"Oh, you Herschel Walker!" (With VIDEO!)

I'm willing to bet my father is one of the few people reading this blog who would recognize this quote without a moment's hesitation. For the rest of you, this is one of Larry Munson's famous calls back in the "glory days" of Georgia football history. The days my father seems to live over and over again through his countless VHS tapes of recorded games. To be more exact, this was the very first game in which Herschel Walker was introduced to the Bulldog nation. The year was 1980. The opponent was Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. My father, I'm certain, was crying tears of joy as he witnessed this great moment in football history...not to mention the perfect season that followed it.

Georgia hasn't seen a running back of that calibre since Herschel was drafted to the short-lived USFL his junior year. Honestly, the game of football has hardly seen a player of that calibre - both in skill and in character. 

I was reminded of this while Joey and Terri (my in-laws) were visiting us a few weeks ago. We all sat and watched an episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. Ordinarily, I would rather not spend my free time trying to figure out what form of road kill was used to create Donald Trump's toupee. I'd also rather have a root canal without anaesthesia than to listen to Joan AND Melissa Rivers together on the same program. However, I was particularly interested in seeing Herschel interact with that group of Hollywood yahoos.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how his quiet demeanor and humility have made an impact on the others. Did any of you happen to catch Jesse James' comment to Dennis Rodman during the boardroom "intervention" this past week? Jesse was sitting with Herschel to his right and Dennis to his left. He pointed to both men and said, “You have two of the greatest athletes in the history of American sports right here. Look at the contrast.” Well said, Jesse. Contrast, indeed.

America, let's continue to support those athletes who portray great moral character in addition to their physical strength and skill. The more attention we give to jailbird dog-killers (Michael Vick), leg shaving pot smokers (Michael Phelps), and over-pierced crazies (Dennis Rodman), the more we encourage their ridiculous behavior. I say we lock them all in a room together and just see what happens.

If I had my way, Herschel would win The Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump would shave his head, Joan and Melissa Rivers' faces would permanently un-freeze, Larry Munson would live forever, and Georgia would have another season like they did in 1980.

(Note for G-man: Before watching this video, grab some tissues.)

Comments

[J Linger]

Preach it sister!!! We need some good vibes heading toward the Bulldog Nation and more upstanding athletes for our kids and youg people to look up to. And by the way, G-Man is not the only person who would remember that quote, but I still think the better quote from Munson was "My God, A freshman!"

Love ya'll and miss ya'll
Josh

[Susan]

Whoa, Katie, you were a little tough on Michael Phelps. I would not put him in the same category as Dennis Rodman and Michael Vick. But I do agree about Herschel. He is a great role model.

[Joey]

He shaved his legs and he smoked pot.

[Gman]

Katy,

1980!! (sniff, sniff) What a year. It was a lot of fun being a senior at UGA during that season. That was a true team in every sense of the word. One superstar; the rest were a bunch of good athletes that played exceptionally well together.

I don't believe I will see another Herschel Walker in my lifetime. He was as humble back then as he is now. He always credited his offensive line for his success. He never did anything to embarrass the University or the team. He really was / is a good role model; especially when compared to some athletes today. Unfortunately you don't hear enough about the good ones.

Loved the video. Now 'scuse me while I wipe my tears, put on my jersey, pop in the 1980 Georgia - Florida game and relive the Glory Glory days!!

Love you,

G (as in Georgia) Man