FAREWELL TO ONE OF MY FOOTBALL HEROS

I first heard of Paul Hornung when I was a young farm boy in Ohio.  My older brother, Joe, was playing high school football at the time.  We often watched pro football on TV together in the late 50’s, early 60’s.  

Later, when I began my high school football career, I became a fan of the Green Bay Packers.  Growing up in NE Ohio, I was also a fan of the Cleveland Browns.  But I was especially intrigued with the Packers backfield, which included Hornung and Jim Taylor.  They were a powerful and well-balanced, versatile tandem.  I’d dream about becoming a pro player of their caliber and playing on a championship team for a famous coach like Vince Lombardi.

Flash forward ten years.  I met one of my football hero’s, Paul Hornung.  I was early in my professional career at Miami when Paul started his career as a color analyst.  We became casual pals.  He’d call when in FL for a broadcast and I always enjoyed meeting him to swap stories over a drink…or two…or three.  That’s when we both realized how similar Lombardi and Shula were!

Paul Hornung enjoyed life.  He was up for anything….especially a good time.  I’m extremely grateful to have known him.  As a young farm boy, I dreamt of becoming a pro athlete like him.  I never imagined I’d also call him a friend.

RIP #5

ZONK

There will be a virtual mass for Paul Hornung tomorrow morning.  Click here for more info:  https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/northern-ky/news/2020/11/18/paul-hornung-stream-funeral-mass-friday-november-20