Not just a Baller

I’m going to write something that my friend and proprietor for this website thing-a-majig may not like because it will embarrass him but who cares, it’s my blog. If you’ve read any of my stuff or heard me on the air you know I’m NOT a normal member of the media, not one who always bashes players or is one to put player info “out there.” If you were to categorize me, you may say I’m an apologist, while I prefer to think of myself as an old school member of the media (private is private, public is public). One who IS friends with the people I cover, not one who tries to knock them down to bring me up. So with that in mind I want to embarrass Ed Reed for the outstanding work, he and his staff of volunteers and workers from his foundation and Valero Oil, that made the 2nd Annual Ed Reed / Valero Golf Classic a nearly $85,000 success. I’ll not get into the story of Ed giving a young high schooler whom Ed played golf with an impromptu scholarship to help with college. Nor will I get into the one about Ed speaking to the lot of golfers before the early morning tee time to thank them for coming out, supporting the community and his foundation via the tournament.

The story I will tell may seem like a simple one or a 2nd thought but before you say or think that, put yourself in the size 11 ½ shoes Ed Reed has to wear. For better or worse star athletes are looked up to and most either don’t care about or want that burden. Ed understands his role and makes sure, NOT FOR PR, but because he knows it the right way, to be one of the most grounded and “normal” superstars I’ve ever come across. After playing 18 holes during the early round of his golf tournament, in the brutal heat and humidity of New Orleans Ed did not go goofing around, back to his parents’ house, the hotel or even Bourbon Street. Mr. Reed stayed ALL DAY LONG, but not just in the club house with AC, food and drink. Ed and I took a golf cart, along with two others (his financial advisor and former Raven OL) and went to EVERY LAST GOLF HOLE. Not 18 but 36 as there were over 400 golfers on two courses. Ed made it a point to say hello to the golfers on the course, thanking them for their support and for coming out, along with making sure everything and everyone was taken care of. On several holes sponsors and vendors served food, much of which was local fare including gumbo, jambalaya, spicy turkey, barbecue everything, catfish, shrimp, local sausage and on and on and on. Ed took and enjoyed food from them all, making each one feel like this was the 1st and only stop Ed was making. Ed, as shy as he may come off, is truly a people person whether he knows it or not. And his natural loving and caring attitude was spread all over those 36 holes. We took hours meeting everyone, eating their food, drinking their drink, thanking them for their help with the foundation and Ed didn’t even blink at the effort, heat or time it took to accomplish such a task. Ed did not have to do this, no one made him, they couldn’t and wouldn’t, as he wants to do such things before any of us can even suggest it, remember he does have “people” who can handle those tasks.

Again this story may seem simple but you find me another top flight pro athlete who is truly just a regular guy who’s job happens to make him a star and I’ll show you a very small list of names. Ed, I’m proud to write on your website, to be a friend, but more importantly I’m proud of the person you are.

Like I said this will be embarrassing. SORRY

Glenn Younes
XM Satellite Radio