Posts by Joan Courtney
Superstition? Or Heads Up Playing?
Don Muhlbach was flawless in the recent Detroit Lions long-snapper battle. And he credits his success in part to his “lucky” routine. Did you know he cuts a banana into 17 pieces before each game? And listens to the same 18 songs in the same order before each game? No mixing and scrambling for this…
Read MoreThe Third Act of Life
Retirement is an awkward topic. Some welcome it with eager anticipation while others find meaning in their choice of work. They feel it’s their calling and continue to work well into their 80’s and 90’s. When taking a look at the “oldies but goodies” in the NFL, there are players like Adam Vinatieri of the…
Read MoreThe Truth in Someone Else’s Story
Every time a well-versed photographer picks up a camera and heads outdoors, a sense of adventure and wonder awaits. So much to notice, so many perspectives to capture. To acquire this skill, though, there is a sharp learning curve. For the amateur, some shots can be quite dull, as taking a picture of an event…
Read MoreHeads Up Ball
On Sunday’s game Antoine Bethea, an Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman, was playing heads-up ball. Jameis Winston, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback launched a shot toward his receiver. While there were three receivers on the field, he chose the one that was open, the one with the best opportunity to make a play. But the Cardinals…
Read MoreStill Tooting Her Horn and Loving It
Dawn West is a 52-year-old reading teacher who is living her dream. The very happiest days of her life were when she was a member of the West Virginia University marching band. But to achieve that goal she began way back in high school. She saved her babysitting money and bought a trumpet. From there,…
Read MoreA Coach With Fortitude
White haired Jimmy Johnson is well known as a FOX NFL Sunday football analyst, working alongside Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Michael Strahan. But his story didn’t begin there. Jimmy began as an assistant coach in college football in 1965, eventually becoming a head coach at Oklahoma State University in 1970. While there,…
Read MoreEveryday Heroes
After a home game the Detroit Lions lineup is typically served a post-game meal in the tunnel leading to the locker room at Ford Field. The food is well flavored and filling, satisfying to large men who worked hard on a physical level for 2.5 or 3 hours. The players look forward to the grub…
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