A New York Giants Football Legend

This blog is about a football player I met over 30 years ago. I write this because in a section of my blog under feel good news is a headline that Brad Van Pelt suddenly died. Who is Brad Van Pelt? Some of you may know him and some may not but he was an NFL player for the New York Giants. I met him in 1974 at a football camp and was able to spend 3 days with him. Maybe not a big deal to many of you but for a ten year old boy who loved football it was a dream come true. Mr. Van Pelt was only in his second season but I new him and followed him. He was my boy hood idol. When I watched the games i would search out his number 10 jersey and cheer him on. I was saddened to hear about his death but the memories of those few days resurfaced and took me back to when I was a boy. I could smell the grass and hear the whistles of the coaches. I can see Mr. Van Pelt throwing me the football, running sprints and catching passes from Craig Morton, another NFL player. It was a few days of my life that to this day, still brings me joy, laughter and excitement. I don't know if kids today get to experience one on one time with professional athletes and if not its a shame. But for me I feel blessed that this man spent time with me; holding my hand, putting me on his shoulders and really caring about who I was. I'm sure he never would remember me but that's OK for today he stills brings a smile to a 44 year old man who cherishes those few days as a young boy. Number 10 will always be Brad Van Pelt, outside linebacker, New York Giants.