The eccentric, much-loved NFL legend has passed away at 85.
Because he was eternally disheveled, always casual and an ubiquitous pitchman, he seemed on the surface like a lovable oaf, but those were characteristics that tended to belie his great football brain.
“He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.”
… and he retired at the tender age of 42, when many head coaches are just starting their careers.
After his coaching career, using his ability to explain complicated maneuvers in simplest terms, he became a top broadcaster (16 Emmys), and the godfather of football video games. After injuries ended whatever playing career he might have dreamt of, he was just damned good at everything he tried. In the world of sports, he did about as much as any man can do, and he did it without creating any scandals or even making any enemies.
