Harry’s Hits

Was very sadden to learn that a true “Lion” of the game passed away yesterday. David “Deacon” Jones was the epitome of what defense was in the National Football League and the game of football “back in the day” when football was really football. Much will be written by others about his on the field exploits, I will miss yet always remember his booming voice whenever he was present.

When I was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame new inductees attended a luncheon named after Green Bay Packers great Ray Nitschke with other Hall of Fame members. At the luncheon the new inductees could not speak, instead the seasoned members had the floor and shared with everyone in the room what the game of football and being a Hall of Fame member meant to them. I remember clearly how Deacon took the floor spoke with such passion as if he was in the confines of the locker room or in the huddle. He spoke of his love for the game but also of his love for his teammates and how he would do it all again in a heartbeat. From the tone of his voice I knew Deacon Jones the proud Lion loved the game but he also loved leaving a legacy for others like Reggie White or a Lawrence Taylor to strive to emulate on the football field.

I was proud to know that Deacon played at my alma mater South Carolina State where we played the same position, defensive end. I use to tease him that we probably wore the same number but it wasn’t until I wore the number that the school chose to retire the jersey. My teasing never got under his skin but he always had a good comeback to shut me up! I cherished every moment I spent with him and was very much honored to know him. Most important I am honored to be able to call David “Deacon” Jones my friend.

There is one thing my wife and I know for certain, wherever “Deacon” is right now we are certain that he is having a good time!

When I was young I remember hearing my parents, relatives and older friends of my family say to one another “Happy New Year!” That was followed up with how thankful they felt to live to see the beginning of a brand new year. I didn’t really think about at the time but I do now. When I review my 2012, life came to an end for many people I loved. I lost my brother, my father in law, one of my Giant teammates, two of my coaches from our Super Bowl Championship team, several life long friends and acquaintances. In recent years I receive a list of the many former NFL Players we lost during the course of the year. When I review that list and then reflect on my personal list of people I know who no longer are among the living, now I get it. Like those who proceeded me who saw those in their lives pass away sometimes too prematurely, I feel thankful and blessed to be able to see and welcome 2013. As I enter another year and see that another year nor even tomorrow is guaranteed I know that the best gift I can give myself is to live my life to the fullest!

I wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I encourage everyone to live your life this year with no regrets!!!

It’s not very often that I get excited about meeting people. In my walk of life I’ve met and know many fellow athletes, entertainers, politicians and people of great wealth and influence. But, there is no one (except my children and grandchildren) that truly gets me excited about being in their presence.

I just hosted my 3rd Annual Rival Golf Classic Challenge benefiting the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation Scholarship Fund. The theme this year was recognizing the Legends of the NFC East with players who played for the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys competing on the golf course. For me, the highlight of the event was not about the players but meeting Mike Thornton and Brian Thacker both Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. At last year’s tournament CMOH recipient Ron Rosser was our special guest and I had the opportunity to meet CMOH Dakota Meyer and Paul Bucha last year as well. To hear and read the stories of these men puts the word “hero” in the proper prospective.

Meeting each individual gave me a renewed sense of pride in some of the more important building blocks of life such as strong character, integrity, bravery, loyalty, fighting through adversity and an appreciation for ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These are the men that we should hold up as true heroes for young people to emulate.

Right now there are approximately 81 living Congressional Medal Of Honor recipients. The award is not handed out to any one. It is awarded to those who have shown tremendous courage and bravery, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism.

To read more go to:

Mike Thornton – http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3432/thornton-michael-edwin.php
Brian Thacker – http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3431/thacker-brian-miles.php

On March 18th of 2011 I received an email from former Atlanta Falcon Safety Ray Easterling. Unfortunately Ray passed away last week and subsequently authorities have determined that Ray’s death has been considered a suicide. His email was somewhat personal but I want to share edited parts of the email to readers. I am truly sadden that yet another former player has felt a need to end his pain by taking his own life! My sincerest condolences to the Easterling Family!

One of the reasons why I am sharing this private email is to allow the public especially those who will inevitably say something ignorant like “well these guys knew what they were getting into when they played” to get a glimpse of what they may never have an opportunity to see. To those who continue to think that football players of years ago knew what would happen or to assume they were well compensated for their play and pain, I beg to differ! Players had no clue that getting dinged, getting knock silly or getting your bell rung with concussions had lingering long lasting and even fatal consequences. We are all watching from box seats on the 50 yard line with a view the lingering effects of physical (knees, hips, back, shoulders and ankles) and neurological (the brain) pain players are effected with and how their pain now is handled individually.

Dear Harry,

My name is Ray Easterling. I played from 1972-1980 as a safety for the Atlanta Falcons!

