If Trent Dilfer has thrown his final pass in the NFL – and it’s not a stretch to think that – I just want to be among the first to wish him well in his TV land retirement.
Dilfer was released by the San Francisco 49ers yesterday and head coach Mike Nolan gave him a royal sendoff with quotes befitting a king, not a “back up” quarterback.
Not only will he always be the starting quarterback of the Ravens “first” Super Bowl championship team, but he was always a class act, long after his short stay in Baltimore was complete.
Our staff sees him on Radio Row at every Super Bowl and he’s always upbeat, funny and self-deprecating in the face of his career, his family struggles and his relationship with his teammates and peers.
In case you missed it, Dilfer joined us for several segments on Radio Row in Phoenix six weeks ago.
Here are the wnsTV clips:
8
**********
Speaking of cool guys I’ve met in sports, one of my all-time favorites is Rick Sutcliffe, who was diagnosed with color cancer recently.
“Sut” was the unquestioned leader of the Orioles’ clubhouse in their first seasons at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for Johnny Oates’ squads in 1992 and 1993. He was always a pleasure to be around (especially when Bill Murray would show up for games and crack jokes at the post-game buffet) and knows the game better than anyone I’ve ever chatted with.
Every time the Oriole have had an opening for a manager or pitching coach, I’ve always said that Sutcliffe would be my choice to lead the club. You know why? Because he was the best “leader” I’ve ever seen in a baseball locker room.
8Everyone respected Sutcliffe and his no-nonsense and professional approach to the game.
I hope he beats this thing and gets well very soon.
**********
And while I’m on the subject of the horrible disease of cancer, I received word that two other friends of mine who lost battles to cancer — John Steadman and Mike Fiorelli – will both have golf tournaments in their honor on the same date: Monday, Oct. 13, 2008.
WNST will be involved in both tournaments.
Steadman died on New Year’s Day 2001, less than a month before the Ravens won their Super Bowl title.
Fiorelli was on the sales staff of the Ravens front office during that Super Bowl year and died last June at the age of 43.
8More details will be coming on both of these golf tournaments, but if you are one who likes to hit the dimpled ball, save the date of Oct. 13 and come out and help us raise money for a great cause and remember two of the true good guys behind the scenes in Baltimore sports.
***********
I don’t watch as much college basketball as I used to, but I did sit with that travesty in Charlotte last night involving the Terps.
What a bad basketball team they had this year. Other than the “big win,” it’s been a long season for Gary Williams and anyone who loves the turtles.
Fear The Terps?
I feared anytime Greveis Vasquez touched the ball.
Let’s hope it gets better in Garyland, and soon…
8***********
Last but not least: We have formed a WNST Speakers Bureau.
We get asked frequently to come out and say hello at various Ravens Roosts, Nests, civic organizations, etc.
If your group wants a WNST personality to come out for an engagement, just drop me a note at nasty@wnst.net
We’re always around to help whenever we can!
Have a great weekend!
Get ready to fill up those brackets on Monday morning!
