DMN:Roll the Credits
12/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 4, 2006
By KEVIN SHERRINGTON
The Dallas Morning News
John Bridgers' obituary ran all over the country last week, the angles varying according to his impact locally.
In Baltimore, they recalled his work with the Colts' famed '58 NFL title team. Raymond Berry, the great wide receiver, called him "one of the best people I ever met - progressive, positive and a pioneer."
The stories in Florida were about how Bridgers hired Bobby Bowden at Florida State after watching him play golf.
New Mexico? Officials credited their former AD with restoring integrity and credibility after an NCAA scandal.
Pittsburgh: Bridgers once told his boss, Chuck Noll, he ought to draft a kid he'd recruited named Terry Bradshaw.
Waco: He's remembered as one of the coaches who taught the old Southwest Conference it was OK to throw the ball, and you didn't have to be white to play.
But it was in Albuquerque, at a small service in front of family and a few friends, where the most fitting tribute was rendered.
Seven former Baylor players - Don Trull, Lawrence Elkins, Bill Hicks, John Frongillo, Ronnie Rogers, John Jessup and Mike Bourland - gathered to honor their old coach, who died of heart failure at 84...
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