Sometimes, it is strange how God provides connections. Simply strange. Well, first let me say that I did not watch The Super Bowl last night…but I was informed who won. Here’s the story. In 1984, I started my Freshman year at Haverford College, which is located just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Dean of Minority Affairs, named Mr. Rick. DeJesus hooked me up with an on-campus gig, working in the gym’s supply room. I had a number of responsibilities, such as checking out sports equipment to students, and doing some of the laundry for some of the school’s athletic teams. I loved the job, in part, because it left me a lot of time to study. My supervisor was a guy named Bob, who was very personable, a man I came to know quite well. Bob was most supportive of me and became a good friend. Every once in a while, an older Black man would come through the gym to talk with Bob. Bob introduced us, and this man and I also became good friends. I came to know the Black man as the physical education teacher, and I often found myself immersed in individual conversations with him, and in conversations that included Bob as well. Through Bob, I came to learn that this Black man was a former professional football player, who had grown up in the Philly area and had played for his hometown Eagles. Eventually, Bob told me that the guy had actually scored the winning touchdown in the 1960 NFL Championship game, which the Eagles won. The 1960 Championship for the Eagles occurred exactly 7 years before the game actually got the name of “Super Bowl,” since it’s a fact that the first Super Bowl was played in 1967. It is such a small World. Now that the Philadelphia Eagles have won the 2018 Super Bowl, I can smile at God for allowing me to know the man who scored the winning touchdown the last time the Eagles actually won the NFL Championship. That Black man’s name is Mr. Ted Dean, one of the most humble and nicest human beings that I have ever met. I thank God for the experience, the memories, and the connection. I am sure that wherever Mr. Ted Dean is, he is mighty proud and content right now. I am content as well, with the gifts of experience that God continues to provide.
