I don’t live in Chicago anymore, so I just learned of the death of Sid Luckman (Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Bears) through a national magazine.
In 1954 I was a member of the Sullivan High School football team, which had just placed second in its division. I think it was the first time since the Civil War that a Sullivan football team had qualified for a public league award.
To the delight of the team, the coach somehow had arranged for Sid Luckman to attend our awards luncheon and to award the varsity letters.
When my name was called, I stepped forward and seized the outstretched hand of Sid Luckman, who then handed me my letter and said, “Congratulations, Gary.” I was so awe-struck to be in the presence of such a legendary figure that I was unable to find my voice to respond.
Although it is now too late to correct my apparent ingratitude, I would nonetheless appreciate this belated opportunity to say, “Thank you, Mr. Luckman.”
