A SON’S LOVE FOR HIS DAD
A SON’S LOVE FOR HIS DAD
It all began one night in August. Mike was sitting by his computer and thinking of a way to better his life. Mike always had it rough growing up. Being the fat kid was too much to bear and it changed his whole outlook on life. His childhood and teen years were the hardest. Always being picked on and taunted by his peers. Even through all this he turned out as a good person. Always willing to help somebody, he had a side to him that only a few have experienced. A side that once reached is like unleashing a bull that has been taunted. He loses all sense of right and wrong when this happens. It takes a long time to reach and often takes so much to set him off, but watch out when it happens. Growing up Mike always dreamt of being a football player, but the weight kept him from achieving this dream. In high school he had dreams of being a cop. Again his weight made this impossible. So all through high school and his early 20’s he would work odd jobs. Finally when he was 22 he made the commitment to become a Paramedic. So on Nov. 26, 1990 he started EMT school. The course had some familiarity to it, as he took first aid in high school. The course lasted 4 months. It was all easy to him and in March of 91 he received his EMT license. This was the happiest moment of his life as he finally did something he set out to do. After 3 months off he started Paramedic class. A grueling 9 month course. He breezed through until Dec. of 91 when he was diagnosed with asthma. Maybe the stress of the course and his increasing weight was getting to him. He had thoughts of quitting altogether, but stuck it out and graduated in march of 92. Receiving his license Oct of 92. Now the hard part came. He had to find a job. He was qualified, as he finished near the top of his class. Would anyone hire him though? People had their doubts about a 450 lb Paramedic. Would his weight interfere with his ability to do the job? Would he possibly be a health risk? All these questions kept him unemployed for 10 months. Until finally on Aug.11, 1993 he was hired as a Paramedic for a private ambulance company. This was his big break. A chance to show every one they were wrong for not hiring him. A chance to show every one he could do the job. You see even though Mike was very overweight he was an exception to theory that fat people were lazy and could not do their job. Mike was very much the opposite. He played sports his whole life. He bowls every week and never let his weight dictate what he could do and not do. The first 7 months at work went fine, Mike was able to do his job and do it well. Even on occasion receiving letters of thanks from patients he had treated. He loved his job and had hopes and dreams of moving up in the company. Those dreams were shattered in April when he was told he would be laid off due to it “being slow”. Mike knew deep down this was not true. He knew it was just an excuse to let him go because of his weight. Several shifts opened up in the days after his being laid off. None were offered to him. And no explanation was given. In the months to come Mike became more and more upset. Depression was beginning to set in and thoughts of suicide crossed his mind every day. The only thing stopping him from pulling the trigger was the uncertainty of death. He feared it might be worse dead then alive. If he knew for sure what it was like when you were dead he might not of been here today, and this book may not of been written about him. You see on that night of Aug. 15, 1994 Mike’s life changed for the better, and he became the most loved athlete since Michael Jordan. While sitting in his room thinking about his future he thought of something that might just work and get him out of the rut he was in. He contacted the Miami Dolphins and explained why he was calling. He stated that he was a big man and that with the right training could become an all pro in 3 years.
