Dickerson. The first person I met was the guard with the metal detecting wand...he was all smiles, and forgave me for my ignorance as I had no idea what to do. I go in with the entire gang, but have to go to the media office, back outside, to get my credentials. Once again, service with a smile. I then go back through security and on to the media elevator. I had a nice ride with the elevator attendant. Then I make my way to meet my point of contact with the Rams, who gave me a first class tour, and turned me loose with a simple reminder to let him know if I needed anything.
During the 3rd quarter, I snuck out to see the family, and was once again treated with kindness by every Rams / Dome employee I came in contact with. Not only were the employees nice, but so were all of the media people. I sat down next to some pretty big names, and I felt like I was just one of the guys. The atmosphere was so professional and respectful, it was as if I had been there a hundred times. The professional culture demonstrated by the Rams organization was mirrored by everyone in attendance in the press box.
As the game winded down, I made it a point to watch how the employees in the stands made eye contact and thanked almost each and every fan as they left. And at the exit gates they handed out Rams posters as a sign of their appreciation.
One thing that was consistent among every single Rams or Edward Jones Dome employee that I encountered is that every single greeting or interaction was genuine and sincere. I left with two pages of notes regarding how I can improve my game as a stadium announcer...and 90% of those notes centered around guest recognition and how the Rams went above and beyond showing how much they truly appreciated those fans in attendance.
Now that is how you gain loyalty...and I will take loyalty over satisfaction every time. And oh yeah...the Rams scored 27 and the 49rs scored 34.....somewhere between that great culture of guest service was a football game, and I joined thousands of smiling fans as I left and made my way to my car.
If you want to read more about the football game....go to http://www.stlouisrams.com/. Otherwise, stay tuned, as we will surely cover the events from my perspective as they unfold for the upcoming 2012 Rams season.
(Thanks Scott!!)
One of the things I enjoy is covering the operations of an event. I once covered a Lindenwood University game and met the fella that Hunter Stadium was named after (Dr. Charles Hunter). He said there were more people attending this particular game last Fall than there were attending college when he charted a course in the 80's to raise money to improve the stadium. Pretty impressive. But there was more. Lindenwood had it all going on: cheerleaders, dancers, a band, a stadium announcer, music, television crew, concessions, souvineers, security, parking control...and the list goes on. But one thing for sure, that game day could not have been any more impressive. It all started with a smile at the main gate and great guest service from start to finish.
Fast forward to the Rams - 49rs game on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Now, in today's day and age, most of us are gainfully employed, and due to the economic conditions, companies will do almost anything to rake in that extra dollar; most of it by lambasting employees about the importance of guest service. The problem is this, by "demanding" your employees provide great guest service is sorta like waiting for your kid to drive you crazy as a teenager before you decide to actually try becoming a parent...and then beating your head against the wall when you realize you should have started being a parent when they were 2 or 3. If you work at a place where guest service is a culture, and not a reaction, then its simple...you win. And thats where we are with the Rams.
The guest service culture demonstrated by the Rams organization was simply second to none. I bought tickets for my wife and three kids to sit in the stands, while I had a press pass to the booth. Regardless, the day cost me about $500 when I figure in gas, parking, and snacks.....and that is pretty darn close to an entire week's take home salary at my day job (yeah...I work two jobs). As we approached the Broadway entrance, we were surrounded by a sea of Jackson and Bradford jerseys, plus all of the throwbacks all the way from Holt and Bruce to Dickerson. The first person I met was the guard with the metal detecting wand...he was all smiles, and forgave me for my ignorance as I had no idea what to do. I go in with the entire gang, but have to go to the media office, back outside, to get my credentials. Once again, service with a smile. I then go back through security and on to the media elevator. I had a nice ride with the elevator attendant. Then I make my way to meet my point of contact with the Rams, who gave me a first class tour, and turned me loose with a simple reminder to let him know if I needed anything.
During the 3rd quarter, I snuck out to see the family, and was once again treated with kindness by every Rams / Dome employee I came in contact with. Not only were the employees nice, but so were all of the media people. I sat down next to some pretty big names, and I felt like I was just one of the guys. The atmosphere was so professional and respectful, it was as if I had been there a hundred times. The professional culture demonstrated by the Rams organization was mirrored by everyone in attendance in the press box.
As the game winded down, I made it a point to watch how the employees in the stands made eye contact and thanked almost each and every fan as they left. And at the exit gates they handed out Rams posters as a sign of their appreciation.
One thing that was consistent among every single Rams or Edward Jones Dome employee that I encountered is that every single greeting or interaction was genuine and sincere. I left with two pages of notes regarding how I can improve my game as a stadium announcer...and 90% of those notes centered around guest recognition and how the Rams went above and beyond showing how much they truly appreciated those fans in attendance.
Now that is how you gain loyalty...and I will take loyalty over satisfaction every time. And oh yeah...the Rams scored 27 and the 49rs scored 34.....somewhere between that great culture of guest service was a football game, and I joined thousands of smiling fans as I left and made my way to my car.
