Good deed doesn't go unnoticed (Vikes coach Tice invites war widow to game)

Minneapolis Star-Tribune ^ | 1-1-06 | Jim Souhan

[Colonel_Flagg]

Today, we will watch Mike Tice stalk the sideline in his customary black garb.

Some of us will see a gridiron Johnny Cash dancing in a vocational ring of fire.

Some of us will see a lame-duck coach slogging through his contractual duties.

Somewhere in the Metrodome today, though, there will be four sets of eyes viewing Tice as a man with a heart as big as his Long Island accent.

"It's a long story," said Riikka Jacobsen.

She was happy to tell it.

Jacobsen's husband, Captain Bill Jacobsen, was killed by an insurgent's bomb in Iraq a little more than a year ago. He was 31.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Mike Tice may lose his job tomorrow, and from a football standpoint, he probably should. But this story touched me and reveals something about the coach himself.

[Colonel_Flagg]

For the NFL list.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Good man.

[Digger]

I've liked him. Too bad but he'll be back.

[Ultra Sonic 007]

PING

FReepmail scott says to get on or off this ping list.

Good for Mike.

[StarCMC]

Thanks for posting this story Colonel!! GREAT story!


Canteen ping

[JLS]

Yes, a very nice story. Thanks for posting it. I hope maybe ESPN or someone picks up on it.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[trussell]

Prayer ping.

My prayers will go up for Riikka Jacobsen, and her family. God's comfort and peace for them...I will also be praying that compassion be shown for Tice...as he has shown compassion for Riikka Jacobsen.  

Blessings,
trussell

If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Thanks, Star. Tice got in hot water up here before the last election for appearing at a Bush campaign rally in St. Paul.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Colonel, for posting this great story.

RIP Captain Jacobson

[Colonel_Flagg]

You're welcome, Ma. Thank you for the tribute.

[kayak]

ping

[DieHard the Hunter]

Goodonya, Mike!

[CDHart]

As do I, Tracey -- so many need prayer, it's almost overwhelming. I don't know how you do it.

Carolyn

[trussell]

I pray! God gives me all the help I need to get through it.
Thank you for joining me in prayer.

[MNbelle]

Thanks for the ping, kay.

[Gucho]

Thank you for the ping and a moving story.

[Dashing Dasher]

I knew Mike in college. He was always a terrific guy! This doesn't surprise me at all.

[Spruce]

I have a sneaking suspicion we will see Mike Tice on the sidelines as head coach next season. Ziggy seems to genuinely like him.