Mr Al Young Dot Com

Today in the Bay Area, the public memorial service for the Bill Walsh was held at Candlestick park.  Bill Walsh was the legendary NFL coach of the San Francisco Forty Niners who passed away last week.  It may seem strange for me to pay homage to a Forty Niner since I am an avid Oakland Raiders fan.  Bill Walsh also coached at Stanford before going to the NFL.  I went to Cal, so I am no Stanford fan either.   However, we do have to acknowledge greatness and excellence, and Bill Walsh was certainly the best at what he did.  It should be noted that Bill Walsh was an assistant coach at Cal, and with the Raiders in his long, illustrious career.

Bill Walsh earned the label of  “genius” with the way he revolutionized the game of football with his “west coast style offense” which is now widely used in the NFL.  Perhaps, Bill Walsh’s greatest influence on the game of football was his affect on the people he taught.  Mainly his players and coaches.  The list of former players and coaches attending his memorial service include many hall of fame players, and current NFL coaches.  The list includes Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Mike Holmgren, and Dick Vermeil.  The list of players and coaches who owe a large part of their success to Bill Walsh goes on and on. 

If the mark of a great leader, and teacher is the students they produce, than Bill Walsh is rightfully regarded as a great leader and teacher.  He has worked tirelessly to get his assistant coaches, particularly minorities head coaching job.  As for his players, they all agree that Bill Walsh bought out the best in them, and made them reach their potential as players.

So today we just offer our condolences to the Walsh family, and recognize Bill Walsh’s contributions to the game of football.  For those striving to achieve excellence in your life in a ethical and dignified manner, Bill Walsh is a good role model, and an inspiration.