Football

Traveling with T-Sizzles

Click On Image For Full-Size Version Of Suggs' Travel Map

Wednesday, Dec. 11:

Another early wake-up for a 7:30 a.m. breakfast greeted the four finalists and most of the committee members. While right on time (or a few seconds late) for most of the events, Terrell was the first finalist down to eat a hearty breakfast. He even went for seconds with a big plate of eggs and waffles.

After the breakfast the group of SIDs, finalists and several Lombardi committee members met in the hotel lobby to board the buses and limousines for a tour of the Texas Children's Hospital. The hospital PR Director and the director of the hospital's pediatric section met the players in the lobby to give instructions for the day. All cell phones were ordered to be turned off and the group, along with several media members, toured the hospital. What occurred over the next hour was something that most will never forget, especially Terrell. It is one thing to know someone with cancer in your lifetime, but to see so many young kids full of life struggling with the disease, it almost brings tears to your eyes. A poem was read aloud about the warrior of a child and a copy was given to each finalist. I am sure it will remain with Terrell throughout his career and probably be hung on the wall as it really took him back. After meeting, signing autographs and taking pictures with several kids, the contingent moved to another floor where more kids awaited the football giants.

One boy who was nine wanted to play video games with Terrell and another boy developed a crush on Miss Texas and wanted just one more hug. The smile on his face lit up the whole room. A little girl who was three was so happy to see the football players and gave E.J. Henderson a hug he will never forger. "That is something I will never forget," said E.J.

After signing more autographs, the finalists were interviewed on Radio Lollipop by several of the patients. They were asked what they want for Christmas, with Terrell hinting to his parents and girl friend that he wanted a portable DVD player.

They next moved from the Texas Children's Hospital to the M.D. Anderson Hospital that is nationally known as the leading cancer research center in America. The finalists met with more kids, signed more autographs and took more photos. The group of Lombardi committee members were also so gracious during this time period, constantly taking Polaroid photos of the kids with the players and doing anything to make the day just perfect for everyone. From top to bottom, the Lombardi Award Committee was top-notch.

After a southern-style buffet lunch of ribs, brisket and fried chicken at the Houston Rotary House, the players were escorted to Al's Formal Wear for a final fitting of their tuxedos for the night's big event. A tour of the Houston Texans facility was cancelled due to the Texans not having an official practice and a possible NCAA rules question. So, the finalists and the travel party got some much-deserved rest, where Terrell even managed to get in some sleep. Another steak (I believe Terrell's seventh of the trip) was brought to him in the room before his 4 p.m. departure for the stadium.

Dressed in his tuxedo and looking sharper than ever, Terrell met the other finalists in the lobby at 4 p.m. to go to Reliant Stadium. After a media session with a few writers and TV stations, Terrell disappeared for 15 minutes causing some nervousness by the Lombardi Staff. While he did later appear, Chuck Pool (Lombardi PR Director) proclaimed that any time a finalist disappears for more than 10 minutes it would be called, "pulling a T-Sizzles".

A VIP party preceded the big event where everyone had a chance to have their picture taken with all four finalists in front of the Lombardi Trophy.

The big event had finally arrived with a packed house of over 1,100 people on the floor of Reliant Stadium. Former President George Bush was introduced, along with NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and Miss Texas, Nicole O'Brien.

Former President Bush got a two-minute standing ovation and addressed the crowd with a very nice speech about leadership and the athletic ability of the four finalists. He also mentioned how that kind of special standing ovation is what you get when your son is the President of the United States of America. Laughter overwhelmed the crowd.

Kramer, a former All-Pro guard for the Green Bay Packers, tantalized the crowd with a speech telling stories about Vince Lombardi and his playing days with the great crowd. Throughout the post-event ceremonies, people couldn't stop talking about his speech and how they wish they had taped it. It really was that good.

The moment of truth came late in the evening around 9:30 p.m. The Houston Texans mascot came down from the ceiling on a rope and delivered the envelope with the winner's name to President Bush. After a brief pause, the President announced the winner as, "From Arizona State University, Terrell Suggs."

What a special moment for everyone in the building, but Terrell once again took the most of the moment to make it his own. While he was surprised to be the winner, he admitted he didn't hear his name at first because of how loud it was in the room and only really knew he won when Texas Head Coach Mack Brown leaned over to shake his hand.

He gave his second speech of the night and it was surely one that everyone will remember. He thanked his family and girl friend, Coach Koetter and his teammates and thanked God for everything that has happened. To end his brief speech, Terrell talked about his time spent with the kids at the Children's Hospital:

"I train for 365 days a year to be the football player that I am, but no matter how hard I work or how hard I try, I will never have as much heart, courage and strength as the kids that I met today. Thank you for that experience as it is one I will never forget."

After the award ceremony, Terrell did several media interviews, including Fox Sports Net and several local TV stations. He posed for a picture with several Houston area Arizona State alumni and wouldn't let the Lombardi Trophy out of sight. On his way up to the post-event VIP reception, Terrell stopped and went out of his way to thank and briefly talk to Jerry Kramer. He definitely left an impression on the Hall of Famer.

While the night was almost over, he posed for several pictures with his family and girl friend. His mother and father, Donald and Lavern, were all smiles as they couldn't be prouder of their son. Donald said it was the best night of his life to see his son not only win a prestigious award, but also become a role model to so many kids in the same day.

A limousine took the finalists back to the hotel where they would end what was one of the best days for each individual. Win or lose, all four were treated with a glorious event and a day that showed why they were worthy of the great award. Vince Lombardi was a model of discipline and success, and at day's end all four finalists exemplified what the award is all about.

Another early wake-up call would await Terrell in the morning, as he would board a 7:45 a.m. flight for Orlando for the Home Depot ESPN College Football Awards Show.

**Editors Note from ASU Assistant SID Jeff Evans: A special thanks to Terrell for being such a great travel partner during our trips to the Nagurski and Lombardi Awards. I learned a lot from the role model that you were and all of the energy you have. Also a special thanks to the award committees at the Nagurski Award and the Lombardi Award. Both are commended for having a big event that is planned for a full year turn out almost flawless. Chuck Pool, you are a mentor in the business for a lot of us, especially me. And to Danielle Felter, Greg Cresse, Lisa Nelson and John Bianco, I couldn't have had more fun spending time with such professional sports information directors. I hope you all enjoyed the journal of T-Sizzles travels on the national awards circuit**