#85 - jason elam

i just read that jason elam is going to play for the atlanta falcons. for those who don't know, jason elam is my favorite football player. he played for the UH then-rainbow warriors from 88-92 and helped lead them to a win over illnois in the holiday bowl. although he was "only a kicker" he was a big part of the team and put up many points. he was drafted by the denver broncos in the 3rd round of the draft, which is pretty high for a kicker. he spent 15 seasons there! i thought he was going to retire there but atlanta just signed him, he went to high school in georgia so this move is bringing him home i guess. he single handedly made me a denver broncos fan. i've been a fan since they signed the best kicker EVER. (two super bowls, three pro bowls)

although kickers usually put up a lot of points, they aren't really well known. they are relied on at the end of games to tie up or win a game at the last second with a field goal. i don't have a soft spot for kickers usually but this is one special guy.

my grandpa was in the hospital (dying pretty much) while jason was at UH. his lawyer happened to have a nephew on the football team. my grandpa was a huge rainbows fan and went to all the games, sat in the endzone seats and just loved it. so his lawyer asked him who his favorite player was. he said jason elam!! so one day, jason elam and the lawyer's nephew came into the hospital to visit him. he had this sweet, soft georgia accent and was one of the nicest people. they brought a football and hat signed by the players and was one of the grandest gestures. for a dying man to meet his favorite football player, it's a great memory. i was only 10 or so but i remember to this day the smile on his face. he did not know this fan and had no obligation whatsoever. he was a busy college student with i'm sure lots on his mind but took the time out to visit my grandpa and made his day.

so that's why jason is my favorite football player. i've followed his career with enthusiasm and although he's leaving my team, i'll still root for him. he is a great player and person.