I was there for his first game and the end around TD. Whenever we got to a game, we made sure to be in our seats before Ozzie would run his lap around the field.
So I’ve read- or thought I’ve read, everything Joe has written for probably a little over a decade. I’ve followed him around as he’s migrated all over the internet from his Sports Illustrated days. And yet I don’t remember that Ozzie Smith story. Possibly I read it years ago but just forgot. When I think of Ozzie Smith I think of the Baltimore Ravens, not the Browns.
So in addition to another fabulous story telling profile, this is the second time already in the 2nd life of Joe’s blogs that I’ve been told a story that he says he has told many times before that was new to me. Duck fat city!
Beautiful, heartfelt, touching. And so much more. This is why I will always keep this JoeBlogs subscription, even if I have to drop all the rest I have. Thank you, Joe.
Great post. Don't mean to quibble, but Junkin actually was a starter in 1988, he was awarded the position despite being outplayed by Eddie Johnson in the pre-season. He got hurt after a few games, and Johnson played so well he never got his job back. And yeah, one of the biggest busts in NFL history, beating out some of the other Browns picks from the 70s to the 90s (Charlton, Powell, etc).
One of my great pleasures is reading your words about your favorite players. The prose are particularly mesmerizing, Joe. Those stories are my delights simply because you can read and feel how you felt about those players. Well done, Joe. Well done!
I would love to read the article you wrote about that encounter.
I was there for his first game and the end around TD. Whenever we got to a game, we made sure to be in our seats before Ozzie would run his lap around the field.
Has Ozzie Newsome's drafting reflected his lack of blocking skill? Does he try and get good blockers, or good receivers?
Terrific essay. Thanks Joe
Thanks, Joe. You never disappoint. I will follow your writing no matter where you land. Best entertainment value by far.
Annnnnd … this is why we subscribe.
So I’ve read- or thought I’ve read, everything Joe has written for probably a little over a decade. I’ve followed him around as he’s migrated all over the internet from his Sports Illustrated days. And yet I don’t remember that Ozzie Smith story. Possibly I read it years ago but just forgot. When I think of Ozzie Smith I think of the Baltimore Ravens, not the Browns.
So in addition to another fabulous story telling profile, this is the second time already in the 2nd life of Joe’s blogs that I’ve been told a story that he says he has told many times before that was new to me. Duck fat city!
Obviously meant Ozzie Newsome, not Smith. Sheeesh!
Well, now I'm an Ozzie Newsome fan, too.
This made me see Ozzie Newsome in a whole new light.
Beautiful, heartfelt, touching. And so much more. This is why I will always keep this JoeBlogs subscription, even if I have to drop all the rest I have. Thank you, Joe.
Ozzie Newsome only 97? “Duck Fat”
Great post. Don't mean to quibble, but Junkin actually was a starter in 1988, he was awarded the position despite being outplayed by Eddie Johnson in the pre-season. He got hurt after a few games, and Johnson played so well he never got his job back. And yeah, one of the biggest busts in NFL history, beating out some of the other Browns picks from the 70s to the 90s (Charlton, Powell, etc).
One of my great pleasures is reading your words about your favorite players. The prose are particularly mesmerizing, Joe. Those stories are my delights simply because you can read and feel how you felt about those players. Well done, Joe. Well done!