This story is a tribute to Gil Brand, a revolutionary man in NFL scouting.
Bye sweet American Trio
HOK...
Lasso was in a slump, sadness on his face as he worked...well, tired to. He was not in the mood with the sad news that rung across the NFL today. He knew it would come soon, but it still hurt. The others watched in worry.
Ish: Should we-check on him?
Chief went forward as he went next to Lasso, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Chief: Lasso?
Lasso turned, a weak smile on his face.
Lasso:-I know, you guys are worried. To be honest I-Kinda lost the drive to finish work today.
Lasso got up sighing as he went over.
Lasso: So-y'all heard the-the news about Gil.
Swoop: Yeah. Lasso, I-I'm so sorry.
Lasso shoke his head.
Lasso: His health was going down in recent years it-it was just matter of time. Just now-all three are gone; Gil, Tex-L-Landry.
Lasso eyes pricked with tears sighing. LANDRY, that one still hurt; and then Tex went which made the hurt even more-now Gil at ninety one was back with them in the great stadium in the sky.
Ash: Lasso...
Lasso: Ah we really are in a new era are we. *Tears falling, shaking*-*shakes his head; to himself* N-Now don't get yer'self in a tizzy. -sniffs- Besides, I'm sure he and the others are catching up.
Liberty went over nodding.
Liberty: Why not take some time off, got your mind and emotions settle with the news.
Ricky: Not to mention we only have a week before the season so taking some time before Sunday would be a good idea
Lasso took a breath calming himself, nodding.
Lasso: *weak smile* T-Thanks Lib I-I'll do that.
Lasso went over with Chief following.
Liberty: *weak chuckled* Well, Gil's back with Tom and Tex. America's Trio is back together again.
.
.
Lasso covered his face as Chief patted his back.
Lasso: NINETY ONE, he was ninety one. Heh, son of a gun outlived Tom and Tex-
?: Um, can we- join in.
Lasso and Chief looked seeing Rampage and Pick-Ax.
Lasso: *weak smile* Heh, know he was a Cowboy but he started with you two first. Yeah, I would like some more company.
Chief: Same here.
Both came over and sat down.
Chief: Good news is that he lived to see one hundred years and got in the Hall of fame.
Rampage: And he manage to smooth over the-incident.
Lasso sighed as he slumped into the couch.
Lasso: That was a nightmare, but not as bad as the who Tom vs. Jerry spiel.
All shuddered...NOT A GOOD TIME FOR THE COWBOYS.
Pick-Ax: Yeah good point, and all it took for them to talk was you being hospitalized. Not a good day.
Lasso: NO ONE WAS HAVING A GOOD DAY. December 1992, I swear all players were in that building Gil basically ran a marathon getting there.
Chief: But-I'm glad all went well in the end.
It was silent for a while, until-
Lasso: *muffled chuckling*.
Rampage: *small smile* What are laughing about?
Lasso: *Smiles* Remember how he use to take new born baby pictures for family, and he accidentally did that for one of the players when we all visited.
All chuckled at that.
Rampage: That was his old job so heat of the moment, it was so cute seeing him getting flustered.
Pick-Ax: Not complaining, he knew how to use lighting as much as scouting players.
Chief: I think he knew more of scouting than pictures. You saw how much he changed the area with his skills.
Lasso smile became that of pride.
Lasso: A revolutionary he was. As soon as he got his hands on a computer he went all out with the search. His use of the psychological test on the mental and personality make up of the prospective players was GENIUS. A GAME CHANGER.
Rampage: *nods* He was a terror to teams. He got big names joining your team; Bob Hayes, Peter Gent, Percy Howard and those are just a few! Even gone after those who other teams never thought of getting like Roger Staubach, Herschel Walker and Chad Henning! He even set up hospitality suites for NCAA basketball tournaments COACHES! HE WAS EVEN HELPING OTHER SPORT LEAGUES!
Pick-Ax: Not just sports, he was scouting in OTHER COUNTIES! Toni Fristsch anyone-
Lasso: YES! HAHA YES! Good Old Toni! He made his country and family proud not only winning three champions in his league but the Super Bowl with us! Ah he must be really happy to see him again, Gil was a LEGENDARY GENIUS-
?: If not for him and Tex-we wouldn't have the combine we have today.
All turned seeing a red eyed Stallion...he had been crying.
Chief: You heard...
Stallion. I-I received word from coach on the-the passing.
Lasso: *realization* Oh Stallion you must be hurting too, I-I almost forgot you worked with him during the Combine.
Stallion took a raspy breath as he walked over, sitting down.
Stallion: Not on my team, but worked with him with the other scouters when the Combine went around. He changed so much when it came to looking at the prospects and it still seen to this day. He didn't need to be a coach or player, he knew exactly who could play and their attitude. I-I still have have his Christmas cards saved in my files.
The Christmas cards he gave to everyone in the NFL...he knew everyone.
Lasso thoughts: With his memory on players, names and their social life like that his soul could have been part of a Rusherz.
Lasso: Are-you going to be okay?
Stallion: I-I'm okay. I just saw Freedom bring the HOF flag to half mass. Y-You alright?
Lasso: Just reminiscing. Besides, ninety one..he lived longer out of the three.
Chief: I can already hear them joking about that right now.
All five laughed at that.
Rampage: OH YEAH. I can see them doing that.
Pick-Ax: Gonna miss hearing and seeing him hear but-he defiantly earned his spot.
Lasso: Yeah-I have no clue what we're gonna do with the short amount of time-
Chief hugged him bringing in Stallion as well.
Chief: Then you team do what you what you always do best on-GO ALL IN.
Lasso smiled hugging Chief and Stallion.
Lasso: Thanks you guys.
Lasso sighed silently, feeling the warmth of his friends.
Lasso's thoughts: Well...Goodbye, sweet American Trio. I'll visit you all when i can.
All three were gone, but they all left such sweet memories...and Lasso could not help but smile.
THE
END
Well Gil-you got your wish you mentioned in the Journal Sentinel... you'll be remembered forever.
Till next time.
