Former NFL star writes about travails of pioneering black players
The history of African Americans in professional football is a complicated, alarming, and yet remarkable journey that warrants detailed research and analysis.
Gary Burley, a former outstanding defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, has made it his mission to chronicle those often-overlooked chapters in a new book entitled: “Glory: The Struggle For Yards.” It is written with acclaimed […]
Ethan Gettman’s 56-yard field goal “would have been good from 65”
Chris Merritt, head football coach at Bryant University, realizes he has a tremendous weapon in 2022 Fred Mitchell Award winner Ethan Gettman.
Gettman, from Ormond Beach, Fla., led the nation (FCS) in field goal percentage (93.3) in addition to booming a school-record 56-yard field goal last season as a junior.
“I think this football team and this coaching staff has a tremendous […]
Sayers’ bronze statue unveiling “bittersweet” for his widow
The recent dedication of a Gale Sayers statue in Omaha, Neb., offered a precious opportunity for friends and longtime acquaintances to extend emotional support for the Sayers family.
Sayers, who passed away Sept. 23, 2020, was an iconic Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears who was further immortalized because of his relationship with teammate Brian Piccolo. They became […]
Sister Jean’s urgent plea: “Work with people of other cultures and try to understand each other”
As she celebrates her 103rd birthday, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt offers sage advice for young students, parents and our nation as a whole.
The longtime Loyola University men’s basketball chaplain and internationally renowned symbol of ecumenical optimism and grace, spoke to me over the weekend about her views of today’s young generation and the future of our society.
“I think if we […]
Lloyd McClendon calls Gary Sports Hall of Fame induction “special”
The inaugural Gary Sports Hall of Fame ceremony was an enormous success as 12 former local athletes were inducted in the main auditorium of Indiana University Northwest.
Alex Karras, Tom Harmon, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Ron Kittle, George Taliaferro, Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Lee Calhoun, Hank Stram, Rhonda Brady, Tony Zale, Dick Barnett and Lloyd McClendon were recognized for their estimable accomplishments […]
Patrick Arbor, former Chicago Board of Trade chairman, joins Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee
Internationally acclaimed businessman and philanthropist Patrick Arbor (right) joins the Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee.
Patrick Arbor, former longtime chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade and a prominent community supporter, has joined the Selection Committee for the Fred Mitchell Award.
Arbor has backed numerous local, national and international initiatives and continues his worldwide travels. The Fred Mitchell Award annually has […]
Ethan Ratke feels “lifted up” after winning Fred Mitchell Award
In 2009, the National Football Foundation made me the namesake for an annual award that honors the most outstanding kicker among over 750 colleges in America. For that, this old straight-on kicker remains forever grateful, especially to Chicago chapter chairman Chris Kearney.
In addition to kicking performance, community service is considered by our 35-man selection committee, which includes several members of […]
Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent tries to protect his business and reputation
Richard Dent made a name for himself as a dominant pass-rusher while becoming the Chicago Bears’ all-time leader in quarterback sacks.
The 2011 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a member of the Super Bowl XX champion Bears, placing himself on a pedestal in Chicago sports annals. But Dent, the Super Bowl XX MVP, now finds himself in […]
Former Bears great Steve McMichael says he is “feeling the love” as he battles ALS
Hundreds of friends and well-wishers turned out for a fundraiser for former Chicago Bears legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael in Romeoville, Il. on June 5.
My wife, Kim, and I were invited for a private visit to his home prior to the event, dubbed “MongoPalooza,” which was held at McMichael’s restaurant. The former Super Bowl XX champion defensive tackle revealed publicly on […]