The NFL has taken significant steps in their attempts to protect quarterbacks, but Steve Young might have the story that tops all stories. The Hall of Fame quarterback is publishing an autobiography this year, which you can pre-order on Amazon. He tells numerous fun stories from his career, and MMQB had a look at some of the better ones. And considering how this day has gone, why not enjoy something funny?
The MMQB column is worth a read, and it sounds like the book is very much worth a read. It offers some fun behind the scenes stuff most of us never knew. But it’s the story about a referee he interacted with during a Bucs-Colts game in 1985. The story came in the context of his high profile nature coming over from the USFL, and how it did not go away even though he was with the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even on the field, I can’t escape the craziness. We play the Colts at home. Partway through the second quarter I’m in the huddle when the head referee taps me on the shoulder. ‘Can I talk to you for a second?’ he says. I step away from the huddle. ‘Hey, listen, my daughter’s going to BYU,’ he whispers. Next thing I know he starts trying to convince me that I should meet his daughter. ‘I'd like you to take her out,’ he says.
“I cannot believe this. We’re in the middle of a game! ‘Oh, okay,’ I said. ‘What's her name?’’ He tells me and I return to the huddle ... Late in the game we’re down 31-23 and I'm trying to mount a comeback. I scramble out of the pocket and take a brutal hit. It causes me to fumble just before the whistle blows to stop the play. I am lying on the ground when the defense recovers the loose ball, all but sealing our defeat. Suddenly out of nowhere a yellow flag lands next to me. The referee whose daughter is headed to BYU calls a personal foul on the defense. First down, Tampa Bay. I get up and brush myself off. Then the ref walks past me and whispers she likes Italian food.
There’s also a funny Joe Montana story, and some interesting stuff about separation anxiety. The book will be worth a read, but for now, check out the MMQB column.