I really enjoyed this week’s ‘A Football Life Bill Parcells.’ Hall of Famer Harry Carson joined me in studio, whom I found very enjoyable. Curtis Martin, Hall of Fame running back also joined us. What I took away from watching the documentary and chatting with some of his players, is Bill Parcells was certainly tough, but he was tough because he wanted to get you to be your best.
There was a story we were going to share with the viewers but we ran out of time and I would like to share it with you. When Bill was working with the Dolphins he would pass a homeless guy on his way to work and he would buy a newspaper from him. It began a regular occurrence and they would chat briefly every time he got his paper. Well the guy turned out to be a huge Eagles fan and so he asked Bill, “do you know Andy Reid?” and Bill said, “well sure.” The guys said well if you talk to him, tell he needs to draft a wide receiver. So Bill called Andy that day and told him about the homeless guy and Andy sent down some Eagles gear for Bill to give the homeless guy. Well after a while, Bill asked the homeless guy why he was homeless. The guy said I can’t get a job. Bill asked him why not. The guy said well I need an ID to get a job and I can’t get an ID because I don’t have my birth certificate. Bill said, I think I can help you out with that. Now, the guy has an apartment, he works as a busboy at a Jaxson’s bar and is sober. All thanks to Bill.
There was a poem Bill was quoting throughout the documentary and he also read it to his Jets’ team after he retired…again. I found the poem and thought it would be nice to share.
The Man in the Glass
by: Peter Dale Wimbrow Sr.
| When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say.For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest For he’s with you, clear to the end And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test If the man in the glass is your friend.You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass. Great poem! What do you think? |