When I was VP & Director of Insurance for ABM Industries, I had several opportunities to meet Bill Walsh, because he was on the Board of Directors for ABM. I always avoiding talking football with him, because it would be like asking God why he wrote certain scripture passages. I was pretty sure that I would be far more likely to say something stupid than to drop some pearl of wisdom. But, at the 2000 Annual Meeting I made an exception. I had just watched Tom Brady lead Michigan to a comeback victory in the Orange Bowl over Alabama. Brady threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns. Michigan was behind 28-14 in the second half, but Brady just kept on coming. Michigan eventually won in overtime, 35-34 when Alabama missed an extra point.
So, when I saw Bill Walsh at the annual meeting in March, I just had to ask him what he thought about Tom Brady. I talked about the Orange Bowl and wondered if the 49ers were considering drafting Tom Brady. Walsh told me that the 49ers had looked at Tom Brady, but they felt that Giovanni “Vinnie” Carmazzi was a franchise quality quarterback. The 49ers picked Carmazzi with the 65th pick. Brady was signed at 199 by the Patriots.
I also asked Bill who he thought was the best quarterback playing at the time. He instantly said Kurt Warner. Kurt Warner had just won the Superbowl for the Rams in 2000.
At the ABM Annual Meeting in March of 2002, I saw Bill Walsh again. Brady had replaced Drew Bledsoe and led the New England Patriots to their first Superbowl ever. He beat, Kurt Warner. Carmazzi was a total bust. He never played in a regular season NFL game. I had zero intention of mentioning any of this when I talked with Bill Walsh. I am not that stupid. So, I just walked toward him with my hand extended for a handshake, he smiled and me and said: “shut up!” I laughed out loud.
Obviously, Walsh remembered our conversation. Coach Walsh had a good sense of humor and he went on to explain that Vinnie Carmazzi had looked like a good idea at the time. I just said I obviously knew little about football, I had just sensed that Brady was someone special. I saw Bill Walsh several times after that, but these were the only times we ever discussed football.
I do not know who will win today. I just know that Tom Brady has been doing the impossible for a long time and I sure wouldn’t bet against him this time either.
I had surgery on my spine Friday afternoon, so that is why I didn’t post anything. I am doing fine, but still very sore. I am doing a little better today and looking forward to the game.
TDM