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Learn From The Best
by
Helen Gibbs Pohlot
Joey Barrett was always up for a challenge. During the summer of 2010, it was no different.
When Chris Johnson, one of the older neighborhood kids, introduced his cousin Darryl as the fastest kid in three states… Joey’s pal Brad disagreed.
“Joey is the fastest kid I ever saw. There is no way Darryl can beat him,” Brad told the seven kids standing on the old school field.
“Okay, let see who is fastest,” Chris replied. “Come on Joey.”
Despite the two-year age difference, the boys were pretty much the same size.
Joey and Darryl lined up at a make shift starting point. Chris instructed them to run about 100 yards to the old school shed where he positioned Brad to determine the winner.
“Ready…set…. go”, shouted Chris as the two boys took off amid cheers from their friends. Darryl, 13, had an excellent start, taking an initial lead, but 11-year-old Joey soon overtook him, racing to a clear victory.
“Wow, you are really fast,” Darryl told Joey.
“Thanks!” said Joey.
Joey knew he was particularly good at three things: running, kicking a football, and school work.
Studying hard and playing to his full potential was second nature to him. He was the top fifth grade student at his elementary school and often referred to by local kids as “Northeast Philly’s future NFL star”.
As far as being fast, no one within a 20-block radius could beat him. Many kids tried, but Joey ran with lightning speed defeating over 18 opponents in the past month. Darryl was number 19.
Joey had no time to savor his victory. Glancing at his watch triggered immediate concern.
“Come on, Brad, we have to get home,” he yelled across the field.
The two boys sprinted down Brookview Road to their houses, which were next door to each other. Joey raced up the steps, yanked open the front door, and swiftly made his way into the kitchen.
“Whew, I just made it,” Joey said to his mom.
“Good thing you did or I would not be happy,” his mom Ann replied with a smile.
The Barrett family always ate dinner early on the days Joey’s father Bill, a Philadelphia fire fighter, was on the four-to-twelve shift. It was the only chance the family had to enjoy a meal together and talk.
“Dad, what time are we leaving tomorrow?” asked Joey eager to discuss the next day’s itinerary.
“Philadelphia’s Training Camp starts at nine, but we should get there about eight so you have a chance to get an autograph. We should leave here no later than 6:30. That will give us plenty of time,” said Bill.
“I can’t wait until tomorrow, this is going to be so awesome,” Joey said while his mom and dad sat down to eat.
Over dinner, the Barrett’s discussed Philadelphia’s upcoming 2010 football season in great detail. Bill was excited so many veterans were returning while Mrs. Barrett pointed out the excellent talent of the rookies.
After dinner Bill asked his son what his plans were for the rest of the day.
“Brad is coming over. We are going to practice kicking up at the field,” Joey said.
“Great, practice hard.” his dad replied.
“I am always trying to get better,” Joey said with a smile.
Joey constantly worked at bettering himself, both in school and in athletics. Joey was smart and a good athlete, but he never bragged. He told his parents that his eventual goal was to be an engineer, but first he would be a NFL kicker or a running back for his favorite team, Philadelphia.
There was no doubt in his mind that he had the skills to achieve his goal. By keeping sight of his objective and working hard, Joey knew he could do it.
But first, Joey had to learn from the best so he studied everything there was to know about his Philadelphia football team. He knew all the players and their stats. Based on his knowledge and research, Joey became better than most adults in predicting the 2010 season’s strengths and weaknesses.
Joey counted the days leading up to his trip to training camp. Bill arranged to have the day off. They would spend the whole day at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, watching the Philadelphia players train. He couldn’t wait.
Joey loved going to Lehigh University. He was there once before for the Lehigh vs Lafayette football game with his Dad and Uncle Steve. Joey ‘s uncle worked with a former Lehigh football player. Together they drove up to Lehigh, arriving in time for a tailgate party hosted by “The Kings of Tailgates”.
Joey could not believe his eyes. “The Kings of Tailgates”, Dan Mulholland, his brother Bob Mulholland, and Robert “Gus” Gustafson all Lehigh alumni put out the most incredible display of food Joey had ever seen. He was amazed as they deep fried turkeys with all the fixings for about 300 people.
