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How about some props for a local talent. My wife graduated with Keith Williams and I can remember how happy we were for him to make it up to San Fran. And to see him play for the Curve was an added bonus, even if it was only for a partial season. Keith was always humble about his success, and never talked down to anyone. When he was injured towards the end of the season with the Curve, we took our boys over to see him (he was signing autographs). He took the time out of his day to get his picture taken with our boys and spend a little time to talk to them. They still talk about having their picture taken with a major leaguer. I haven't seen Keith for a while, but anytime we did see him after making it big, he would always take the time to talk to anyone.

Coach wrote:Hines Ward on the field between the lines is a good one...

I agree with that, but only the part about between the lines. Check out his latest comments on his contract, and it makes you wonder what type of person would use a young boy with his legs blown off as a tool for a new contract. This article sums it up the best (depending on when you read the link below, you may have to scroll down some):

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

I'm starting to lose some of the respect I had for the man, but there is no arguing that few players play with the same passion that he does.

How about Barry Sanders? He became so frustrated with the Lions and their lack of sincerity to build a solid team around him, he just walked away. The guy has character.

I'd have to say that Emmitt Smith is my athletic role model. He's not a cocky player like other former Cowboys were (ie Deion Sanders). He's a true student of the game and knows his place on his team. He even said this year that he figured he'd be the third-string back and basically just a mentor and teacher for the others, and he would be just happy to be a part of the team in that fashion. Its good to know that there is someone as good and as successful as that would be pleased just to pass on his experiences to help a new generation of players. Go #22!

No doubt about #22. He is a super example of a guy putting in a full career. He will be a first ballot Hall of Famer for sure. The only sad thing is that he wasnt able to finish his career as a Cowboy.

In my boredom, I stumbled upon this topic...not too old to comment upon, but old enough to be forgotten.

I must agree Dawg, Barry Sanders is the first that comes to mind for me. Never has there been a man so great, yet so humble. I often wonder if he didn't leave the NFL because he felt unworthy of breaking Walter Payton's all-time rushing record. I heard on a tv program once, that when Barry was in hs, he was on the verge of breaking a record, but his team was killing the other team. Barry's coach wanted to leave him in the game to break the record, but Barry refused. Between his humbleness and his heart (the heart that allowed him to persevere when they told him he was too small), he displays the best characteristics we should all wish to see in our children.

I like the mention of David Robinson as well. He certainly is a great humble, christian role model for young athletes.

Another guy that I admire is Jack Wilson. He's not a hot head and he plays with such passion. Watching Jack-flash is like watching a little leaguer with pro skills. Jack doesn't give up on any ball that is hit between the lines. No matter how far to his left or how far to his right or how deep it is, Jack puts every effort into getting to the ball. And when he doesn't get to it or it skips of his glove, you can see the dissapointment in his face. He feels like he let not only himself down, but his team. I don't think you will find anyone else as passionate about the game as Jack Wilson. (Just a note about Jack that Gunner and brlnsoccerchick might like: Jack Wilson had originally planned to play pro soccer.)

Back when the Steelers were the pimp I loved Jack Ham. Always seemed to act with dignity yet play hard.

Walk and Brown were talking on tonight's Pirate broadcast about what a great guy Benson is off the field.

Jack Wilson's a great choice, though. I think he's influences the way the other Buccos act. Maybe I'm wrong but it doesn't seem the Pirates have any a$$ wholes this year on the squad since Giles vacated the premises.

Jerome Bettis has shown alot of character in the last few years. Since Cower said that Amos would be starter, he took it in stride. And now too a pay cut to stay with the 'Lers and be a back up to Duce. I think that he knows Pittsburgh likes him, and he knows money isnt all that important, a good place to live and play is also good. Besides, whats the difference between 1.5 million and 5 million a year. Ill never see that much. you can still like comfortably on 1.5 million a year. haha

I like the Ham choice. I've met him several times through my work and I can tell you that this man is a class act. There really is more that I can't completely get into, but trust me when I say that Jack Ham is one of the good guys.

Bettis is a likable guy as well off the field. Rocky Blier is a guy that has gone through some troubles, but he sure has some good stories about his football days, the Vietnam war, how he was wounded twice in the leg during that war, and came back to play after that. I certainly hope that he gets through his current problems ok.

I also had the opportunity to meet and get the autograph of Johnny Unitas the year before he died. I didn't get to spend much time with him, but he seemed like a down to earth guy and would talk to anyone.

Kinda off topic a little, I'll tell you about a guy that I met through work that is NOT a class act and that's Lynn Swann. I always loved to watch him play, but after meeting the man, I could care less about him. He is so full of himself it's unbelievable. When I met him it was right after he was inducted into the HOF, and I congratulated him on that. His response was, right or wrong, "it's about time". During the conversation someone came up to him to ask him to sign a card for their son, and he refused. He only signs certain cards because some card companies don't "kick back" any $$ to him. When he signs an autograph on a football, shirt, or whatever, it has to be "To someone" (i.e. To John, Lynn Swann - Peace). That way, you can't sell what he signs. Personally, I would never sell my Steeler stuff, but so what if someone does? He made his MILLIONS on the people that bought tickets to watch him play, so why should it matter to him that if one of those guys makes a couple of bucks on an autograph they get from him? I really enjoy the opportunities I get to meet some former Steeler players, but I hope I never see that man again.

Marshall Faulk would have to be mine. I met him about 2 years ago in STL. He's a really nice gay. Im preety sure everyone there which was about 200 people got his autograph. He really likes kids. I read these articles on tha web every now and then but he spends ALOT of time with tha ill and finantial challenged. This guy is great. #28