Although he had only played 1 year of high school ball. He has no idea of even the basics of football, none the less the complexity of the game. Besides he was no where close to being in playing shape. He explained his situation to one of Don Shula’s assistants. Stating that it would take 1 year for him to get in shape, 1 year to get in football shape and 1 year of playing and putting it all together to become an all pro. During this time he would be learning the basics and eventually the advanced stages of football. The assistant knew it was a long shot but liked Mikes’ persistence and confidence. So he kept Mike a secret and trained him on his own time. Mike worked out 7 days a week for 8 hours a day. He completely changed his diet and his bad habits. Mike started his program at 495 lbs. He had to get down to a minimum of 275 lbs to be able to play in the NFL. The first year was very hard for him. He almost quit at least a 100 times. Each time he thought back on what he was and did not want to go back to being that again. Even if he did not make it in the NFL he would finally be down to a respectful weight and would be able to do anything. So he had to keep going. After six months of sweat, blood and tears Mike was down to 390 lbs.. his endurance was up and he was starting to mold into a ball player. His trainer really saw the difference and finally introduced him to Shula and the Dolphins. Shula, at first, as expected was outraged. He couldn’t believe that Tony could waste his time on such a long shot. After a few practices Shula took back everything. Mike was progressing so rapidly that Shula felt he could possibly make the practice squad for the upcoming season, less then 1 year after starting his program. Mike still had to lose over a 100 lbs., but he was getting very fast. Shula felt he could be a pass rushing force at OLB. If he could trim down there was no reason, except not understanding the game that he couldn’t become a dominate force in the NFL. So Mike continued to work with Tony. Only now he had coach Shulas’ guidance also. Mike spent a lot of time in the class room. This would be harder then getting in shape. To be able to learn everything from scratch was a task that was deemed impossible. To everyone but Mike. By now word got out about Shula’s project. The huge following began to worry Shula. He felt Mike would stray from his course, now that he had new found fame. His worries never came into play. Mike continued to work even harder. In May of 95, 9 months and 130 lbs lighter Mike made the Dolphins practice squad. He still had a long way to go but was starting to see the light. The Dolphins had a successful 95 campaign. Winning 12 games and the AFC east. Losing to Denver in the 2nd rd of playoffs. Shula knew unless he got a dominate LB the Dolphins would continue to lose the big games. He didn’t want to rush Mike, but felt it was time to give him some NFL experience. So Mike was invited to camp in 1996. Less then 2 years after starting from scratch Mike had a chance to make the Dolphins. He was going to turn 28 just before the season started, so he was still young, and his body had no wear and tear yet. Camp was like nothing Mike had ever seen, these guys were so big and fast and strong. Mike again had thoughts of quitting. Shula saw the fear in his eyes, but wouldn’t allow it to take over. He pushed Mike more then he had ever been pushed before. Shula saw something in him he had never seen in all his years of coaching. He looked in Mikes’ eyes one day at camp and saw something he will never forget. He saw another pair of eyes staring back at him, another pair besides Mike’s. He couldn’t explain it, but never gave it not much thought anymore. Mike made the Dolphins that year, but saw limited time, mostly on special teams. Even though he was ahead of schedule Mike started to wonder if his dream would ever become true. The next year at camp Mike swore this was his year. He trained like never before. Shula saw something different in him also. Mike was now listed as number 1 ROLB on the depth chart. He had done it. 3 years and he was a starter on the Dolphins. Now he had to play and become an all pro to fulfill his dream totally.
Mike was excited come opening day. He paced around the locker room. He was there hours before anyone else. The Dolphins were at home vs the Oilers. This would be a good test of his skills as the Oilers use the run and shoot, and Mike will do a lot of covering. The Dolphins easily win this game 24-3 as Mike is named player of the game. He had 8 tackles, 3 assisted tackles, and 2 sacks. Mike is off to a good start to make the pro bowl. There was always something different about Mike to Coach Shula. He could never explain it but just felt like there was someone else around when Mike was in the room. Like he had a guardian angel or something. Shula just put it aside saying it’s nothing. The season went on and the dolphins were winning and Mike was making play after play. The Dolphins were 8-0 and on their way to New England to play the 6-2 patriots. There is talk of a perfect season again. Shula was the only coach to go undefeated in a season. Going 17-0 in 1972 and winning the Super Bowl vs Washington. Mike was a lock to make his first pro