Should I buy a Kevlar vest now?

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Replacing a legend is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Try following John Elway in Denver or Brett Favre in Green Bay. It’s going to be tough sledding for the poor souls who dare. But, that’s the job. It’s not meant to be easy. People love their heroes and dislike anyone else who assumes the role of starter. All the next guy can do is work as hard as he can and let the work speak for itself.

When I was asked to come back to St. Louis three years ago and be involved with Rams Radio it made me very happy. I’ve always felt a huge connection with the community and fans. We shared a common desire to be the best football team in the world. It’s a feeling that was lost in Los Angeles well before I became a Ram. When the team moved to St. Louis it was like a return to the familiar for me. It is a place where the people actually cared about the team. I took to it like a duck to water. We eventually got it done and won the Super Bowl, together. I hurt my knee in the process and I had to leave the game before I was ready. The next season was very painful. Then everything in my life changed. I mean everything. I lost too much. I still don’t know why. Things just happen sometimes and there is nothing you can do about it. But, I do know that I’m a stronger person than I ever knew I could be. I had to get on with living. It was hard to be here in St. Louis after all that, so I ran L.A. to find myself again or at least a part of me. I even spent time overseas trying to fix my head while coaching in Berlin. It was good.

Then all of a sudden I was back here in St. Louis on the air talking about Rams football with Jim Hanifan and Steve Savard. I’ve never had so much fun working. The road trips were legendary and game days a blast. Over the last three years I’ve had many people ask me about someday taking over as color analyst on the Rams radio. My response had always been the same, there is no way I’m ever going to ever be able to replace Hanny. He means so much to this city. He is football royalty and knows more about the game than most of us will ever know. I enjoyed listening to him during games and I was usually standing right next to him while he’s speaking. He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my life. He’s also one of the craziest guys in the world. I love him. I would do anything for him.

But, I’ve be asked to do a job this season and I’m going to do it. It’s something I’m capable of doing and I have a desire to be the best. I can’t control how I got here, only God makes those choices so do not belive everthing you read in the paper. What I can control is my preparation and enthusiasm. That, I promise will be worth your time listening to Rams Radio on game day.  

Love and Championships!

Go Rams