Mike Moser "I Say" Published April 12, 2002

Sports figures are still
big stuff to kids

I have seen so much change in this world as I approach half a century of living and disbelieving what I see, but one thing that hasn't changed over the years is the hero status kids place on their athletic stars and idols.

That is why the Tennessee Titans could not have picked a better goodwill ambassador to send to the Plateau than wide receiver Kevin Dyson. He proved to be a crowd favorite with the young and old alike. The smiles on the faces of the younger set is what sent me time traveling.

Growing up in Minnesota my obvious childhood heroes wore the purple and gold of the Vikings and the Purple People Eaters (yeah, I know, it sounds hokey today) were a true force to be reckoned with.

Frank Tarkington was the mad scrambler, Alan Page and Jim Marshall terrorized opposing quarterbacks, Bill Brown was the blue-collar fullback in the days when fullbacks really ran the ball, Paul Krause defended the goal line before it became a red zone and Fred Cox kicked straight and true.

You cannot imagine the thrill I had in meeting and talking to Jim Marshall years later when he was honored with a Governor's Award by the Ohio Press Association. It stirred many long-dorment memories of happier times when the most important issue of the day was whether we could get enough kids together to play a backyard game.

Today youngsters in Crossville have Eddie George, Jevon Kearse, Bruce Matthews and Steve McNair.

And Kevin Dyson.

Dyson provided fond memories Monday night for today's crop of youth when the Titans Caravan V paused in Crossville and a respectable crowd turned out to snap photographs and obtain autographs from the fleet-footed wide receiver.

Towering over youngsters at 6-1, Dyson's soft-spoken demeanor, bright and easy smile and patience made him a favorite with the crowd and the kids.

I am not sure how many young ones associated Dyson with the "Music City Miracle," or "The Reach" on the last play of Super Bowl XXXIV, or how many remembered Dyson as the Senior Bowl Most Valuable Player. They just know he is a real live football player who signed their jersey or autographed a team picture.

He is an amazing gentleman in an arena that sometimes does not showcase the best in man.
Whoever decided Dyson would be a good choice to send out as the Titan's goodwill ambassador this season was right on the mark and could not have selected a better representative.

He made fans for life and he didn't do the Titans any harm either. It was a fun night.

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Mike Moser is the editor of the Crossville Chronicle. His column is published periodically on Fridays.