Childhood Heroes

[CoachR64]

Growing up, we all have people that we look up to, that become heroes to us and influence what we want to be when we grow up.

In the town I grew up in, there was one man that all the boys my age grew up idolizing. His name was Rick Bryan. Rick was a 2 time all-american at the University of Oklahoma and still ranks 8th on the all-time tackles list. He then played 10 years for the Atlanta Falcons, and is the number one reason I am an Atlanta Falcons fan today.

Over the years, I have gotten to know this man and his family. Rick was a wonderful father, husband, player, and coach. He greatly impacted the lives of everyone he came in contact with. He was one of the most humble, hardworking men I have ever been around in my life.

Last night, Rick suffered a major heart attack while sleeping in his recliner in his home. He died of congestive heart failure at the age of 47. He leaves behind 3 amazing children and a wonderful wife who will miss him greatly.

RIP Rick. God must me working on his fantasy football team in Heaven, because He just drafted one of the best defensive tackles and human beings that could be found on this earth.

Coach

 

[Fremdin]

I'm sorry to hear this.
It always sucks when a childhood hero passes. It's such a strange feeling. Like the end of an era. To me it feels like the sudden reality that you can never go back home again, because time has had it's way with you and neither you nor home are the same as they were. I bet that made no sense. But I hope my meaning came across even if I delievered it poorly.

 

[CoachR64]

What sucks, is he was more than a hero, he was a friend. I used to work the childrens and youth camps at church along side his wife, working with and developing relationships with his children.

In the days where you see so many professional athletes making big mistakes and ruining their lives, it was so awesome to see a man stay true to himself and his roots. He loved his family and was incredibly loyal. When he retired from the NFL, he moved back to his hometown to farm and ranch. It was what he loved and what he knew. He was true to himself.

RIP Ricky.

Coach

 

[ido]

I'm sorry that you lost a friend and childhood hero, Coach.

Is it bad that I didn't have anyone that I looked up to that much growing up? I can think of a few teachers that stood out for me, but there isn't one particular person that I really feel like I admired that much growing up.

 

[Thomas1984]

I'm sorry that you lost a friend and childhood hero, Coach.

Is it bad that I didn't have anyone that I looked up to that much growing up? I can think of a few teachers that stood out for me, but there isn't one particular person that I really feel like I admired that much growing up.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss too, Coach.

I don't know if it's bad or not FNG, but I'm in the same boat as you, either way. Saying that, none of my teachers inspired me either.