Between 1985 and 1987, I covered three summers of San Francisco 49er training camp (at my college, Sierra Community College in Rocklin, CA) and two 49er games (a loss to New Orleans and a defeat of Dallas in the 1985 season).
I was a kid. I was nervous. I didn’t like asking for interviews. I didn’t have the chutzpah. I’d just try to hang around a crowd and then add a few questions for Bill Walsh and company.
The only pro who ever asked me for my name was Steve Young, who’d just come in from the USFL in the summer of 1987 to back up Joe Montana.
Steve was walking off the practice field. I went up to him to ask a question and he said, "What’s your name?"
It was such unexpected kindness. It’s made me think well of Mormons eversince.
Steve is such a gentleman. Every time I see him on TV, I think well of him.
These small acts of decency can make all the difference.
