Once again, in this age of steroids, trade demands, arrests, Show Me The Money,
and character issues gone wild in sports, I bring to you a
positive story about an athlete. It still boggles my mind that a player
can get a DWI or owe a casino money, and that story is headlines all
across America. Not that it isn't newsworthy, but where are the
positive stories today? I guess you just have to dig a little deeper to
find them.
We have grown accustomed to bad press stories like the one where Griffin Whitman, 10 years old, got this foul autograph from Yankees player Shelley Duncan. Class act huh?
While scouring the web seeking information on NFC East teams, the story
of Former New York Giants defensive end George Martin caught my eye.
After a bit of investigating I've found he's is walking... across
America to raise money for health care for the rescue workers who
responded to Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. Yes WALKING. Martin began
his project in September, planning to walk from George
Washington Bridge in New York to the Golden Gate Bridge in San
Francisco.
8 months ago:
Former New York Giants star George Martin waves during halftime
ceremonies at the Giants versus the Green Bay Packers football game at
Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007.
Earlier Sunday, Martin began a cross-country walk to raise money for
sick World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers.
For those fans outside of the NFC East who may be unaware, George
Martin was a star defensive end and co-captain of the Super Bowl
Champion New York Giants (1986). In Super Bowl XXI, he famously tackled
Broncos quarterback John Elway for a safety in the end zone. During his
14 NFL seasons (1975-1988), Mr. Martin scored seven touchdowns (three
on interception returns), which set a record for defensive linemen,
surpassed this season by Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jason Taylor. He is also a former president of the NFL Players Association.
Mr. Martin seeks to raise several million dollars to provide healthcare
for 9/11 responders and increase awareness about the illnesses now
affecting those who are suffering from lung disease, post traumatic
stress disorder and other serious medical conditions stemming from
their efforts at Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Mr. Martin recently was named one of ABC News’ “Persons of the Year
2007” and also received a humanitarian award from the Heisman Trophy
Trust in New York. He is currently walking across Arizona and will
continue through , Arizona, and California,
where the Journey will end in San Francisco at
the Golden Gate Bridge in Spring 2008.
Averaging 20-25 miles per
day on foot (a rate of about four miles per hour), Mr. Martin has
already passed through portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. His trek
began at the George Washington Bridge in New York City and will end at
the Golden Gate Bridge in Spring 2008.
So while you're reading those stories of players demanding more,
remember the man that is intent on actually giving back to a city that
has supported him in the past.
George Martin is a true hero who is helping to bring
much needed attention and assistance to the heroes of 9/11. I applaud
him for undertaking this historic journey and thank him for devoting so
much of himself to a critically important cause.
Why does he do it? His own words: “It is my honor to walk across this great nation to generate awareness
about and funding for the healthcare needs of those who have fallen ill
as a result of their selfless sacrifices in the aftermath of September
11, 2001. We need to do all we can as a nation to help the rescue and
recovery workers of Ground Zero recover from and manage their
illnesses. I encourage all Americans to support the efforts of those
in Washington, DC, who seek to ensure proper medical care for those who
have fallen ill as a result of 9/11, and I thank all those who are
contributing to “a Journey for 9/11.”
This is another feel good story that is lacking in sports coverage.
George Martin is a true hero who is actually giving back and helping to
bring
much needed attention and assistance to the heroes of 9/11. I applaud
him for undertaking this historic journey and thank him for devoting so
much of himself to a critically important cause.
I guess goodness doesn't sell. No wonder I've grown so cynical... Is that what the people who make the decisions want of us? Are we supposed to feel bad all the time?
Excellent post Midnite. In an era of salaciousness, it is refreshing to hear of someone like George Martin doing a selfless deed such as walking across the nation to raise money for the 9/11 rescue and recovery workers' health care.
Dwindy1 - Thanks and I look for these stories also. You mention goodness doesn't sell. Perhaps if he was sponsored by Hooters and had an entourage of waitresses, we'd be getting hourly updates on SportsCenter?
jon_464 - More than selfless, it's actually very demanding. Glad you enjoyed the story!
YeeMum - Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed! I'm overdue to stop by your blog(and others). I'm at work now. I'll stop thru NASCARville when I get home!
Cool story! You'd think there would be more coverage on a guy walking cross-country for charity! I mean heck he's a millionaire, he could have sponsored someone else to do it! Very unselfish and it's good to read of someone giving back, instead of the primadonna athletes wanting more!
Midnite Cowboy
Reading something like this is always inspiring.
Too few of the old timers really get any respect. And when you get the likes of Ditka carrying on the way that he's done with his philanthropic efforts for the retired players. I find it somewhat refreshing to read something genuine like this.
Ditka and his Gridiron Greats organization are still being less than forthright as to their dealings. And that's what's so lamentable about the guy's integrity thus far.
Tophatal - Yes Martin is old school and obviously the product o####ood home environment during his childhood. This was a tremendous sacrifice and commitment in the name of helping others. Class act.
Gintzfan4life - Thanks for stopping by and leaving a few words. The march was originally scheduled to end as he crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm guessing that southern Cali desert took a toll on him. That doesn't diminish what you called a "MAJOR class act".
I hail from a large family where after school we went in 7 different directions, to either play or coach in every sport available. As a child I got in free to the Cowboy games at the Cotton Bowl as a tag-along to my Dad's credentials. It was the ultimate childhood dream scenario to play football there, under the lights with the kids of other players and personnel after the games. I have been a Cowboys fan since those days in the 60's and like Willie Nelson says "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys". I've witnessed a few Stars Stanley Cup games and I have been a Mavericks fan since day one. Hopefully, in the future, G.W. Bush will re-take control of the Texas Rangers and they will once again become competitive.
was a star defensive end and co-captain of the Super Bowl
Champion New York Giants (1986). In Super Bowl XXI, he famously tackled
Broncos quarterback John Elway for a safety in the end zone. During his
14 NFL seasons (1975-1988), Mr. Martin scored seven touchdowns (three
on interception returns), which set a record for defensive linemen,
surpassed this season by Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jason Taylor. He is also a former president of the NFL Players Association.