bowl. He was leading the league in sacks with 13. And was on his way to 100 tackles when disaster struck. On a screen pass to Butts the left guard went to throw a block on Mike and instead stumbled and came across Mike’s legs. Breaking Mike’s tibia. In the pile up Mike was somehow hit or bent the wrong way and lost feeling in his lower extremities. As the trainers came out to assist Mike one of them looked in his eyes and saw those same eyes Shula saw last year. It startled the trainer at first. As he looked deeper into Mike’s eyes he noticed tears. Not tears from Mike’s eyes but tears from the other eyes. Then they disappeared. The trainer brushed it aside as had Shula. Mike was driven to Hollywood Memorial for surgery on his leg and spine. The doctors told him he was lucky. That the surgery was a success and he would regain use of his legs again, but could never play football again. Mike was devastated. All that hard work for nothing. His dream was shattered. Little did anyone know, it meant more to Mike then they thought. You see some 4 years earlier Mike’s dad had died. Mike and his father were never close. Frank had always hated what Mike had become. He had such plans for him. Thinking he would be a success, not a failure. Frank died not knowing how much Mike really loved him, and now Mike carried that burden with him for the last 4 years. As Mike recovered from surgery the Dolphins struggled on defense and lost their last 6 games. Their record now stood at 8-6. During this time Mike rehabbed and regained full use of his legs. He was ready to return to the field, but Shula would not allow it. Mike pleaded with Shula to no avail. The dolphins lost their next game and were in jeopardy of not making the playoffs after starting 8-0. Mike continued working out and confronted Shula again about playing. Still Shula was persistent and would not listen to Mike. Finally Mike broke down and told him about what had happened with his father years ago, and how he had to play and make the pro bowl now. Shula finally agreed but still was weary about letting him play. One wrong hit and Mike was paralyzed for good. As usually the story leaked to area press and TV stations. Mike was the cover story of every newspaper and television show across America. Man risks walking to fulfill father’s dream.
It captured the hearts of millions. All wishing Mike luck. He suited up for the regular season finale vs the AFC East leading Patriots. Mike still remembers the last game vs New England when his career was put on hold. He tries to put it out of his mind but cannot. The game is going well until the last 2 minutes. Miami is leading 17-13 and New England is driving. Mike has had a great game and all but wrapped up a spot on the pro bowl. Even though he missed 6 games his numbers are too good to bypass. He has 3 sacks and 10 solo tackles so far. That gives him 16 sacks and over 100 tackles for the year.
With 1:45 left in 4th quarter New England is at Miami’s 12 yard line. The play is called and Mike lines up on the side of the left tackle, preparing to blitz Bledsoe from his blind side. Bledsoe comes to the line and starts barking out signals. The ball is snapped and Mike blows by the tackle. As he is ready to pounce on Bledsoe the left guard comes out of no where and blocks him low just as the tackle comes to help out. Mike is sandwiched between both players and instantly loses feeling in both legs. He lays motion less on the field as the pass is thrown and completed to Brisby for a TD. As the trainers come out to assist Mike the same trainer again sees those extra eyes staring at him. This time he is spooked and asks Mike about them. Mike states it is a long story and he will explain later. On the way to the hospital he tells the trainer how much he loved his father and that he wished his father was still alive to see his son made something out of his life. Mike thinks his father is inside his soul and won’t be free until he realizes his fathers dream. That dream of making the pro bowl. Mike undergoes 10 hours of surgery and is told he will never walk again. Mike accepts this fact and states he just hopes his last game was enough to let him make the pro bowl. A few weeks later the pro bowl spots are announced. Coach Shula and a couple Dolphins are at the hospital to watch the announcement with Mike. When the AFC starting defense is named Mike is on it. The room goes wild and Mike breaks down and cries. Just then a ghost like object appears from Mike’s body and hovers over him for a minute. Then disappears. At last you are free dad shouts Mike. I love you. Everybody in the room is stunned but they realize what had just happened. Those extra eyes had been Mike’s dad stuck in his son’s soul. In the background on the TV can be heard, one hell of a performance by Stanco. If not for that last game I wouldn’t of voted for him. Another reporter says the same thing. What guts. His numbers were good but not good enough before that last game. That game made him. Mike then says him playing was not for naught. He gave up his legs for his father’s freedom. He needed to play that last game to realize his father’s dream. He would do it again if he had to. At least my dad can spend eternity in peace now. I love you dad.
