Loved your story! The legendary Coach Bear Bryant was at the U of Alabama in the early 60s when I was pursuing my PHT degree (Putting Hubby Through) by working as the Assistant Dean of Men’s Secretary. While helping register student’s cars, I was approached by a smiling, dark-headed fellow, trailed by a group of hunky guys. I had been told to fill out the registration cards myself, so I grabbed a pen and asked, “Name?” There was a collective gasp from the “entourage” and jaws fell open! In unison, they asked, “YOU DON’T KNOW JOE NAMATH?”
LOL! That name may not ring a bell with younger folks now, but he was Coach Bryant’s star player at the time. Or would be!
I met Joe in Virginia when I worked at a cosmetics counter- I worked for Faberge fragrances- and he had bought into the company & was promoting the men’s fragrance . I didn’t know who he was either! lol.
What a great memory!! I had forgotten that he went to school there. I wasn’t old enough to have an interest in sports, but later on, developed an interest in watching football. Thanks for sharing!!
It's a wonderful story, thanks, Sean. You've also overcome a lot of adversity in your life, Sean, with grit, perseverance, and a sense of humor. You should be proud of your middle name and the man you are named for.
Yep, my son always said life has a way of beating the happy right out of ya. Which makes my mama heart ache. I sure do miss my little pessimist. Pray daily he comes back to me and Jesus. Amen.
My heart aches for you and your son. Praying with you and Carla & Cindy. If you have the opportunity, I pray you let your son know just how much you love him. Right where he is. God can handle the rest.
A friend of mine came from a family of athletes even his sister was great. I was rather small, but I wanted to play. I asked the father of my friend if he played football and like Coach Bryant, he played in the first game he had ever seen. He wasn't very big, but he told me if you can play the coach will see it. He told me to use my speed because that was always good to have, and I used what I had.
This Georgia girl has never been a football fan, but learning about Paul “Bear” Bryant is fascinating. No wonder he is legendary! Now that I live near Tuscaloosa, I understand why this remarkable person has a museum devoted entirely to him. . . . and why your middle name is Paul.
My father loved university of Ky football because of Coach Bryant. He began winning games and began a wonderful thing in Lexington. When Coach left for the job in Alabama Dad continued to enjoy the game of football. I believe in 1973 I took Dad to watch Alabama play UK in Lexington and I took him down onto the sidelines before the game began, we saw Paul Bryant up real close with his hounds took hat. It’s year 2024, I’m 71, and enjoy the game now just as much as my Dad. Go Cats!
You packed a whole lot of interesting stuff about football in your column today, Sean. 🏈 I never knew how Coach Bryant got his nickname of “Bear”, for one.
But my favorite lines of today are “football is not unlike life. You get the hope beat out of you, but you keep trying, moving toward the goal line, until your clock runs out.” ‘Nuff said.
What a legacy……beginning with a humble background. Someone saw potential in Bryant’s size and soon learned he had discovered amazing talent!!! Gifted player who inspired many who came after him!!! Love this season of college football…..GREAT kickoff story!!!
Loved your story! The legendary Coach Bear Bryant was at the U of Alabama in the early 60s when I was pursuing my PHT degree (Putting Hubby Through) by working as the Assistant Dean of Men’s Secretary. While helping register student’s cars, I was approached by a smiling, dark-headed fellow, trailed by a group of hunky guys. I had been told to fill out the registration cards myself, so I grabbed a pen and asked, “Name?” There was a collective gasp from the “entourage” and jaws fell open! In unison, they asked, “YOU DON’T KNOW JOE NAMATH?”
LOL! That name may not ring a bell with younger folks now, but he was Coach Bryant’s star player at the time. Or would be!
I met Joe in Virginia when I worked at a cosmetics counter- I worked for Faberge fragrances- and he had bought into the company & was promoting the men’s fragrance . I didn’t know who he was either! lol.
I met Joe Namath at a sports show in Boston when I was in high school!
Before he became famous!
Now I live in the next town to him — but have not run into him! He co-owns a restaurant complex here, down by the beach.
Love me some Joe Willie!
What a great memory!! I had forgotten that he went to school there. I wasn’t old enough to have an interest in sports, but later on, developed an interest in watching football. Thanks for sharing!!
I feel ya swooning, M209! Ha
What a great story Sean…reminds me of another “Paul”…
The great Paul Harvey….and now we know the rest of the fabulous story!
What a great story my dear friend thank you 🙏
It's a wonderful story, thanks, Sean. You've also overcome a lot of adversity in your life, Sean, with grit, perseverance, and a sense of humor. You should be proud of your middle name and the man you are named for.
Yep, my son always said life has a way of beating the happy right out of ya. Which makes my mama heart ache. I sure do miss my little pessimist. Pray daily he comes back to me and Jesus. Amen.
Prayers for you and your son.
I join in with you…..
My heart aches for you and your son. Praying with you and Carla & Cindy. If you have the opportunity, I pray you let your son know just how much you love him. Right where he is. God can handle the rest.
Well, THAT must be why you told us this story, Seaner! In order to get around to telling us your middle name is Paul! 😁
A friend of mine came from a family of athletes even his sister was great. I was rather small, but I wanted to play. I asked the father of my friend if he played football and like Coach Bryant, he played in the first game he had ever seen. He wasn't very big, but he told me if you can play the coach will see it. He told me to use my speed because that was always good to have, and I used what I had.
I love this story!
This Georgia girl has never been a football fan, but learning about Paul “Bear” Bryant is fascinating. No wonder he is legendary! Now that I live near Tuscaloosa, I understand why this remarkable person has a museum devoted entirely to him. . . . and why your middle name is Paul.
Great story…great life lesson!
My father loved university of Ky football because of Coach Bryant. He began winning games and began a wonderful thing in Lexington. When Coach left for the job in Alabama Dad continued to enjoy the game of football. I believe in 1973 I took Dad to watch Alabama play UK in Lexington and I took him down onto the sidelines before the game began, we saw Paul Bryant up real close with his hounds took hat. It’s year 2024, I’m 71, and enjoy the game now just as much as my Dad. Go Cats!
I really enjoyed this!
But I love college football. 🏈
Go Bucks!
O-H …
I-O!
You packed a whole lot of interesting stuff about football in your column today, Sean. 🏈 I never knew how Coach Bryant got his nickname of “Bear”, for one.
But my favorite lines of today are “football is not unlike life. You get the hope beat out of you, but you keep trying, moving toward the goal line, until your clock runs out.” ‘Nuff said.
What a legacy……beginning with a humble background. Someone saw potential in Bryant’s size and soon learned he had discovered amazing talent!!! Gifted player who inspired many who came after him!!! Love this season of college football…..GREAT kickoff story!!!
Fantastic story: I never heard it before. What incredible guts, and talent.
He was, and will ever be, a legend.
But, War Eagle, anyway!
WPS
Love it Paul. Had to be said.