In the Trenches

Reggie White, former Eagle, Packer, and Carolina Panther, wrote "In the Trenches" back in 1996, before the Packers went on the win the Super Bowl in January of '97. White became a minister at the age of 17, and played pro ball for years, retiring twice, once after his run with the Packers was over in 1998, and then he played for Carolina for a year before retiring again in 2002. Sadly, he died suddenly in 2004 of a rare heart disease compounded by sleep apnea. In his book he was trying to get across messages of unity and peace between blacks and whites, and how having a good relationship with God can improve all areas of your life. I enjoyed reading about his time with the Packers, and how impressed he was to be playing with Brett Favre, the exciting new gunslinger quarterback (Brett was a pall bearer at his funeral). It was so sad, though, because he talked about how much he loved his two kids and how he was looking forward to seeing them grow up. To know he died just 8 years later, when his kids were still teenagers, made it hard to read. I probably won't ever read it again, but it was good to read a football related book again!
On a somewhat related note, I saw Brett and the Jets play live last Monday in San Diego, against the Chargers. Even though the Jets lost (they still put up 29 points, and Brett threw 3 touchdown passes!!) it was absolutely thrilling to get to see him play live and in person. It was an opportunity I never thought I'd get last March when he retired. I feel very, very lucky that I got to see him in action. It was amazing.