It all began one night in August. Mike was sitting by his computer and thinking of a way to better his life. Mike always had it rough growing up. Being the fat kid was too much to bear and it changed his whole outlook on life. His childhood and teen years were the hardest. Always being picked on and taunted by his peers. Even through all this he turned out as a good person. Always willing to help somebody, he had a side to him that only a few have experienced. A side that once reached is like unleashing a bull that has been taunted. He loses all sense of right and wrong when this happens. It takes a long time to reach and often takes so much to set him off, but watch out when it happens. Growing up Mike always dreamt of being a football player, but the weight kept him from achieving this dream. In high school he had dreams of being a cop. Again his weight made this impossible. So all through high school and his early 20’s he would work odd jobs. Finally when he was 22 he made the commitment to become a Paramedic. So on Nov. 26, 1990 he started EMT school. The course had some familiarity to it, as he took first aid in high school. The course lasted 4 months. It was all easy to him and in March of 91 he received his EMT license. This was the happiest moment of his life as he finally did something he set out to do. After 3 months off he started Paramedic class. A grueling 9 month course. He breezed through until Dec. of 91 when he was diagnosed with asthma. Maybe the stress of the course and his increasing weight was getting to him. He had thoughts of quitting altogether, but stuck it out and graduated in march of 92. Receiving his license Oct of 92. Now the hard part came. He had to find a job. He was qualified, as he finished near the top of his class. Would anyone hire him though? People had their doubts about a 450 lb Paramedic. Would his weight interfere with his ability to do the job? Would he possibly be a health risk? All these questions kept him unemployed for 10 months. Until finally on Aug.11, 1993 he was hired as a Paramedic for a private ambulance company. This was his big break. A chance to show every one they were wrong for not hiring him. A chance to show every one he could do the job. You see even though Mike was very overweight he was an exception to theory that fat people were lazy and could not do their job. Mike was very much the opposite. He played sports his whole life. He bowls every week and never let his weight dictate what he could do and not do. The first 7 months at work went fine, Mike was able to do his job and do it well. Even on occasion receiving letters of thanks from patients he had treated. He loved his job and had hopes and dreams of moving up in the company. Those dreams were shattered in April when he was told he would be laid off due to it “being slow”. Mike knew deep down this was not true. He knew it was just an excuse to let him go because of his weight. Several shifts opened up in the days after his being laid off. None were offered to him. And no explanation was given. In the months to come Mike became more and more upset. Depression was beginning to set in and thoughts of suicide crossed his mind every day. The only thing stopping him from pulling the trigger was the uncertainty of death. He feared it might be worse dead then alive. If he knew for sure what it was like when you were dead he might not of been here today, and this book may not of been written about him. You see on that night of Aug. 15, 1994 Mike’s life changed for the better, and he became the most loved athlete since Michael Jordan. While sitting in his room thinking about his future he thought of something that might just work and get him out of the rut he was in. He contacted the Miami Dolphins and explained why he was calling. He stated that he was a big man and that with the right training could become an all pro in 3 years.