Dan, also a former Lehigh football player told Joey that since 2002, he, Bob and Gus put on the substantial tailgate to raise money. All proceeds are donated to Lehigh Football in the name of Roger McFillin.
McFillin, their close friend and former teammate died in 2002 at age 50.
“Roger was our 1973 football team co-captain and All-American linebacker,” Dan explained to Joey.
“We’ve raised in excess of $100,000 donated to Lehigh Football in Roger’s name.”
Joey and his dad deeply respected the honor, loyalty, plus hard work these men displayed. “We can all learn a lesson here about friendship,” Bill told his son.
Bill and Joey listened intently as Dan pointed out that for other home games, The Kings of Tailgates incorporate the opposing team’s mascot into what they are cooking.
“For a Bucknell game, the home of the Bucknell Bison’s we grill Bison steaks,” said Dan. “At our University of Delaware Blue Hens game, we serve Hens Cordon Bleu.”
Joey also met several former Lehigh football players including Kim McQuilken, the quarterback who, after graduation played for the Atlanta Falcons. Joey was thrilled to shake hands with a former NFL quarterback.
Joey would never forget that wonderful day at Lehigh. He told all his friends about the “Kings of Tailgates”.
Now he had the opportunity to go back to Lehigh and watch Philadelphia’s training camp. In his mind, nothing could be better.
Joey woke up before six the next morning. His dad was already in the kitchen drinking coffee wearing his favorite jersey. Joey was not sure if his Dad slept at all He briefly heard him getting in from work late around 2 AM.
Joey knew that nothing would stop him from seeing their team. They were both too excited. Today, they would see Philadelphia in action.
The ride to Bethlehem took over an hour. Joey and his dad enjoyed talking about their favorite players. Bill liked the defense while Joey liked the running backs and receivers.
“Dad, look at the tents. Oh this is great,” Joey shouted as they drove past the big sign welcoming everyone to Philadelphia’s Training Camp.
The parking lot for regular fans was almost completely filled, but fortunately they found a spot across from Goodman Stadium just a few yards from the site of “The Kings of Tailgates” spot.
Joey and his Dad were out of the car within seconds and heading down to the practice field where the starting offense was already warming up.
“Dad, there is the head coach and all-pro wide receiver,” shouted Joey.
A few minutes later the quarterback threw a short pass to the receiver who ran it for 30 yards.
Joey could not believe he was standing there just a few feet from his heroes.
“Joey, we have to find the designated area to get an autograph after the morning practice,” Bill reminded his son. “I don’t want you to miss meeting some of the Philadelphia players face-to-face.”
“Ok Dad,” he said.
Once Bill knew the autograph areas, he and Joey stood on the sidelines in the blistering heat watching Philadelphia run play after play.
Joey looked around and marveled at the most spectacular display of athleticism he had ever seen. It was very hot and humid, yet the players worked their hardest. Sweat poured from their faces.
Suddenly the crowd went wild as a rookie caught a pass and ran it into the end zone.
“Philadelphia looks great this year,” Bill yelled over to his son.
“Dad, this is the best,” said Joey happily as he inched his way closer to the mesh fence where he could have unobstructed views of the field.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Joey said to his dad who by this time was standing right next to him.
“You’ve got that right,” Bill replied.
“I can’t believe how big these guys are and yet they can run so fast,” said Joey. “They must work out very hard to play at this level.”
“They definitely do,” his dad said.
“Dad, I don’t know much about defense, but I heard you say that Philadelphia’s defense is the best,”
“It sure is! Philadelphia’s defense is legendary. See those two huge guys over there. In my opinion, they are the two best tackles in the league. We also have terrific linebackers.” explained Bill.
“I have been a Philadelphia fan since I was about five years old. I am hoping this year will be one of our best. We have the talent and the drive to win. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Just then Philadelphia’s Coach came over near the fence line to talk to the star wide receiver, who was about two feet in front of Joey.
Joey felt like he was in the huddle and loved every minute of it. On the next play, the starting offense took the field. The wide receiver went deep. The quarterback bulleted a pass downfield to the receiver, who took off with startling speed for a touchdown.
