Heroes Are Regular Guys

            We in Big Orange country love our football. Okay, for the last few years our love affair has taken on a love-hate characteristic, but all we need is a little hope, and the cheers and support return. Something else that thrills us is running into a former football hero.

            During my teaching career, I worked with Spencer Riley. He played for UT from 1996-2000. During that time, he was selected for the All-SEC freshman team and played in the 1999 Senior Bowl. Riley was the center on the 1998 championship team.

            Spencer and I taught at Karns High School. What I discovered was an individual who was at the core a “good ol’ country boy.” He loved to joke and laugh and have fun. In the classroom, he was all business and brought the same kind of passion that he showed on the football field. Spencer never allowed his UT star status to change him one bit. He was too wise and knew that time had passed. Instead, Spencer worked on cultivating friends and perfecting his teaching and coaching skills.

            Bobby Gratz played fullback for UT from 1962-65. He was a tough football player from Morristown, who had a dedicated work effort and played much bigger than his 200 pound size. We worked together at Doyle High School. Legendary principal Billy K. Nicely had passed, and Gratz was dubbed the new principal. He jumped into the position with all the energy he had displayed on the football field. Sometimes, however, students, teachers, and parents didn’t appreciate the job he did, but he continued to give his best efforts.

            A few years back, Vince Kanipe retired from the UT police department. Most folks recognize him as the officer who accompanied Coach Phil Fulmer and his family on game days. During the reception, the door to the hall opened and in came the UT coach.

            Any UT fan worth his salt knows that Fulmer played line for UT from the end of the 60’s and into the 70’s. He began his coaching career as head coach in 1992 and led the Volunteers until 2008. Over that span, Fulmer’s teams compile a record of 152-52, finishing 100 games over .500. Recently, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

            I introduced myself to the coach, and he greeted me as if I were an old friend. I talked with him for quite a while. He was a gracious man with a kindness not often found in celebrities. Even with all his success, this man from Winchester, TN has managed to keep his down-home personality.

            A couple of weeks ago I bought a car to replace one I’d sold my daughter. My wife found a used Altima at Cadillac of Knoxville, and I dropped by the dealership to take a look. The salesman was Danny Spradlin. He came from Maryville and played linebacker for UT from 1977-80 and then went on to an NFL career for five years.

            Danny surprised me with his soft-spoken voice. He was more than kind and helpful. We chatted a little about football, and then I test drove the car. When I left the business, he said, “God bless you.” Later, we returned to purchase the car, and again, Danny said that with no embarrassment in his voice. Doing business with a man with such a friendly nature was a pleasure.

            We make heroes of our athletes. What sometimes gets lost in the hype and glitz is the fact that they are all normal folks who are blessed with a talent and who have developed it to its highest degree. In the end, however, these heroes are regular guys who have good days and bad day; they work to make their lives better each day and sometimes make mistakes. Still, we appreciate them and the joy they’ve brought to us as we’ve watched them on the playing field. When a fan sees one of these heroes, he should take time to discover what good folks they are.