Although he had only played 1 year of high school ball. He has no idea of even the basics of football, none the less the complexity of the game. Besides he was no where close to being in playing shape. He explained his situation to one of Don Shula’s assistants. Stating that it would take 1 year for him to get in shape, 1 year to get in football shape and 1 year of playing and putting it all together to become an all pro. During this time he would be learning the basics and eventually the advanced stages of football. The assistant knew it was a long shot but liked Mikes’ persistence and confidence. So he kept Mike a secret and trained him on his own time. Mike worked out 7 days a week for 8 hours a day. He completely changed his diet and his bad habits. Mike started his program at 495 lbs. He had to get down to a minimum of 275 lbs to be able to play in the NFL. The first year was very hard for him. He almost quit at least a 100 times. Each time he thought back on what he was and did not want to go back to being that again. Even if he did not make it in the NFL he would finally be down to a respectful weight and would be able to do anything. So he had to keep going. After six months of sweat, blood and tears Mike was down to 390 lbs.. his endurance was up and he was starting to mold into a ball player. His trainer really saw the difference and finally introduced him to Shula and the Dolphins. Shula, at first, as expected was outraged. He couldn’t believe that Tony could waste his time on such a long shot. After a few practices Shula took back everything. Mike was progressing so rapidly that Shula felt he could possibly make the practice squad for the upcoming season, less then 1 year after starting his program. Mike still had to lose over a 100 lbs., but he was getting very fast. Shula felt he could be a pass rushing force at OLB. If he could trim down there was no reason, except not understanding the game that he couldn’t become a dominate force in the NFL. So Mike continued to work with Tony. Only now he had coach Shulas’ guidance also. Mike spent a lot of time in the class room. This would be harder then getting in shape. To be able to learn everything from scratch was a task that was deemed impossible. To everyone but Mike. By now word got out about Shula’s project. The huge following began to worry Shula. He felt Mike would stray from his course, now that he had new found fame. His worries never came into play. Mike continued to work even harder. In May of 95, 9 months and 130 lbs lighter Mike made the Dolphins practice squad. He still had a long way to go but was starting to see the light. The Dolphins had a successful 95 campaign. Winning 12 games and the AFC east. Losing to Denver in the 2nd rd of playoffs. Shula knew unless he got a dominate LB the Dolphins would continue to lose the big games. He didn’t want to rush Mike, but felt it was time to give him some NFL experience. So Mike was invited to camp in 1996. Less then 2 years after starting from scratch Mike had a chance to make the Dolphins. He was going to turn 28 just before the season started, so he was still young, and his body had no wear and tear yet. Camp was like nothing Mike had ever seen, these guys were so big and fast and strong. Mike again had thoughts of quitting. Shula saw the fear in his eyes, but wouldn’t allow it to take over. He pushed Mike more then he had ever been pushed before. Shula saw something in him he had never seen in all his years of coaching. He looked in Mikes’ eyes one day at camp and saw something he will never forget. He saw another pair of eyes staring back at him, another pair besides Mike’s. He couldn’t explain it, but never gave it not much thought anymore. Mike made the Dolphins that year, but saw limited time, mostly on special teams. Even though he was ahead of schedule Mike started to wonder if his dream would ever become true. The next year at camp Mike swore this was his year. He trained like never before. Shula saw something different in him also. Mike was now listed as number 1 ROLB on the depth chart. He had done it. 3 years and he was a starter on the Dolphins. Now he had to play and become an all pro to fulfill his dream totally.
Mike was excited come opening day. He paced around the locker room. He was there hours before anyone else. The Dolphins were at home vs the Oilers. This would be a good test of his skills as the Oilers use the run and shoot, and Mike will do a lot of covering. The Dolphins easily win this game 24-3 as Mike is named player of the game. He had 8 tackles, 3 assisted tackles, and 2 sacks. Mike is off to a good start to make the pro bowl. There was always something different about Mike to Coach Shula. He could never explain it but just felt like there was someone else around when Mike was in the room. Like he had a guardian angel or something. Shula just put it aside saying it’s nothing. The season went on and the dolphins were winning and Mike was making play after play. The Dolphins were 8-0 and on their way to New England to play the 6-2 patriots. There is talk of a perfect season again. Shula was the only coach to go undefeated in a season. Going 17-0 in 1972 and winning the Super Bowl vs Washington. Mike was a lock to make his first pro