Before there was Tony Romo, before there was Troy Aikman, there was Roger “The Dodger” Staubach.  Staubach was the QB for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-1972.  He won the Heisman Trophy in 1963 and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964.  He spent 4 years in the Navy after that including a one year tour of duty serving as a supply officer in Vietnam.  He was one of the original Scrambling QB’s to ever play the game, amassing over 2200 yards rushing in his career and 21 touchdowns.

This week has been a hard one for the Nerd, putting in over 50 hours in at work, surfing more due to the CTP Teams competition and just plain out flat being broke and tired. A hearty combination to be honest, but for the most part being able to get up in the morning and face another day is better than the alternative, so I’ll just keep moving forward. 

We lost a couple of giants yesterday, first Maya Angelou, Poet, civil rights activist, and inspiration to millions everywhere.  Her ability to speak from the heart and inspire was amazing, and she will be missed.  Second, Malcolm Glazer, owner of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers passed away yesterday at 85.  Mr. Glazer bought the Bucs in 1995 and in the short span of just 7 years, brought Tampa Bay its first professional championship, winning The Super Bowl in 2002. 

Things I’m watching this week:

• NHL Playoffs.  Both series are exciting to watch and game 5 last night between Chicago and LA went to double OT before Chicago scored and forced a game 6 in LA.  I’m curious to see if the Blackhawks can give the Kings a taste of their own medicine and win 3 in a row after being down 3-1 in the series, not for sure they can, but..  that’s why they play the games.  Game 6 tonight between the Rangers and Canadians at the garden, and no one is believing the Habs can win, but they wont go down without a fight. 
• The French Open began this week, and yes, I am a huge Tennis fan, especially this time of year when the majors start heating up.  You have the French in May/June, played on clay, then there is the greatest tournament of them all, Wimbledon, which finishes 4th of July weekend.  Wimbledon is played on grass, and there is always a dark horse that shines through, and that 2 week span of tennis is second only to the final major in how demanding the game is.  The last major of course is the US Open, played on hard court, and is hosted by flushing meadows.  The US Open is the most exciting tournament of the year, It is demanding in that it is played in the intense heat of Late August into September.  the best part of it for me are the night matches because some don’t finish until the wee hours of the morning.
• Tiger Woods announced he will miss the US Open due to his rehab after back surgery.  Obviously he is not back 100% or else he would be playing.  I enjoyed the Masters this year despite him not being in the field, so I see no reason not to enjoy the Open as well with him gone.  Tiger is still chasing Jack for the most majors of all time.  time is running out, and it will be more difficult for him to get there as he is not just getting older, but the talent level in the PGA is better now then it was when he was in his prime.

Roger Staubach was one of my idols growing up as a kid and to watch him play was magical.  He finished his career with 22,700 yards passing, 153 passing TD’s, was the MVP of Super Bowl VI, and was a member of the NFL’s all 70’s team.  He was the king of the comeback during his era, he won Two Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 70’s, and is one of the greatest QB’s to ever play the game.  He is a member of the NFL HOF class of 1985, he played with emotion, passion, and as luck would have it, walked away on his own terms in 1979 from the game he loved.   so on this week in which we celebrate our heroes, I salute Roger for being part of the reason I fell in love with the NFL, and for his service to his country. 

Have a great weekend, see you Sunday night at 7:30 with my good friends Bob and Brian on The Sports Nerd Show and enjoy the sports this weekend.

Get in the game, or ride the Bench…..  the choice is yours

Scott “The Sports Nerd” Wright