One of the greatest of the greats in NFL history is Sam Huff of the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. He released his most recent book, Controlled Violence, and did a local book signing in McLean last week. Currently, he does the Redskin radio broadcast with co-host Sonny Jurgensen. Sam is in the NFL Hall of Fame and widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
If you like football, his book is really great and filled with very good insights into the pro football of his era. Remember, at that time there were only about 12-14 NFL teams.
Carolyn, Sam and I chatted for a while at the signing.
In 1961, I played against Sam in the LA Coliseum. I was an offense guard and offensive guards block linebackers. I inadvertently clipped Huff during a running play and he really got pissed off. When I went to the side lines, Ram line coach Vic Lindsogg asked me if I knew what I had just done.
"He will chase you right back to the locker room so be on guard."
He was right, Huff chased me until I almost dropped. This same game, Rams vs Giants, also had another event. Giant wide receiver/running back and also Hall of Famer, Frank Gifford, was suppose to start. He had been seriously injured the previous season and was making a comeback.
Frank is my first cousin on my mother's side. He is about eight years older than me and playing against him was a dream come true.
In my mother's family, Frank was the golden boy, I was rust by comparsion. So to play against him was, well, very important. The tension that evening as I went to my locker was heavy. There was a telegram on my locker door. I opened it and read, "Dickie: Sorry I couldn't make it tonight, retired yesterday. Frank."
The Rams beat the Giant that night and, I might add, we beat the Washington Redskins the following week also. The Redskins quarterback? Sonny Jurgensen.
Lest anyone be misled, my professional football dreams were shortly cut to a quick and sudden end. This story is probably the highlight.