In honor of the late Johnny Unitas

How lucky I felt to have met Johnny as a young girl in a diner outside Philly. As the waitress came towards us she waved her hand to follow her and sat us together. As it turned out I had the pleasure of enjoying a super star QB for lunch, which not only picked up the bill, but also listened to my childhood drama with compassion. The years that followed we didn’t keep in touch.

Lo and behold I learned that Johnny was coming to my hometown to visit a dealership. I called them and they hooked me up with his phone number. We met that night for dinner. This time the conversation was focused around Johnny. He spoke about how football players in his days didn’t make big bucks, likewise with endorsements. I was shocked to learn he didn’t ever want his sons to play football and what it was like to have a lot of children.

I was in the development stage of filming the story I told Johnny many years ago about my childhood. I ask him if I could cast him for the roll as my best friend. He asks me to do him a favor and use his son Joe. Joe was in many movies including “Any Given Sunday.” I took his advice. When Joe arrived from LA he brought with him autograph pictures from Johnny for my family. The production opened the door for Johnny and I to converse more regularly. As it turned out the pictures were the last ones Johnny had signed. Johnny loved his family, he loved aspects of the game, he loved the fans, he became my friend, and was a humble man.

In honor of the late David Lang

Long live the spirit of David. The day I met David I took this picture. He soon became my client. This is a tribute about the side of David rarely seen. From the beginning my love for David was built on a common ground: giving to others rather then one's self.

David was a Dallas Cowboy super bowl captain for special teams. He was so much bigger than the ball he carried across the line. While visiting his home one got a glimpse of his world. He had a glory for God, a passion for kids, and the desire to raise above the drama plagued black culture.

Life after football was his theme. He became a teacher. He taught kids how to body build, how to eat healthy, how to meditate, and how to reach your potential. It was not unusual to see kids wondering in and out David’s house. David and I had a million discussions over the twelve years of our relationship.

Most people would be excited to put a Super bowl ring on their finger. It sure was for me; feeling the weight of it and seeing it glitter. After the shock of it, I advised David to secure it by putting it in a safe place. David's reply was, “Peggy all kids would enjoy touching and seeing such a gem.” David didn’t worry much about material things. I’ll never forget the day he called and said, “ The ring is gone.” He prayed for forgiveness for the person who stole it. David believed the person would come to their senses and return his award. That never happened.

David was murdered due to fatal naiveté. He lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and the joy he brought to society.

NFL Players David Lang, Marco Coleman, Terry Kirby, and Frankie Smith

These guys sure know how to have wholesome fun. A day with these guys and you’ll split a gut. Just try watching Terry master a skateboard in a 10 x 10 space, or Frankie sitting in a director’s chair given advise. Marco who thinks kids, cheered Terry on, while David picked up the stuff Terry ran over. What a mess these guys made.

Marco designed a school uniform collection to make kids feel good about themselves. The uniforms offered dated style with durability, that parents appreciated. I’ve always enjoyed the many discussions Marco and I had.

What can one say about David? He lived his life trying to do good things for people. David was murdered because society didn’t want him to succeed.