The vast majorities of entries on this blog have dealt with and will continue to deal with estate planning, estate administration, asset protection and the like. Sometimes, however I deviate from the world of writing about living trusts and wills and this is one of those times.

George Blanda passed yesterday at age 83. As a young child I knew that George Blanda was amazing. I remember sitting at home as an eight year old in 1970 and watching him win game after game for the Oakland Raiders as a 43 year old quarterback and kicker. While I did not remember the specifics of his heroics that fall until I read about them today, I do recall that this guy who was older than his coach was winning games seemingly single handedly for his team.

He was amazing because at that age I knew that he was older than my own father and he was competing against people in the prime of their athletic careers. If for some reason you think that it was easier forty years ago (it was probably harder), know that he kicked a 52 yard field in the final seconds against Cleveland. That rarely happens today!

George Blanda’s success instilled in me early an appreciation for the potential we all have and also an appreciation for those that are great whether an athlete, a doctor, a scientist, a teacher, or even a lawyer. He and others taught me to continue striving and to give it your all. I realized early on that I was not going to be the best in anything, but that perseverance has its own rewards.

George Blanda played in the NFL through the 1975 season. When he retired he was 48 years of age and could still compete. Simply remarkable!