Posted on 11/13/2009 8:33:12 PM PST by admiralsn
As a longtime Patriots season-ticket holder, Chris Diehl expected his afternoon to be highlighted by the events that took place between the lines last Sunday. But before the first quarter had even begun in Foxborough's Gillette Stadium, his day already was made.
It had nothing to do with his beloved team, either. Only his beloved country.
``As the National Anthem came to a close, I told my son to watch to see which of the Patriot players approached the veterans being honored to thank them for their service,'' Diehl wrote in an e-mail.
To Diehl's disappointment, the Veterans Day ceremony ended without any of his home-team players making a move toward the group. One person still came through, setting an example for Diehl's 13-year-old son he won't soon forget.
That person was Dolphins rookie quarterback Pat White.
``As the veterans left the field, one Miami Dolphin, Pat White, jogged over to them and shook every one of their hands,'' Diehl said. ``It was the highlight of the game for me to see there is at least one player in the NFL that understands what these people have given up for us.''
White, a rookie quarterback from West Virginia, said Friday he has no direct ties to the military -- nor has he ever had any desire to enlist.
White does, however, have a great deal of admiration for the job of a soldier.
``Anytime I hear a gun shot, I'm running the other way,'' White said. ``I guess that's probably why I respect them so much.''
White's small but lasting gesture was nothing more than his natural instincts taking over in the situation, he said. While it might not have been a big deal to him, it nonetheless resonated with others who witnessed it.
``What they're going through is life and death,'' White said. ``We're playing a game of football. What they do is so much more important than what we do.''
On Sunday, when the Dolphins play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first home game this month, the rest of the organization will attempt to follow the example White set last week.
Plans are in place for a game-long tribute to the military in another Veterans Day celebration.
A reading of the Preamble of the United States Constitution will be delivered by coach Tony Sparano and several Dolphins players during a pregame video montage.
A flyover led by four T-38s will take place following the National Anthem.
In addition, God Bless America will be sang at halftime, video messages from military personnel overseas will run throughout the game -- and 300 members of all five military branches will be honored at the end of the first quarter.
``I'm excited about it, I really am,'' Sparano said. `` I think it will be a heck of a day out there. It is good for me to be involved, my team to be involved and I know our players are excited about it too.''
The timing of the military tribute couldn't be better for another Dolphins' player. Tight end Joey Haynos' grandfather, a military veteran named Mike Nolan, died on Veterans' Day. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.
Haynos, who will fly after Sunday's game and miss Monday's practice to be at the funeral, said the tribute to the military will hold a great deal of value to him, too.
``They're the reason we're able to play this game and feel free about it,'' Haynos said. ``They go wherever they need to go to defend us, and they're the reason we're able to play a game.''
Last week, when the Veterans Day tribute ended in New England, it should be noted that Patriots players weren't the only ones to miss an opportunity to thank the veterans on the field. All but one player on the Dolphins' roster also missed the opportunity, too.
Considering the impact White was able to have -- and the sign of respect he was able to send by a few simple handshakes -- this might be one instance where the rookie managed to lead by example for his older teammates.
Sunday, at least, will provide another chance.
``Whenever I have the opportunity to show respect, I show respect,'' White said. ``I don't know. That's just the way I was raised. You show respect where respect is earned.''
Absolutely LOVED Pat when he was here at WV. Incredible athlete and a great human being. Sure could have used him tonight against Cincinnati.
Rare that you find a pro athlete who’s focus isn’t “me, me, me.”
Touching story. Impressive young man.
Yes he was a great student athlete for WVU. I was gone before he got there but followed his career while he was there. I think he is the only college quarterback to start and win 4 bowl games.
People could learn a lot from Mountaineer Nation. They are the best fans and people I have ever met.
Excellent story - my husband is a WVU fan and a Veteran - he’s going to love hearing this!
Hurrah for Pat White. And sorry Pats fans, but no surprise that Belichick and his band of arrogant cheats would pay no mind to the soldiers.
Is there any video showing this young man’s profound deed?
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