“He is the fastest person I have ever seen,” Joey shouted to his dad in total amazement. “Do you think I can get that fast?”
“Yes! As you get bigger you may even be faster,” Bill told his son.
“That would be great. Someday I would really like to be out there going out for a pass and making a touchdown.”
After a few more plays, Philadelphia wrapped up the morning practice with some stretching.
Bill and Joey headed over to the autograph tents, but the crowd was massive. They waited in line, but never got close.
“I know what we can do,” Bill said. “Let’s stand by the side over there and maybe one of the players will sign your football.”
After a lengthy autograph session, the players started down a roped-off section where fans stood on either side. Joey and Bill positioned themselves by the field on the right side.
Most of the players signed anything the fans wanted as they walked down the roped aisle on the way to the field and locker room. Everyone got an opportunity for an autograph.
All Joey’s favorite offensive line players signed his football when he stood by the rope.
Unbeknownst to Joey, a Philadelphia team attendant also stood by the rope. He randomly selected children who got the privilege of accompanying one of the players on their walk down the field to the locker room. Joey felt a tap on his arm.
“Would you like to walk down the field with our tight end?” the man asked Joey.
“Wow, yes I sure would,” said Joey.
Joey’s dad was thrilled. He ran down the side to the front of the locker room to wait for Joey.
He was so proud of Joey and couldn’t wait to hear about his conversation with the tight end.
Joey was star struck when he first met the player.
“Hello Sir,” said Joey respectfully.
“Hi, what’s your name?” the player asked.
Joey responded in awe, but just as Joey got
his name out, the huge offensive guard joined them.
After the introductions, the guard said, “Hey Joey, it’s pretty hot out here today, isn’t it?”
“It sure is. I can’t believe you guys play so hard in this heat,” said Joey.
“We give it everything we’ve got,” both players said with pride.
“I saw you on television the other day where you said hard work was the key to success. Is that really how it is?” Joey asked the tight end.
“That is absolutely correct,” he replied.
“My dad, who is a Philadelphia firefighter, always says the same thing. He encourages me to practice, work hard and do my best. That is why he took me up here to your training camp to learn from the best, because someday, I want to play for Philadelphia as either a running back or kicker,” Joey said with pride.
“Did you both always want to be football players?”
“I always wanted to play football, but it takes determination, some natural ability and perseverance to achieve a goal. If you work hard and persist, you have a great chance,” the tight end said.
“I totally agree,” the guard added.
Joey could have talked to the two players for hours.
This was the best time he ever had. He looked over and saw his dad standing off to the side waiting for him.
“There is my dad,” Joey said to the Philadelphia players.
“He’s a fireman in Philly?” asked the offensive guard.
“Yes he is,” beamed Joey.
“Let’s go say hello,” the players said.
The two Philadelphia players and Joey walked over to Bill, who was astounded that the players took the time to meet him.
Joey proudly introduced his father, Bill Barrett, to the famous football players.
“How are you doing Bill, it’s great to meet you,” they both added shaking Bill’s hand.
“You have a great little man here who is really proud of his dad,” the tight end said.
“Thank you so much,” said a thrilled Bill. “This is a real pleasure for me to meet both of you.”
“Well, we wish we had more time, but we have to go eat lunch. See you later,” the guard said as he patted Bill on the back and shook hands with Joey.
“Keep working hard,” the tight end added, giving Joey a high five.
Joey and his dad were speechless. They stood there watching the two Philadelphia players walk into the building.
“This ranks right up there as one of the greatest days. That was unbelievable,” Joey’s dad said to his son.
Joey was so happy!
After lunch, the second practice of the day began. Joey learned a great deal about endurance and technique. He watched as both the defense and offense practiced in the 95-degree heat. By the end of the day everyone, including the fans, looked tired.
On the way home Joey and Bill still felt exhilarated by the day’s events, especially their meeting with the two star players. They couldn’t wait to tell Joey’s mom.
For the next several days Joey gave a detailed account of the Philadelphia Training Camp to all his friends while Bill shared his story with fellow firefighters
Two weeks later… Joey was up at the school field with Brad. Joey’s mom came driving up. She seemed really upset, calling across the field for Joey to come with her. He ran over asking, “What’s wrong?”
