The Dawgfather
AlanI know it’s been a while since I wrote…and for good reason. But after suffering through a mid-season slump, the Dawgs finished strong outscoring their opponents in the last two games by 72-10, including a Top 20 team. And our family finished equally as strong with an Apple Cup tailgate that will never be forgotten (which assumes we all remember in the first place).
Now all eyes are on our coveted quarterback. No reason to debate whether Jake should or shouldn’t return because that would presume we assign the same values as he does to returning for a senior year (experience, senior year at college, potential bowl, potential Heisman, finishing what was started, etc.) vs. departing early for the NFL ($$). I strongly believe Jake will defy those that are advising him solely based on economics, and return to UW for his senior year for the same reasons he turned down opportunities to attend the top schools – because he wanted to be a Dawg.
Regardless of his decision, he will succeed in whatever he does in life because of his character and his unmatched physical abilities. And because the decision is his and his alone, and because that decision is unknown as of today, I offer the following open letter to Jake Locker:
Dear Jake:
As a father first, and a fan second, allow me to congratulate your parents for instilling a sense of values in you that are too often lost on kids these days. Second, allow me to congratulate you for listening to your parents, subscribing to those values and applying them. And third, congratulations on the recognition you are now receiving nationally for what I have known since I watched you win a high school state championship. My reaction then was simply “Wow” and nothing has changed. I look forward to watching you grow as a player and a person and expect to be “wowed” for many years to come.
But most importantly, thank you for being a role model for my children. Your poise under pressure extends far beyond the pocket and far outside the boundaries of a football field. You have proven beyond a doubt that you can shoulder heavy loads – whether it is five Boise State defenders on your way into the end zone, or the resurrection of a desolate program. Done and done. Sure there is more to shoulder and more goals to take on. If your love for the Dawgs leads you back to Montlake then thank you in advance for another exhilarating year and for all of the hope. But if those goals take you to the NFL, then I will add the NFL TV package, proudly don my #10 jersey and look for you each Sunday.
So thank you, Jake. Thanks for all of the memorable plays – past and future. And thank you for taking the time to meet my sons and giving us someone to root for on the field and in life. Continue to bleed purple and be gold! And for God’s sake, disregard everything I just said and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE COME BACK NEXT YEAR!
Filed under: Cal, Jake Locker, Jim, Tailgating, Washington State
