The Reality It was a blistering 15 degrees in Neyland Stadium on a bright sunny day November the 18th, my last away game ever as a Rebel. Our benches located in the shadow part of the stadium. I had already gone through a pair of Adidas turf shoes that cracked due to the cold weather during the Friday evening walk through, so cold was an understatement. We had made our way onto the field gathering on our side when we were instructed by security to move back as the Tennessee Band form a T and began to play Rocky Top. At that moment, I realized how lucky I was to have played Southeastern Conference football and lived the dream so many youngsters playing in fields, groomed yards and some on asphalt could only hope for. Through all the trials and tribulations, every bump, every pinnacle was worth it right now at this moment seeing the pageantry unfold. As bitter as I felt, as frustrated I had become, I was finally getting the picture of what God had planned for me. Yes being Eagle’s boy was a blessing, for every lesson I learned would build my character, my loyalty and my faith. I was blessed to have had so many teammates that were now like brothers and even today are exactly the same as we were 35 years ago. I thank those Coaches that pushed me into becoming a damn good football player and an even better person. I thank the Coaches that gave me grief for by doing so you gave me determination. You see, sports are such a small part of our lives, but it truly is a defining foundation for the rest of your life. Without sports, I would probably be that shy boy scared to talk to strangers, scared to ask girls out on dates and scared to even think about talking to an LSU golden girl before a game. I no longer regret the missed opportunities and no longer dwell on the mistakes and continue to thank God for the opportunities. As I am preparing for the M-Club Alumni gathering this weekend, I am for the first time in 35 years excited to be on campus at the beginning of football season, ready to join with my teammates the beauty of being an Ole Miss Rebel’s football player then, now and forever. My teammates Bob Grefseng, Bobby Garner, Danny Fischer, Donnie Kisner, Greg Jeffcoat and Brad White, the man that always brings to my attention how lucky I was, and the others are why in sports you are never alone. Oh, by the way, we got beat 41-17, but it was still a wonderful experience; cold but wonderful.....
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:13:43 +0000
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