Sam Huff was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Huff, a Middleburg resident, played in the National Football League from 1956 through 1969 as a linebacker with the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins.

As Lombardi would say, “What the hell is going on out there?” We are running out of time to reach an agreement to have a normal NFL season.

Hopefully, finally, now the players have a deal most of them will accept, and hopefully at least 24 of the 32 owners will ratify the deal. Let’s get the show on the road. The Hall of Fame game is scheduled for Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio. Something has to give. NFL fans deserve better and deserve a normal season. 

Too much that worked well in the past has been negotiated away. Sonny and I have signed our contracts with the Redskins Radio Broadcasting Network for the coming season. Believe it or not, we don’t have agents and never did, but we are still part of the game and happy about it. We love what we do. 

Once again, quoting Vince Lombardi when he coached the Packers and turned them into a championship team, “ Winning is not everything; it is the only thing.” Well, evidently and according to the news media that kind of challenge has changed for those connected with the NFL. Now it seems to be “Money is not everything; it is the only thing.” 

I think the players and owners need a closer relationship, more of father-son rather than some remote, negotiated one. Back in 1956, when I played for the Giants, I felt pretty good about my first year.  I had been coached by Tom Landry and played for the World Championship Team. I had played in the Pro-Bowl in Los Angeles that year. I was voted “Rookie of the Year.” However, I was only making $5,000 a year. I had to work a second job to support my family and continue to live in New York. I worked in what was known as the garment district during the week and played football for the Giants on Sunday. 

After my rookie year, Wellington Mara, owner of the Giants at the time, summoned me to his office at 10 Columbus Circle, and of course, I went. When I walked in, he handed me my contract for the next season. It was the same as the year before except for a $500 raise. I spoke up. I said, “Mr. Mara, I had a very successful year. This contract is for $500 more than last year.” He looked me straight in the eye and without a smile said, “Hell, Sam, I think you are worth it.”

When I left the office that day and was out on the street, there was a bell ringer with a cup. I gave him a quarter leaving me with just enough for my fare on the subway. I felt fortunate, although I had expected more.

Regardless of that contract, I had one of my best years that next season. I loved the game and I enjoyed the teamwork. Besides, in those days, there were a good many people who needed and wanted to work but couldn’t find a job. Our nation has a similar situation now; there are a lot of people who need help, just like the bell ringer. 

We know now NFL means “Not For Long.” There are player replacements available like those special team members and those who sat on the bench just waiting for that chance to show what they could do. Maybe the player leadership should think about all that, and maybe the owners should think about having a more personal relationship with their players.

It’s the players who win the games. There is no union; it has been decertified. As Walter Cronkite used to say, “ … and that’s the way it is.” Let the games begin.