Last summer, I had the pleasure of doing a story on Bill Dudley.  I'd heard of Bill Dudley, and knew he was a hall of famer who played for the Redskins, but knew little else (and I grew up a huge Redskins fan who knew just about EVERYTHING about the team and its history.)

I had met Bill - albeit on the telephone - a few months earlier, when Sammy Baugh passed away.  I wanted to get reaction to Baugh's passing, and, upon learning that Dudley was a teammate of Baugh's, got in touch with Dudley to talk about Sam.  Dudley was great.  I thought to myself after hanging up the phone, " man,  we have to do a story on this guy for our annual "Tim Brant's Pro Football Preview" show.

So down to Bluefield, VA (Bill's hometown) we went - myself and videographer extraordinaire Mike Springirth.  Dudley's a legend there - having starred as a halfback at the local high school on the 1930's.  From there, Mike and I went to interview Bill at his home in Lynchburg, VA.  What a treat.  Bill was 87 - but sharp as a tack.  And what a gentleman - the epitome of 'The Greatest Generation.'  We spoke with Bill about his college career at UVA (he was their first-ever football all-american), being drafted number-1 by the Steelers, going off to serve in World War II, his career with the Redskins, and his friendship with teammate Sammy Baugh.  

Bill Dudley was as humble as they come - despite being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted in 1966.)  He referred to himself as a 'professional has-been' and 'just a bona fide American.'  He played because he loved the game, and WANTED to serve in WWII instead of playing pro ball.  With all due respect to today's pro athletes, when it comes to Dudley, it seems 'they just don't make 'em like that anymore.' 

So it was with sadness yesterday that I opened an email from the University of Virginia.  It was a press release announcing Dudley's passing - at age 88.  I immediately thought back to our trip to Bluefield and Lynchburg, and how Bill and his wife Libba welcomed us into their home.  The even offerend to take Mike and I to dinner - along with their son and daughter.  We declined, as we had to drive all the way back home that night.  I sure wish we could have made it to dinner that night.  Nevertheless, it was a day, and an interview, I'll never forget.  I got to meet a real American Hero, and learn just who Bill Dudley is in the process.

 

   

Here is the short, quick look at what's going on right now in Washington Sports. The Redskins have almost completed their coaching staff . There is a UCLA connection on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan served as a Bruin graduate assistant in 2003 and he worked with Jon Embree who is the new tight ends coach. The Wizards had their winning streak halted at two. The Wizards had a chance against the Mavs after Foye hit a three, Miller hit a three, Haywood took a charge, but then Butler had a shot blocked with one second left to win it (Miller was open). The Georgeown Hoyas travelled to Pittsburgh and beat the Panthers in a huge Big East game. Pitt was trying to get a 6-0 start for the first time in their Big East history. The G-men are strong!  Don't make light of Maryland's record setting 51 point win over Longwood. The Terps players are building confidence and  they are now winning the games they are supposed to win. Emphatically!!! The Caps are the best ticket in town. What a great scene. Fun, exciting, well behaved crowds. The capitals have the talent to win it all, but they still need consistant netminding and still need a bully to mix it up and keep guys off of Ovie. Right now the Capitals have the number one seed and lead the Eastern Conference with 68 points. Cynne' Simpson says, " we all suffer from BTF (Bad Team Fatigue with the Nats, Skins and Wizards)".  I hope we are turning the corner. Atleast right now with all the change comes hope.

Saturday afternoon in the Conte Forum at Boston College, the Maryland Terrapins made a statement. The Terps played well on the road in a critical ACC match-up for the second time in a matter of five days. Maryland lost to Wake Forest last Tuesday 85-83 in overtime and the Terrapins played hard in the heartbreaking defeat. So how good are these guys? I announced the game in Boston with Dan Bonner Saturday and Dan shocked me when he said "when Maryland is playing well and running their offense,  they may be the best in the ACC."  What?  He really believes that Maryland has the experience, which matches well with their youth, with the talent on the bench to relieve a strong starting five. OK, and for me, the greatest asset in College Park is Gary Williams who will get every ounce of effort out of what talent is already there.  But there is Duke and UNC and Clemson and Florida State and Georgia Tech and......my point is that this is a long season with ebb and flows. Inch by inch it's a cinch, yard by yard it's very hard. In other words, the Terrapins have to take it one game at a time. I have great respect for Dan Bonner, but while I think Maryland plays hard and is a dangerous ball club, they still have a long way to go till the ACC Tournament and NCAA"s.  It was impressive to see so many Maryland fans in Boston Saturday. I hope all Terp fans enjoy a season full of potential in College Park.