For many moons, I have wanted to start a blog to share my thoughts on various subjects, but mostly about football. When I got to the heart of the matter I found myself stuck on what I would call this place. Ultimately, I settled on “Multiple Offense”- a nod to the name of the offense Tom Landry ran. I decided I would share my thoughts on football, music, and films, through short videos and half baked ideas. I found myself at a loss when I set out to light the internets afire with my first blog attempt. So let me cite these short clips to illuminate the feeling I’m going after.
I wanted to roll up on the scene in a manner such as:
and once on the scene, if I may quote the Wu-Tang Clan…”allow me to demonstrate the skill of Shaolin”:
Seeing that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I’d share some memories of football on Thanksgiving.
I’ll start with one of my all time favorite players, Billy Sims. Here is a former Heisman Trophy winner blowing up the spot on Thanksgiving. Sims was an incredible talent, to say the least. He made the Pro Bowl each of his first three seasons. On his way to Canton, he blew he knee out. It’s a shame, we were robbed of highlights such as:
As you will notice, I am a Dallas Cowboy fan. Ever since I witnessed Super Bowl 12, age 6, with my cousin (once a ‘boys fan, now a New England Patriots fan, smh), I’ve been on board. I often wondered what the hell #18 was there for? a professional clipboard holder. I would see this guy standing next to Tom Landry and wonder “who the hell is this cat ?”
Glenn Carano- enigma to me as a 7 year old football enthusiast. If the backup qb is the most popular guy in town, what does that make the 3rd stringer? I found out on Thanksgiving day 1980. Carano (now backup to Danny White) ultimately lead the Cowboys to victory. The Cowboys were heavy favorites that day, but only won 10-9. What I remember from that game was Doug Plank absolutely crushing Glenn Carano, as he did to so many. I used a sound effect from the classic movie “Drunken Monkey and Cripple Fist” The sound is that of a man running head first through a brick wall. I feel this sound clip aptly complements the video.
Another Heisman/Thanksgiving clip featuring Mike Rozier. Mike Rozier was hardly ever healthy in the pros. He played on one of the greatest offenses in college football history, after a short stint in the USFL Rozier was picked up by the Houston Oilers. His best years came in 1988, in which he ran for 1,002 yards and scored 11 touchdowns The Oilers would run a direct snap to the halfback in shotgun formation. Running behind a great offensive line featuring Bruce Matthews, Mike Muchak, and former Nebraska Corn Husker Dean Steinkuhler. Rozier scored on a 12 yard run on a direct snap play, on Thanksgiving day, 1988.
Finally a clip featuring current Cowboys Head Coach, Jason Garrett. For many years our family would travel south to Connecticut and have Thanksgiving dinner with my step father’s sister, Lucille. It was a true Italian feast. The turkey was an after thought. Home-made ravioli and meatballs were my favorite. In 1994 I remember feasting on the aforementioned italian cuisine, and biting my tongue at the same time. We always watched football as dinner was served, and this year I watched Cowboys’ starter Rodney Peete get injured (Troy Aikman was injured and did not start or play). Untested Jason Garrett was thrown into the frying pan. It was not a good first half for Dallas, down 17-6 at the break. Garrett did his best impression of Clint Longley, leading Dallas to a 42- 31 victory over Brett Favre and the Packers. Recalling these memories, I’m reminded of the time shared with friends and family. I think of the close ones who are no longer close, sometimes from death and sometimes from complicated circumstances. One thing that is not complicated: what this holiday is about- giving thanks. I’m thankful for all that I have and these memories. Happy Thanksgiving.
multiple offense 