An Old-Timer Remembers the Legendary Warren Wells, Oakland Raiders' Prototype WR

I was walking down the Tiger Walk at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston, Texas, and an older man saw me. He started talking about his return to college after years of interruption.

He was in school near the time Warren Wells was in his prime. His name is P. Hunter, and now he wants a degree at 58 years old.

He reflected on the "moves" of Warren Wells on the playing field. Hunter put his body in position and showed me how Wells would "hug" the football after a catch. Hunter remembered Wells both at Texas Southern and on the field as a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders.

Hunter called the names of other great players who were at TSU years ago. W. K. Hicks, Winston Hill and many others were in his list. Most of all, he praised the pride and poise that Wells exhibited as a professional football player with the Raiders.

I asked Hunter did he make it to pro football. He said, "I tried out with the Houston Oilers in 1975, but I didn't make it."

Hunter said that he wished he had not quit school in his youth, but he has returned to finish what he started. He said he got angry with a coach when he was in college and quit school to mess around on the streets.

Now, Hunter wants to tell young people to hang in there and don't quit. At this point in Hunter's life, he has a "Just win, baby" attitude.

I asked Hunter could I take a picture of him. I always keep my camera with me. He said, "Yes."

Hunter was an offensive guard in college. When he tried out for the Oilers, he wanted to be a fullback.

I told Hunter I wanted to interview him to get more information on his life story. He agreed.

Well, I went to my afternoon class. For some reason, I sat in a different position in the classroom. A young man sat near me, and started talking about the fact that he may drop out of school.

I shared with the young man that I met an older man who quit school when he was young. Now that man has returned to school at 58 years old. Then, the young man said that he takes a class with an older student named Hunter.

Wow, the student was talking about the same man I met and photographed while walking on the Tiger Walk on campus. Then, when I showed the young man the evidence of the fact that I encounter Hunter a few minutes before class, the young man was astounded.

I shared with both the young man and the old man that you can not quit. You must finish what you started. I shared with them what Mr. Warren Wells has told me time and again.

Wells was excellent as a wide receiver because he was determined to not only run to the end zone, but he was determined to catch that football, hug it, and carry it across the line for a touchdown. He had a powerful determination during his short career.

We can learn from the old men. We all fall short, but there are times in our lives when we have an opportunity to share the wisdom we gain from our infirmities, losses or foolish decisions.

What is to be learned? The young Oakland Raiders must be determined to finish what they started. Now the record is 7-4 and those winning behaviors must continue.

As Al Davis would say, "Just win, baby." So, we dare not get excited. We believe the Oakland Raiders will defeat the Miami Dolphins.

What do you believe?