12/21/24
December 18, 2003
This morning I was greeted with the sad news that Otto Graham had passed away at the age of 82. Before Deion, Bo and the rest, Otto Graham was a two sport star. He was a college All American in basketball and football. He went on to play in the NBA and lead the Cleveland Browns to ten championship games in as many years. Though many of this generation have never heard of him he's talked about as one of the best quarterbacks of all time and is frequently mentioned as one of the greatest athletes of any generation.
After his playing career, he coached the Washington Redskins for four years and guided the Coast Guard Academy to their only unbeaten/untied year in 1963.
Having listened to countless stories, I can honestly say there are legions of people who are better for having known, played with, and played for Otto Graham. He will be missed.
George Steinbrenner of all people was close to him and had some remarks (on ESPN front page, too lazy to go back)... I never knew SiaS was a football guy pre-Yankees...
posted by Bernreuther at 10:59 AM on December 18, 2003
I still can't get over the 10 title games in 10 years. That is beyond awesome and I wonder, even in sports like the EPL that lack a salary cap, if we'll ever see a similar situation again.
posted by billsaysthis at 01:04 PM on December 18, 2003
College soccer is the best I can come up with, Billy. Didn't the ladies from UNC come close to that? Either way, it is a remarkable acomplishment.
posted by 86 at 11:04 AM on December 19, 2003
But I don't mean just the team, you could look at Ucla Bball and Celtics in Nba, but where one guy is the main reason. The Unc women have an outstanding record but that's many people over the years plus a great coach.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:43 PM on December 19, 2003
great tribute bro.