‘We have to go to the hospital. Dad is hurt. There was a major fire in an apartment house and the roof collapsed. I don’t know how bad it is yet,” she said, choking back tears.
“It’s going to be all right Mom,” Joey said bravely trying to make his mother feel better. “Dad is pretty tough, he’ll be okay.”
“I hope so honey,” she said as they drove to the hospital.
Reporters packed the front of the hospital building. “Why are all these people here?” Joey asked.
“They are covering the fire Joey. A lot of people got hurt,” Ann told her son.
Ann pulled up to the parking garage adjacent to the Hospital Burn Center, giving her keys to the attendant. Fortunately, a fire fighter buddy of Bill’s recognized Ann and Joey. He quickly escorted them through the crowd.
When they got upstairs, they found out that Bill was unconscious. Besides a head injury, he had burns on both his legs, with one broken, the doctor told Ann and Joey.
While the doctors worked on Bill, Ann and Joey sat in the ICU waiting room praying.
The Fire Chief came in to tell them that Bill heroically saved six children in the fire before the roof gave way.
Joey didn’t want to admit it, but he was scared. So was his mom.
A few minutes later, a nurse told Ann that she could go in to see her husband.
“He woke up and is asking for you,” the nurse told Ann.
After seeing Bill, Ann came out and told Joey it was his turn to see his father.
“Dad is going to be just fine, Joey. He is awake and responding to treatment,” Ann said with obvious relief.
It proved to be a long day for the Barrett family. Ann stayed at the hospital while Uncle Steve and Aunt Marie took Joey home with them.
“Your Dad made the evening news,” Uncle Steve told Joey. “You did too, wearing your Philadelphia jersey.”
Joey was very happy that his dad was going to get better.
Meanwhile across town, the offensive guard Joey met at training camp was tired after practice. He drove home, walked into his house, sat down in a comfortable chair, and turned on the TV.
Switching the channel to the local news, the guard could not believe his eyes. Walking through a barrage of cameras in front of the University Hospital was the kid he met at training camp a few weeks before. He turned up the volume to learn about the fire and heroic actions of Bill Barrett.
The player immediately went to the phone and called his teammate, who switched on the news as they talked. He also remembered the father and son.
The two players talked for over 20 minutes and came up with a plan.
The next day, the doctors moved Bill to a regular room in the burn center. His vitals were good and the prognosis looked good.
Joey met up with his Mom that afternoon. She never left the hospital. She looked tired and drained, but was very happy her husband was doing well.
When Joey saw his dad, relief swept over him.
“Dad, do you feel any better today?” Joey asked.
“I feel 100 times better today, and I should be home in no time,” said Bill.
“Are you still practicing your kicking?”
Joey smiled, knowing that things were going to be okay.
Joey handed his father the latest Philadelphia football articles he’d clipped from the paper.
“I just wanted to keep you up on what’s happening with our Philadelphia team,” Joey said.
“We are well equipped to do that!” a voice outside the room echoed.
Joey gasped as the two players he met at training camp walked into Bill Barrett’s room carrying all types of football memorabilia.
“WOW! Unbelievable!” Bill happily exclaimed.
“We wanted to come visit you and wish you a speedy recovery,” they said.
“You’re the man, Bill. Saving those six little children was a real act of heroism. Their parents will never forget. They will always be grateful that they can hold their little ones because of you,” added the tight end.
The football players walked over to Bill… handing him an envelope, a few jerseys, and all kinds of Philadelphia football mementoes.
“Here’s some stuff to keep you busy,” they said.
“This envelope is from the Philadelphia organization.”
Inside the envelope, Bill found three season tickets.
Bill was overwhelmed. He sincerely thanked the players.
“Hey Bill, you honored what we do by coming to our training camp and games. Today, it is our turn to honor what you do in return,” the big offensive guard said.
“Joey, you should be very proud of your dad,” added the tight end.
“I am!” Joey said gratefully. “Dad always tells me to learn from the best. Today I did.” |
