The "Johnny U." Story

It was an ordinary day. We are getting ready to leave the Lancaster Ice Rink on Harrisburg Pike. Tad has just played a hockey game against a team from Baltimore. Tad is our youngest and has played youth hockey since Middle School. He wanted to be as good in a sport as his older brother and sister and decided ice hockey was his sport. And ....... he excelled. We travel all over the east coast for games, mostly on weekends. He did travel to Canada for a hockey exchange, but Carol and I did not travel with him. Well, the team we are playing today had to make the journey from Baltimore for the hour and a half long game. I have learned so much about the game of hockey from watching Tad play, but it has not helped me learn to skate. Just can't do that. Can't rollerskate or rollerblade either. As I am sitting in the stands today I look over to the away bleachers and recognize someone. Someone famous! Johnny Unitas! Played for the Colts when the Colts were still in Baltimore. I found out that his youngest son is playing against my son today. I just have to go over and meet him. I tell my wife, "I'll be right back. I'm going over to see Johnny Unitas. He's sitting in the stands on the other side." She just sits there and looks at me and says, "Yeah, right!" And, then I walked over. Now, Johnny Unitas is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. He epitomized the position with his leadership skills and his ability to perform under pressure. Nicknamed "Mr. Football." #19!! Almost didn't recognize him because his hair is long. He always wore hightop black shoes and had a flat top haircut when he played. I walked around the end of the ice and made my way into the stands. Introduce myself and shake his hand. Funny, we didn't talk at all about football, but about our kids and hockey. Neatest guy in person. And .... we beat the team from Baltimore today. Perfect Saturday morning. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Johnny U. died in September 11, 2002 of a massive heart attack in Baltimore. He was survived by his wife and 6 sons. This story is in memory of him.