This blog starts with some random thoughts and I hope eventually makes a point. I just got off the phone with a buddy who is a member at Oakmont. He says not to expect scores under par at the U.S. Open this summer. In his words, "if it's off the fairway, it's death." My friend shoots low 80's at Oakmont. His score last weekend.....93!

I want to thank the folks with the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Northern CT Chapter for everything Sunday. They gave me an award for my contributions to the game of football. As I said yesterday, it is humbling, but also kind of a joke to me. The fact is, I hope to spend the rest of my life telling stories about football on tv and radio and will still never repay the game what it has given me.

My aforementioned friend from Pittsburgh and member at Oakmont represents much of what the game gave me. His name is Win Smathers. He was our fullback during my fours years at Dickinson College. Unlike me, Win was a great football player. I was a one year starter and the ultimate one hit wonder. Win started all four years mostly blocking for our All-American tailback Mike Birosak. Biro broke records. Win broke open holes. And Win never complained about not getting the ball. Ultimately, his toughness always belied his somewhat privileged upbringing. Today, he is a successful businessman and father of two working in Pittsburgh

Win, like so many of my teammates remain close friends. I hadn't talked to him in nearly a year and within second today I knew exactly who it was. Win, represents what football gave me, close friendships. But the game also taught me discipline, teamwork, dedication, setting goals, dealing with adversity and on and on. Clearly, the student athletes honored at the luncheon yesterday learned those qualities from the game as well. More importantly, they carry those lessons into the classroom and the community.

Now let me going back to giving my friend Win a hard time. Something he promises Oakmont will give the best players in the world next month.