Nice story about Big Sam....

quote:

---

Dear Coach Miles:

I am Writing to express some observations about a player on the 2011 LSU football team.
I am sure that you are very well aware of many of the things I am about to say. Nevertheless, too
often all we hear about in this world of instant media attention are the bad things that befall the
players of outstanding sports teams such as the LSU Tigers. Therefore, I thought you and your staff
should know and hear about the virtues of Sam Montgomery.

Following LSU’ s victory over the Auburn Tigers on October 22, 201 1, I had occasion to Wait
outside of the Jeff Boss Locker Room to meet and greet the players after the game. I am so happy
that I did meet and will never forget the encounter With Sam Montgomery. He is a special person
and deserves whatever good in life comes his Way.

Sam was one of the last players to exit the locker room that night. Most everybody had gone
home. The equipment managers were done, the Auburn buses had left the premises and it was just
a few fans, a few players and a bunch of children lingering around the locker room. When Sam came
out there were probably 25-30 children Waiting for him to get his autograph. Also, Waiting for him
was a lady, probably one of his relatives, who was confined to a Wheelchair.

The kids Were very excited to see Sam and he had a line for autographs. He signed a few and
then walked over to the lady in the Wheelchair. One of the little boys asked him, “Sam, are you
finished signing?” Sam said, “No, I will stay here until everybody who wants an autograph gets
one.” He hugged the lady, handed her a back pack and then took a position sitting on the curb. He
Went straight to Work signing for the kids.

While he was signing one little boy asked Sam, “.Hey, did you remember to bring me a sweat
band‘.7” Sam, stood up and walked over to the back pack and pulled out two handfuls of sweat bands;
He told the little boy, “I got something for you.” He then signed the sweat band and handed it to
him. What a thrill for the little boy! Sam said, “Everyone has been asking me for sweat bands after
the games and I found a few in the locker room. Whoever Wants one, line up, I’11 sign them until I
run out.” He then proceeded to sign the sweat bands and hand them to little guys and some of us big
guys too.

Coach, I Wish you could have been there to see how Sam interacted with those children. Here
was this absolute mountain of a man, who spoke so gently and sweetly with each and every child
who was there. He made them all feel very special, as if each one was his closest friend. lf they
Wanted a picture they got it with a smile. This after playing what had to be an exhausting game.
What an ambassador for LSU football!

They say that character is revealed when no one is Watching. Coach, when the bright lights
of the big game were faded, no television crews were around, the equipment managers had gone
home and most everyone had returned to their dorm room or tailgate, Sam Montgomery Was sitting
in the dark of Tiger Stadium signing autographs for children! You have a very special person
playing for you and as I said you probably already know it.

You Won’t read about that story in the Morning Advocate or Times Picayune. It probably
won’t be broadcast on local television. But for the few of us that were there to Witness it, it’s a
memory of LSU football we’l1 never forget. We were the witnesses and are now the testament to
the good deeds of Sam Montgomery. If I could publish the story, I certainly would. Instead, I tell
you, knowing that you’1l be sure to recognize Sam appropriately. I have a new favorite player in
purple and gold and he Wears number 99.

If you should think I am exaggerating or making more to the story than it really Was, I
enclose a picture of the sweat band Sam gave me that night. He did it with a smile and joy, just like
you always talk about. Whatever you are telling these young men, you need to know its sinking in
and they are taking it to heart.

Keep up the good work Coach and Geaux Tigers!

---