[Silverhorse 228]

Tom Landry...say the name and people immediately think of two things...Class and Heart. This may sound strange to everyone, but true Cowboy fans, but every morning when I turn on my computer I take a moment and look at my photo of Roger and Tom. It gives me inspiration and reminds me that no matter what the tasks I have to do today...I am going to do them right and with class and with respect for those around me. That is what Tom Landry taught me. I met him only once when I was 12 on a Boyscout day at Texas Stadium, when we lived in Texas in 1981...he was simply awesome. He had a presence about him...a gentleness of a grandparent, but the attitude of a marine. He spoke to our group for about 10 minutes and I have never forgotten what he said. He told us to be true to ourselves, to make the most of scouting and to love our parents. He also gave us some advice that I live with to this day...everything is worth fighting for, if it makes the world a better place for those around you. I actually wrote that down in my notebook at the time. I was sad the day he passed away, but I was happy that God gave him to us on this earth. We need more Tom Landry's today...we need more heros like him. The NFL has never been the same for me since he left football...sure I still cheer for the Cowboys, but I wonder if Tom Landry would have put up with T.O....I can tell you he probably would have just cut him and move on...because talented players are one thing...Tom Landry was a "pure coach"...he could take anyone and mold them into a NFL player...that is what makes him so great.

My two cents...sorry for such a long response...but I was compelled to tell my story....

Matthew Culp
Tom Landry fan forever!!