A TRUE TRAILBLAZER: DON MEREDITH

On December 5, 2010 we lost an iconic football figure in Don Meredith.  Meredith blazed the trail as one of the first professional athletes to transition from the playing field to the broadcast booth.  As a football player with the Dallas Cowboys Meredith was known to be tough us nails and was said to have a personality larger than his home state of Texas.  He is described as a gregarious individual who was never at a loss of words.

Meredith's impact on the great game of football stretches further than his accomplishments on the gridiron.  Meredith is most remembered for his post football career.  When Meredith choose to abruptly retire from football in 1969 it was a shock to most people, however he resurfaced two years later in a new role as a broadcast analyst for Monday Night Football.  Meredith brought entertainment and credibility to the broadcast booth.  He was famous for his slick one-liners and was a change of pace from his broadcast mate, the legendary Howard Cosell.

Being a former athlete I have much respect and admiration for Don Meredith.  He opened up doors for many professional athletes.  After retiring Meredith had success as a broadcast analyst and tried his hand in acting.  I feel that without Meredith exploring these options in the 1970's, we as former athletes could be limited in terms of the opportunities we had post career.

Thank you for everything Don we could not be where we are today without you.