I have always been regarded as a “Hitter”: just recently I was talking with Tommy Nobis on the phone and he said, “Whenever your name comes up, I either think or say,”Ray was one of those special players who was bring it as hard in a losing cause, as he would in a close game”. Nice compliment from a great football player, who I played beside a number of years.

I understand you are on the advisory board of Gridiron Greats and wonder if you would be an advocate for me. I am experiencing an accelerating loss of nerve function in both hands-conclusive from M.R.I., E.M.G., and other tests. Recently, I had an initial evaluation by one of the foremost brain-psychiatrist, in the U.S.A.- my wife accompanied me. He wants to promptly do another M.R.I., Pet scan, Sleep evaluation, other tests because the early tests he performed indicated a possible onset of Alzheimer’s, in light of all the concussions, I played with over 9 years-forget about practice which was worse than a game.

Harry, I have wondered if my business acumen has been askew for several years, due to the number of concussions I played with in games. You remember the code-If you could run, you played! I’ve had two hip replacements), 5 knee operations, another elbow operation, right shoulder re-construction, neck pain and bone spurs. Recently, I have lost the ability to endure even the slightest cold in my hands, and unable to button my shirt. My short term memory is giving me issues and after this initial evaluation my wife is scared to death. The Dr. wants to immediately perform tests, as well as medication, in case his postulation of early onset of mental issues due to brain trauma. I took early retirement and was unaware that I gave up my right to disability.

I was moved by your letter about Dave (Duerson). Harry, even if my situation is revealed to be a not so good prognosis, I am not afraid but I am concerned about my wife. My God is a mighty God and He has hold of me tight-sometimes He provides in all different ways and manners, because He will share His Glory with no man and all praise is His. I do not know what is going to happen but this I do know-I know the one, Who does!

Regards,

Ray Easterling

I recently traveled to Sarasota, Florida to attend the world premiere screening of “American Man”, a film directed by HBO’s Real Sports contributor Jon Frankel at the Sarasota Film Festival. The film is a documentary of Kevin Turner a former star football player at the University of Alabama and fullback with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. For those who don’t know of Kevin, he is a hardnosed former player who was eventually diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The significance of the film is Kevin gave Jon unlimited access to film him over an extended period of time allowing the viewer an opportunity follow his journey with the disease.

I knew of Kevin’s reputation as a player and had seen him play back in the 90’s but we had never met face to face until the evening of the screening. Upon meeting the 42 year old Turner I could tell immediately that he was every bit a football player. When I say “football player” I mean one of those guys who really loved playing the game! As I watched “American Man” and followed Turner’s journey my heart ached to see the struggles of a player who gave his all on the football field to now having to deal with the symptoms of a fatal disease. Like this and other neurological issues that affect many former players it is widely suspected that Kevin’s disease has been linked to the many concussions he sustained playing football.

During a question and answer session I took part in at the conclusion of the film, I told the audience that I found “American Man” very difficult to watch. But while I say that, “American Man” is the truth for Kevin Turner and others like former Raider fullback Steve Smith another player with ALS. I came away from the screening with a feeling that the film should be required viewing for every football player on every level and for every parent who allows their child to play football. As much as I feel the film should be must viewing I know that there will be some who will refuse to watch and will want blame Frankel, Turner or even Steve Smith for trying to disrupt or change the game of football in some way.

I was actually saddened to watch “American Man” knowing that to see the casualties of the game not only affect the players but the families that never played a down of football.

I would like to thank all the people I’ve come in contact with either in person or by way of the Internet over the past 2 months who have encouraged, begged or cheered me on to consider running for Congress later this year. To have folks from all walks of life (Young People and Old, Blacks, Whites, Latino, Asian, Republicans, Democrats, Independent and even Tea Party Supporters) give me their unwavering support was heartwarming and humbling. With so much encouragement I wanted to give the thought of running very serious consideration.

After several weeks of serious self-assessment and reflection I have decided not to seek any political office.

I consider myself extraordinarily blessed to have the life I live with boundless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of so many other people. For many of those I have come in contact with mutual friendships have developed. Those who have encouraged me to seek office never asked of my political affiliation, they did so because they know my heart. The general consensus of those leading the cheers was “we need good people in Washington”! As much as I understood that wish by others and wanted to fulfill it, I wrestled with how my own life would change. With the recent passing of several family members including my brother who was only 4 years older than me I could not summon the passion needed to attack this endeavor and give it 150% as I did to become a Hall of Fame athlete.

For those who personally know me I promise that while I am not seeking a political office I will continue to “Represent, Advocate and Inspire” those who feel they don’t have a voice.

