New York Giants' Story
July 26, 2009
I am going to express my feelings about something very important to me; something that has been overlooked and under appreciated. I can only hope that the powers that be (Mayor Bloomberg), read this article at some point and make good on something I feel is long overdue.
George Martin being recognized for the amazing act of love he showed the people of New York, by his selfless gesture of walking across the country to raise money for the first responders to the 9/11 tragedy. Here we have a man's man, who decided to stand up and take action for something he believed in by literally putting his best foot forward. At this point, even if George Martin doesn't want the accolades, they should be offered publicly.
We could all learn a lesson from a true American like Mr. Martin, who carries himself with that old school swagger and class that is sadly missing from most of today's athletes.
His goal was to raise $10 million dollars for those in need of medical care, resulting from trying to save others during 9/11. The journey began at the George Washington Bridge in New York on September 16, 2007 and would end in San Diego on June 21, 2008.
That's 3,020 miles he walked over a 9 month period, give or take a few days. He also went through 25 pairs of shoes and lost 40 pounds.
How many athletes do you think would do that in today's culture? No offense to George, but he wasn't a spring chicken when he did this, either. He ended up raising $2 million dollars for those in need, missing the mark he set, but still contributing to the cause.
That $2 million dollars would also be matched by area hospitals in the form of medical services. May God bless him for that.
He is a True Giant, who after being drafted by the G-men in the 11th round of the 1975 NFL draft, played his entire career with Big Blue, ending in 1988. He missed only six games during his entire 14 year career and went to work without complaining.
He continues to do charitable work to this day, a Superbowl Champion who played on one of the best NFL teams in History, the 1986 New York Giants.
During these hard times and all the different accolades bestowed upon our so called sports "heroes," George was overlooked for his gesture and I'm not having it!
I saw Brett Favre come into New York and be put on a pedestal by Mayor Bloomberg, giving him a Broadway sign amongst much media fan fare.
I saw Terrell Owens go to Buffalo and be given a key to the city by the Mayor and I'm thinking to myself, what the hell is wrong with this picture?
I have nothing against Brett Favre or Terrell Owens, as none of these events were their doing, but I do have a problem with a real hero like George Martin not being recognized in the same fashion for doing something so much more important than getting off an airplane.
And that is why I am sending out this message to all of the Giants fans, New York fans and really, any sports fan in general: to make some noise and get George Martin a Key to New York City.
The media's insulting radar blip on this topic is shameful, and something that should be corrected. So leave your thoughts in the comment area and let's get Big George the respect he deserves for his sacrifice for the people of New York and all the other men and women from around the country who showed up to help.
They are the real heroes.
I would like to personally say thank you George, you are not forgotten.
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