bowl. He was leading the league in sacks with 13. And was on his way to 100 tackles when disaster struck. On a screen pass to Butts the left guard went to throw a block on Mike and instead stumbled and came across Mike’s legs. Breaking Mike’s tibia. In the pile up Mike was somehow hit or bent the wrong way and lost feeling in his lower extremities. As the trainers came out to assist Mike one of them looked in his eyes and saw those same eyes Shula saw last year. It startled the trainer at first. As he looked deeper into Mike’s eyes he noticed tears. Not tears from Mike’s eyes but tears from the other eyes. Then they disappeared. The trainer brushed it aside as had Shula. Mike was driven to Hollywood Memorial for surgery on his leg and spine. The doctors told him he was lucky. That the surgery was a success and he would regain use of his legs again, but could never play football again. Mike was devastated. All that hard work for nothing. His dream was shattered. Little did anyone know, it meant more to Mike then they thought. You see some 4 years earlier Mike’s dad had died. Mike and his father were never close. Frank had always hated what Mike had become. He had such plans for him. Thinking he would be a success, not a failure. Frank died not knowing how much Mike really loved him, and now Mike carried that burden with him for the last 4 years. As Mike recovered from surgery the Dolphins struggled on defense and lost their last 6 games. Their record now stood at 8-6. During this time Mike rehabbed and regained full use of his legs. He was ready to return to the field, but Shula would not allow it. Mike pleaded with Shula to no avail. The dolphins lost their next game and were in jeopardy of not making the playoffs after starting 8-0. Mike continued working out and confronted Shula again about playing. Still Shula was persistent and would not listen to Mike. Finally Mike broke down and told him about what had happened with his father years ago, and how he had to play and make the pro bowl now. Shula finally agreed but still was weary about letting him play. One wrong hit and Mike was paralyzed for good. As usually the story leaked to area press and TV stations. Mike was the cover story of every newspaper and television show across America. Man risks walking to fulfill father’s dream.
It captured the hearts of millions. All wishing Mike luck. He suited up for the regular season finale vs the AFC East leading Patriots. Mike still remembers the last game vs New England when his career was put on hold. He tries to put it out of his mind but cannot. The game is going well until the last 2 minutes. Miami is leading 17-13 and New England is driving. Mike has had a great game and all but wrapped up a spot on the pro bowl. Even though he missed 6 games his numbers are too good to bypass. He has 3 sacks and 10 solo tackles so far. That gives him 16 sacks and over 100 tackles for the year.
With 1:45 left in 4th quarter New England is at Miami’s 12 yard line. The play is called and Mike lines up on the side of the left tackle, preparing to blitz Bledsoe from his blind side. Bledsoe comes to the line and starts barking out signals. The ball is snapped and Mike blows by the tackle. As he is ready to pounce on Bledsoe the left guard comes out of no where and blocks him low just as the tackle comes to help out. Mike is sandwiched between both players and instantly loses feeling in both legs. He lays motion less on the field as the pass is thrown and completed to Brisby for a TD. As the trainers come out to assist Mike the same trainer again sees those extra eyes staring at him. This time he is spooked and asks Mike about them. Mike states it is a long story and he will explain later. On the way to the hospital he tells the trainer how much he loved his father and that he wished his father was still alive to see his son made something out of his life. Mike thinks his father is inside his soul and won’t be free until he realizes his fathers dream. That dream of making the pro bowl. Mike undergoes 10 hours of surgery and is told he will never walk again. Mike accepts this fact and states he just hopes his last game was enough to let him make the pro bowl. A few weeks later the pro bowl spots are announced. Coach Shula and a couple Dolphins are at the hospital to watch the announcement with Mike. When the AFC starting defense is named Mike is on it. The room goes wild and Mike breaks down and cries. Just then a ghost like object appears from Mike’s body and hovers over him for a minute. Then disappears. At last you are free dad shouts Mike. I love you. Everybody in the room is stunned but they realize what had just happened. Those extra eyes had been Mike’s dad stuck in his son’s soul. In the background on the TV can be heard, one hell of a performance by Stanco. If not for that last game I wouldn’t of voted for him. Another reporter says the same thing. What guts. His numbers were good but not good enough before that last game. That game made him. Mike then says him playing was not for naught. He gave up his legs for his father’s freedom. He needed to play that last game to realize his father’s dream. He would do it again if he had to. At least my dad can spend eternity in peace now. I love you dad.