Harry Carson

Today is my birthday! I’m beginning to see a lot of birthdays come and go. And, for those of you who really know me, I am very happy to say that I am doing very well. As birthdays go, my family and friends will once again attempt to do their best to surprise me in some way or with a gift. I can honestly say that I’ve been truly blessed beyond measure and they know that I have never been about receiving gifts, instead I get my pleasure out of giving to others. And that is what I want to do for you if you are interested.

For my birthday I want to give you a gift to keep or pass on to someone that you admire, adore or respect for Christmas. Don’t make the request for the sake of making a request for a free autograph, make the request for someone who you think would really be surprised and pleased to get a photo personally autographed to them from me. From now until December 17th 2011 if you send me a self addressed stamped (manila) envelope I will send to you or the person of your choice an autographed photo from my personal private collection. I only asked that one request is made per person, you indicate the name of the person the photo should be made out to and the correct postage is placed on each envelope. All requests will be processed and mailed on December 19th and should arrive prior to Christmas Day.

H. Carson

All requests should be sent to:

Carson Birthday Request
Harry Carson Inc.
P.O. Box 852
Westwood, NJ 07675

I am extremely heartbroken over the passing of Lee Roy Selmon. Lee Roy was the top pick in my draft class in 1976 by the Tampa Bay Buccaners. Everyone who ever saw him play at Oklahoma and Tampa Bay will readily agree he was an outstanding player on the football field. But as great as he was on the field he was nothing but class off the field. He carried himself with dignity and was respected by all who knew him especially those who played with and against him. I am honored to have had the opportunity to call him a friend!

Noticed last week that when the NFL lockout was lifted many players rushed back to their respective ball clubs to begin working out. Some were so eager to get back they arrived before the team facilities opened and had to wait until the doors were unlocked to get in. I don’t want want to sound like a disgruntled former player but I’ve been there myself having gone through a strike and a lockout, I know what the glee was all about. It was not about the game, it was all about the money! That is what they were running back to. For all who beg to differ, i dont want to burst your bubble but you certainly don’t know professional athletes!

As each player ran back to his team I hoped each would read the poster that should now be in every NFL locker room. Last year the National Football League finally acknowledged that concussions and head trauma sustained in practice and games could lead to serious neurological issues later in life. The League made that acknowledgement by placing posters in locker rooms around the country. While I hope every player is aware of the poster and is now fully informed of the risks of dimentia, alzheimers and ALS later in life from concussions sustained in today’s games it is more warning than John Mackey and countless others like him who were strong willed football players got when they played “back in the day”. Many of those who never got the memo are either now living a life of being cared for by others or have passed away like John Mackey
several weeks ago.

Knowing what I know now, at the end of the day, the gray matter of the brain is much more valuable than a two year 50 million dollar contract that can be rescinded or voided after a player sustains multiple concussions (can you say former Eagle and Giants killer
Brian Westbrook).

There is no “if” but there is a strong “when” players of this generation begin to experience memory loss or lose their personal dignity I hope they can at least remember what they were running back to in 2011 when their lockout ended.

My daughter texted me the other day and said “Dad you really need to update your blog!” She was absolutely right in that while I don’t get many comments on the articles I write, there are quite a few Harry Carson “loyalists” who come here to hear what I have to say.  So for those (you know who you are) I apologize for being away for so long (again). I will do my best to stay up to speed with my thoughts and activities.

From the dating of my last blog entry many things have occupied my time and energy.  Much of my time and energy went into the planning of the Giants 25th Anniversary celebration of the 86 Team’s Super Bowl victory.  I have been accused by some in the past of sometimes being a “control freak”. With this endeavor I plead “guilty” as charge of maintaining control over the venture because I wanted it to be a success. Unfortunately I feel that if you want something done right, do it yourself! That was the case with the endeavor I took on. There are very few things that I feel as passionate about as the people I played with on any level but especially the 86 Team. I planned, organized and worked with the team to make the Reunion Weekend one that will always be remembered by my fellow players, coaches and their spouses. Long story short it was better than even I expected it to be. When it was over some of the players expressed their feelings. One former player said it was “the best weekend of his life!”, one of my coaches said it was an “unbelievable, awesome experience that all of us will remember for the rest of our lives!”  I think all involved would agree that the weekend of being in the presence of one another one more (and perhaps one last) time was something we all needed.

While it was not my goal to garner such compliments, taking control of the situation and making sure it was memorable and everyone was included was my wish. Out of the 53 players on the roster for Super Bowl XXI, 51 players attended and participated and 8 of the 11 coaches were able to attend. The weekend is one of the best things I have ever done and I’m happy that everyone had a great time! If you all knew the time I put into the Reunion you will get a better understanding of where I’ve been and what I was doing. 

Team Photo 25 Years later (courtesy William Hauser)