If you want to read more about the football game....go to http://www.stlouisrams.com/. Otherwise, stay tuned, as we will surely cover the events from my perspective as they unfold for the upcoming 2012 Rams season.
(Thanks Scott!!)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
1st and Ten....
The greatest game on earth....Football...finishes the regular season on Sunday, closing out the wildest ride we've seen in years......so Peyton goes down, and the Colts are 2 and 13...really??? Drew Brees breaks Marino's record....wow!! Cam Newton sets rookie season record...oh yeah!!! Rams upside down....but could be a real gem for a new GM / Head Coach....available salary cap bucks, great first round pick status and possible trades (Luck!!), and everything else...gonna be a great year in 2012 for the STL!
Will Chucky come to STL...or could it be Jeff Fisher? Fisher might want the whole kitten caboodle (techincal term for GM / Head Coach...Holmgren style). Not a bad deal on the table, but the team needs so much help, that it might be overwhelming for one guy to take on the entire organization. One thing for sure, is after a dismal downslide following the 1999 season, the Rams still have one hell of a loyal following. Its like we are the down and out union workers in one of the old Rocky movies, all sitting in our carpenter pants and flannel shirts around some bar in South St. Louis, talking about what was...and what could be. Whatever Stan Kroenke has in store for his team, its going to be fun to watch.
If Santa Kroenke, I mean Stan, were to ask me, I would start with a beast of a left tackle, and then some help for SJ39....oh yeah....what's this kid's name from Wentzville....Montee Ball???? Hmmmm, a Heisman runner up from Wisconsin??? Oh yeah, there's a start. I would also have a new Offensive Coordinator that can get us back to the spread offense and get some damn points on the board! SJ39 may be the best we have seen in STL (sorry Marshall....you ran great with a winning team...SJ runs great with a losing team...heart goes to SJ39). But, I am sure Steven Jackson would like to do things later in life, such as enjoying the ability to walk (seen footage of Earl Campbell lately...poor fella)...so, keep him in the game, but give him a break!!
Keep Laurinitis in the MLB slot...let him grow as a leader. Not since we got rid of London Fletcher, have we had a real leader in the middle. Speaking of leaders...why isn't Aeneas Williams on the coaching staff??!! (hint...hint). But hey, back to James.....he is coming up as one of the true crazy white guys at that position...Clay Matthews, Teddy Bruschi, Brian Urlacher, Bill Romanowski....just a few examples of some off the charts players from that peice of real estate....we just need to "crazy" James up a little bit. Get him some of that Bill Cowher slobber going on....or...that Mike Singletary stare down....either way, James, you gotta turn it up.
As for the seconday...get Rod Woodson on the freakin payroll!! You wanna win don't ya! Make the call, and get some of the greats out of the broadcasting booth and behind a whistle and playbook.
Alright...we have a time-out on the field, and we're going to take a time out here as well, we'll be back, right after this....
Will Chucky come to STL...or could it be Jeff Fisher? Fisher might want the whole kitten caboodle (techincal term for GM / Head Coach...Holmgren style). Not a bad deal on the table, but the team needs so much help, that it might be overwhelming for one guy to take on the entire organization. One thing for sure, is after a dismal downslide following the 1999 season, the Rams still have one hell of a loyal following. Its like we are the down and out union workers in one of the old Rocky movies, all sitting in our carpenter pants and flannel shirts around some bar in South St. Louis, talking about what was...and what could be. Whatever Stan Kroenke has in store for his team, its going to be fun to watch.
If Santa Kroenke, I mean Stan, were to ask me, I would start with a beast of a left tackle, and then some help for SJ39....oh yeah....what's this kid's name from Wentzville....Montee Ball???? Hmmmm, a Heisman runner up from Wisconsin??? Oh yeah, there's a start. I would also have a new Offensive Coordinator that can get us back to the spread offense and get some damn points on the board! SJ39 may be the best we have seen in STL (sorry Marshall....you ran great with a winning team...SJ runs great with a losing team...heart goes to SJ39). But, I am sure Steven Jackson would like to do things later in life, such as enjoying the ability to walk (seen footage of Earl Campbell lately...poor fella)...so, keep him in the game, but give him a break!!
Keep Laurinitis in the MLB slot...let him grow as a leader. Not since we got rid of London Fletcher, have we had a real leader in the middle. Speaking of leaders...why isn't Aeneas Williams on the coaching staff??!! (hint...hint). But hey, back to James.....he is coming up as one of the true crazy white guys at that position...Clay Matthews, Teddy Bruschi, Brian Urlacher, Bill Romanowski....just a few examples of some off the charts players from that peice of real estate....we just need to "crazy" James up a little bit. Get him some of that Bill Cowher slobber going on....or...that Mike Singletary stare down....either way, James, you gotta turn it up.
As for the seconday...get Rod Woodson on the freakin payroll!! You wanna win don't ya! Make the call, and get some of the greats out of the broadcasting booth and behind a whistle and playbook.
Alright...we have a time-out on the field, and we're going to take a time out here as well, we'll be back, right after this....
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