Sports Hall of Fame Broadcaster is Guest Speaker at FCA Banquet

sbl_admin · 12-13-2007, 11:51 AM

Sports Hall of Fame Broadcaster Pat Summerall Guest Speaker at FCA Banquet

Former NFL Kicker on John Madden; Cowboys; Saints; Patriots & liver transplant

By Tom Pace, Executive Editor, SBLive!
December 12th, 2007

A liver transplant from a 13 year old boy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas saved his life.
That, Pat Summerall says, happened three years ago…and now, he’s back to work on network television, broadcasting NFL and college games.

A spry 77 years young, Summerall was at ease for his one-on-one interview with SBLive! Born in Florida, and raised by his aunts, with guidance along the way from his high school football coach, Pat Summerall followed him to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He became a kicker for the Razorbacks, was drafted in the 2nd round, and began his pro career in 1952 with the New York Giants.

Mild mannered, and still with that deep baritone-rich voice, Summerall was most gracious during the interview. He talked succinctly about the NFL (then & now)...
gave some insight about his former broadcast partner, John Madden (Summerall says Madden’s “…very shy, a loner…who loves one thing: broadcasting football games.)

He answered a series of questions in rapid fire succession about: the Saints-
he called them “…disappointing”. “The Cowboys”, Summerall said, “… could go all the way to play New England (he’s most impressed with Tony Romo, and the rest of the Blue Stars’ supporting cast.) Finally, he said, “the Patriots are the best offensive team in the NFL.”

Summerall was in town as the guest speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Founders Award Banquet, this past Tuesday night at the Bossier Civic Center. When asked about the impact of the FCA on players during our interview he said, it’s a shame all the ‘good things’ that Christian athletes do, many times go un-noticed in our world, that’s quick to point out the sensational scandals that seem to rock pro sports.

CBS Television Sports, and Sporting News Radio personality, Tim Brando introduced Summerall at the FCA Banquet. Summerall admitted to the audience, he was an alcoholic (now, recovering)…and, that drinking had left his liver scarred, and his life in jeopardy while waiting for a transplant. He received his in 2004, and now credits the Lord with guiding and directing his life.

An inspiration as a network broadcaster, and NFL player, now Summerall is an inspiration to the Christian community, with his message of hope. His book,
Summerall: On and Off the Field , was available at the banquet, and he took time to personally autograph each one. It was an honor to meet him.
He’s a real class act.

12-13-2007, 11:51 AM	#1
sbl_admin Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 1,965 Rep Power: 267	Sports Hall of Fame Broadcaster is Guest Speaker at FCA Banquet Sports Hall of Fame Broadcaster Pat Summerall Guest Speaker at FCA Banquet Former NFL Kicker on John Madden; Cowboys; Saints; Patriots & liver transplant By Tom Pace, Executive Editor, SBLive! December 12th, 2007 A liver transplant from a 13 year old boy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas saved his life. That, Pat Summerall says, happened three years ago…and now, he’s back to work on network television, broadcasting NFL and college games. A spry 77 years young, Summerall was at ease for his one-on-one interview with SBLive! Born in Florida, and raised by his aunts, with guidance along the way from his high school football coach, Pat Summerall followed him to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He became a kicker for the Razorbacks, was drafted in the 2nd round, and began his pro career in 1952 with the New York Giants. Mild mannered, and still with that deep baritone-rich voice, Summerall was most gracious during the interview. He talked succinctly about the NFL (then & now)... gave some insight about his former broadcast partner, John Madden (Summerall says Madden’s “…very shy, a loner…who loves one thing: broadcasting football games.) He answered a series of questions in rapid fire succession about: the Saints- he called them “…disappointing”. “The Cowboys”, Summerall said, “… could go all the way to play New England (he’s most impressed with Tony Romo, and the rest of the Blue Stars’ supporting cast.) Finally, he said, “the Patriots are the best offensive team in the NFL.” Summerall was in town as the guest speaker at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Founders Award Banquet, this past Tuesday night at the Bossier Civic Center. When asked about the impact of the FCA on players during our interview he said, it’s a shame all the ‘good things’ that Christian athletes do, many times go un-noticed in our world, that’s quick to point out the sensational scandals that seem to rock pro sports. CBS Television Sports, and Sporting News Radio personality, Tim Brando introduced Summerall at the FCA Banquet. Summerall admitted to the audience, he was an alcoholic (now, recovering)…and, that drinking had left his liver scarred, and his life in jeopardy while waiting for a transplant. He received his in 2004, and now credits the Lord with guiding and directing his life. An inspiration as a network broadcaster, and NFL player, now Summerall is an inspiration to the Christian community, with his message of hope. His book, Summerall: On and Off the Field , was available at the banquet, and he took time to personally autograph each one. It was an honor to meet him. He’s a real class act.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)