So, one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me happened this weekend. I was in Fort Worth for my friend Nathan's graduation. I had a great time catching up with my friends. The weekend was great, but Sunday proved a great surprise for me.
I was in the airport, waiting on my flight home, when who should I see but one of my childhood idols, Herschel Walker! Most of you will probably not understand this, but any boy growing up in Georgia in the 1980's only has one real hero, Herschel. Herschel was and still is the best running back ever to grace a football field. He embarrassed defenses and flattened defenders all over the SEC and the rest of the College Football universe. Herschel set the record for most yards rushing as a freshman, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. He certainly would have won it again, but rather chose to leavc Georgia early for pro ball. Folks, where I come from Herschel is a legend. He is the best thing since boiled peanuts, and to talk bad about him is akin to talking bad about somebody's Mamma.
But I digress, So I am sitting in my little chair in the airport, when what do my eyes behold, but my hero walking through the terminal. I immediately rubbed my eyes and looked again to make sure that it was all real, and it was! Herschel Walker, right there, not 20 yards away from me! I knew right then and there that this was my chance to meet my hero. So I did what every real Georgia fan would do, I stalked Herschel till the poor fellow had a seat. Luckily, he was on the same flight I was, so he actually walked right over to where I had been sitting. I took a deep breath, mustered up all the cool I had in me, and as non-chalantly as I could, I walked over to Herschel, stuck out my hand, and shook Herschel's hand. He smiled that big Herschel smile and said hello. I stumbled through hello, and it's nice to meet you. Herschel told me hello and ended with God Bless You. I am not real sure if he said anything else. I left and went back to my seat feeling like a dork, but a dork who met one of his heroes.
One observation: When we arrived in Atlanta, everyone on the plane went down to get their bags, and then go home. While waiting on our bags, Herschel was mobbed by a gang of ravenous fans. He signed every autograph that was asked for, and even talked with one guys wife on the phone he jammed in Herschel's face. He did it all with great grace and kindness, and ended every interaction with the words: God Bless You. Herschel could have been a jerk, grabbed his bag and run out of the airport,(Which one of us could have cought him, or tackled him!) but rather he showed how class an act he really is.
I think this is the real reason Herschel is so dearly loved in Georgia. Yes, he carried our hopes and dreams with that football. Yes, he was immensely talented, and did some amazing things on the pitch. Herschel laid flat all those bullies we wanted to squash ourselves. And yes, Herschel helped us feel like winners even when we had no real part of the teams he was on. But the real reason we love Herschel Walker is that he did all those things, the bowl wins, the thousands of yards, the Heisman, et al; with great class and poise. Herschel Walker is a hero you can respect. Barry who?
