(S2) - Weekend PT #6 - Childhood Hero

[Kronen]

I agree that everyone has a childhood hero and in this I am no different. Growing up a child of the eighties, I distinctly remember the birth growth and maturation of the West Coast offense. I remember edifying Bill Walsh as the emergent genius of the game. The play was fast paced: strategic but improvised. It took the game and advanced the depth of strategy by employing time as a strategy device and quick reading of the defense. Bill Walsh is most definitely my childhood football hero.

But he came to my awareness later in life. I of course grew up following and worshiping Joe Montana and Steve Young, the quarterbacks who thrived under Bill Walsh's guidance. They lit up my tube television and delighted me with the crisp reads and sterling reputation. They were consummate performers and supreme professionals. Joe Montana embodied the panache and style of a performer and Steve Young personified the work ethic of the successor. It was a great time to follow football and a great sort of football to grow up following. It relied on wits, trust and intelligence. I will continue to argue that kids these days who worship at the altar of talent and natural ability follow the study of the game and become adept at the underlying strategy of the game. It will deepen one's appreciation of the game to list a coach and strategist as childhood hero.