Most fans would do anything to spend some time with their sports heroes.  I realized this when I looked at my own walls and contemplated the amounts of money poured into Steve Largent and Shaun Alexander autographed pictures, helmets, balls, and jerseys.  Fans want anything that was once touched or signed by the athletes they so admire.  Some players even go as far as selling their time to the highest bidder so one lucky fan could experience the "privilege" of being in the presence of the greatness that is a professional athlete.  Conversing with these players are rare, often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that a fan could never pass on. 

In November of 2003, I was waiting for my connecting flight to Baltimore in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport.  As I was waiting, I noticed in the corner was the one and only Walter Jones.  The Pro Bowl, all-pro, all-universe offensive tackle was waiting to board the same plane.  Seattle was playing the Ravens that weekend and Walter had a "family emergency" to tend to so he was not with the team. 

The 2003 season was the second of three consecutive seasons that Mr. Jones had held out due to the Seahawks and agent Roosevelt Barnes's inability to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.  I hated that about Walter.  I wanted to like Walter so badly.  I played the same position as Walter in high school and college.  I just could not bring myself to like someone who would hold my team hostage every off-season.  As we stood in different corners of the terminal, we made eye contact.  I was adorned in 'Hawks gear so he noticed me. 

At that moment, the attempt to connect telepathically began (this activity is usually done over the television airwaves, however not necessary in this encounter).  I was sending the message to him over and over again, "I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you.  I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you.  I know who you are and I'm not talking to you." 

Walter was sending the "Do you know who I am?" vibe to me.  I was undaunted.  "I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you."

This is Walter Jones!  This is the guy who is now a six-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time first team all-pro, and (sorry Steve) the greatest Seahawk ever. 

"I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you."

This is the guy who gave up a sack to Osi Umenyiora on Nov. 27 of 2005.  Why is that important?  It was the only one he surrendered last season and the first since Bruce Smith got one on Nov. 9 of 2003!

"I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you."

This is the best player at his position in the NFL.  He may be the best player in the league period.  At 6'5" and 310 pounds, the Seahawks used the 6^th overall pick in the 1997 draft on him because of his great size, and his freakish athleticism.  He ran the 40 yard dash at 4.8 seconds coming out of Florida State.  Even Mel Kiper called him a "can't miss" prospect!

"I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you."

This is the same Walter Jones that pushes around his Cadillac Escalade as an off season conditioner.  He's the only guy, other than the QB, that makes me lose my breath and cringe in horror when he's slow to get up from a play.

"I know who you are, and I'm not talking to you."

Before the 2005 season, Walter signed a seven year contract with the Seahawks, thus ending his legendary string of holdouts.  It looks like Walter will be a Seahawk for the duration of his career.  He's become one of the most dependable Seahawks of the last nine years.  Walter has started 137 of a possible 144 games in his career.  Walter's career will ultimately end with #71 hanging in the Ring of Honor and a bust in Canton. 

How nice would it be to see him somewhere?  How cool would it be to let him now how much a fan appreciated what he does at a position so few notice or care about?  It would be such a great honor to have a few minutes of his time to tell him that at least one person notices his greatness.  One person watches the game and forgets the ball from time to time in order to watch and admire a true NFL great.  Now, the loyalty to my team I showed on that day only haunts me and robs me of my opportunity.  Like so many others, I should not have held out!  So Walter, if you're reading, "I know who you are, and I'm telling you that you are the NFL's best."