Has This BR Senior Writer Done Any Good Thing?

This is a tribute to the young men who may make it to the NFL this year. It is a salute to BR for giving me an audience for my opinions, discoveries and writings.

None of the young men in professional football know me. I have read articles and books into the wee hours of the night trying to get to know some of them.

I want to inspire them. I want to say something that helps them get the most out of their career in professional football.

I write because I want to see a generation of talented young sportsmen, gain the riches and fame, with little pain and shame.

My sports writing started with a focus on one former college friend. It expanded to the Golden Triangle of Texas, including Beaumont and Port Arthur. Now, it has expanded to a study of the careers of those who went to the NFL after attending historically black colleges and universities.

The more I write, the more I desire to write. The more I read about some of the careers of some senior NFL players, the more my heart is touched and mind is stirred.

Let's just say I want to blend my passion and talent with their passion and data. I believe a story is unfolding.

I visited the museum of the Athletic Department at Texas Southern University on April 7, 2010. I saw the pictures of many who attended college during the time I was a student at Texas Southern. My visit to the museum was my way of celebrating the completion of 300 BR articles.

It was clear to me that the history of some athletes is, I believe, innocently omitted. There might be a generation gap, with too many transitions and changes to accurately record the history of some of these gifted sportsmen who are now near 70-years old.

Exactly one year ago, I committed to doing research to help tell some untold stories.

So as I celebrate my 300th article on the Bleacher Report, I do hope that I have shared some perspectives that may have inspired others to do deeper research and to join me in my pursuit of the history of those whose contributions may be hidden in the shadows.

Join me in trying to shine a bright light on these senior players' lives, with a focus on the positive and with forgiveness of any negatives.

Who knows. It may inspire their children and grandchilren to stand of the shoulders of these sports giants who are in the evening of their lives.

I salute all of the senior NFL players. I, especially, want to encourage the ones with whom I have had to honor of crossing paths.

And, may the next generation of football players do greater things than their forefathers!

Note: Pictured in the article are a few good men from Texas Southern who may make it to the NFL in 2010.