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The Pro Football Hall of Fame

    Every once in a while I'll take the notion to mark a goal off that list we all carry around in our head. You know, that list of things we always wanted to do but never got done. Not so long ago I followed one of these whims and traveled to Canton, Ohio, to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I had been a lifelong fan of Pro Football. The first NFL game I watched was in 1958. It was the championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. It was the first pro football game ever on TV and a real thriller. It was the first 'sudden death' overtime game and a nation decided, " Yeah, we want to see some more of this". Johnny Unitas was the Colts quarterback and became my hero. The Colts won, by the way. At that time my family had recently bought a television, a device which at that time was just as 'magical' as an I-Pad. But I digress.
    So from those years on my brother and I would toss a football around and pretend to be Johnny U. and Ray Berry. I loved the horseshoe on the helmets. Then, on a Wednesday morning in Canton I walked into the place where they honor those who have been the most skilled in the history of the game. I saw all sorts of things I expected to see and a few I didn't expect to see. One of the latter category was an exhibit that honored all the crazy fans of the years; including those guys that dressed up like lady hogs in Washington. I lingered over any exhibit that had to do with my Colts. I saw the hall with all the busts in it. Yes, Johnny Unitas and his pards are there, you bet. I had my picture taken by my wife in front of various Colts-related things.
    Even the gift shop is done with class and there's not a greedy spirit about the place, but rather a feeling of respect. I bought a football that was signed by Johnny Unitas and has a certificate of authenticity from the Hall of Fame. I would not take $10,000 for it. Guess what? Two weeks later Johnny Unitas went to meet his Maker and no overtime was granted. The ball he had signed sits in a case above my bookshelf tonight as I write this.
    My wife, who is not a sports fan, said she really enjoyed her time at the hall. I believe you would too. Goodnight Mr. Unitas, wherever you are.
    From the green retreat, just down memory lane.
    CE Wills
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