2008 Woodie Awards
A 59-year-old can't possibly play college football, can he?
Matt Bailey
Issue date: 8/23/07 Section: Sports
We all have had grandparents. They are quite a treat, aren't they? They go to bed at 8 p.m. just to beat the sun up the following morning. They drink lots of milk to prevent osteoporosis and check on cholesterol levels like it was being traded on the DOW. They do crossword puzzles and knit sweaters. And if they aren't retired before age 65, they typically go to work.
So imagine your grandfather, who is 59 years old, came home from work, (where he's a strength and conditioning coach) sits down and begins to lace up his cleats. No, he doesn't prefer to wear them for style. And he doesn't double as a shoe representative from any major brand. He just has to get ready for two-a-day practice with his college football team where he's attempting to win a starting spot. What seems to be amuck in this story?
A 59-year-old would have to be crazy to attempt to play football on the collegiate level. But kids, that's exactly what is happening. Mike Flynt of Alpine, Texas - who has one year of eligibility left over from a previous stint in college football….37 years ago - has attempted to make a comeback at the fragile age of 59.
So he's basically got no shot, right? Wrong! Flynt made a local division three team called Sul Ross University. And the best part? He's a linebacker.
Pardon me for being skeptical, but I find it hard to believe even on the division three level that Flynt is going to be shucking off fullbacks and tight ends en route to making a stop in the backfield.
Just think of this scenario. Your grandfather, who is six years away from Medicare, lines up in a 4-3 defensive scheme and has to take on recently converted fullback Boomer Grigsby. That sound good for your grandfather?
Doesn't this have to be embarrassing for all athletes on the division three level? I would be pissed off if I saw a 59-year-old man playing ball in my rec league. This guy has the audacity to fight for a linebacker spot! Imagine a college student coming home from practice to tell his girlfriend, "I didn't get the starting job."
So imagine your grandfather, who is 59 years old, came home from work, (where he's a strength and conditioning coach) sits down and begins to lace up his cleats. No, he doesn't prefer to wear them for style. And he doesn't double as a shoe representative from any major brand. He just has to get ready for two-a-day practice with his college football team where he's attempting to win a starting spot. What seems to be amuck in this story?
A 59-year-old would have to be crazy to attempt to play football on the collegiate level. But kids, that's exactly what is happening. Mike Flynt of Alpine, Texas - who has one year of eligibility left over from a previous stint in college football….37 years ago - has attempted to make a comeback at the fragile age of 59.
So he's basically got no shot, right? Wrong! Flynt made a local division three team called Sul Ross University. And the best part? He's a linebacker.
Pardon me for being skeptical, but I find it hard to believe even on the division three level that Flynt is going to be shucking off fullbacks and tight ends en route to making a stop in the backfield.
Just think of this scenario. Your grandfather, who is six years away from Medicare, lines up in a 4-3 defensive scheme and has to take on recently converted fullback Boomer Grigsby. That sound good for your grandfather?
Doesn't this have to be embarrassing for all athletes on the division three level? I would be pissed off if I saw a 59-year-old man playing ball in my rec league. This guy has the audacity to fight for a linebacker spot! Imagine a college student coming home from practice to tell his girlfriend, "I didn't get the starting job."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
bailey.karla
k-dogg
posted 8/23/07 @ 6:52 PM CST
Simply amazing matt. :) haha
Mike Flynt
posted 6/24/08 @ 10:07 AM CST
Hey Matt:
Just thought I'd let you know that I made it fine. Played in the last 5 games of the season and had an amazing time the whole year.
I was grateful to make the team and be able to make a contribution. (Continued…)
d
posted 7/01/08 @ 10:34 AM CST
Terry Bradshaw played many years in the NFL. That would explain his shaking and pains at age 59. So one should not assume that this man would have the same pains because he did not receive the same beatings that Terry Bradshaw did for so many years. (Continued…)
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