Today’s the 31st anniversary of my father’s death, and I’ve been thinking about him alot lately.  He came to this country as a poor nineteen year-old kid who couldn’t speak English, and he not only raised himself out of poverty, but paved the way for me to go to college.  Although he had many health problems, he never felt sorry for himself.  It’s an attitude that I try to emulate.  Which got me thinking about his toughness, and other real-life tough guy role models.

Concrete Charlie

Concrete Charlie.  The nickname just oozes toughness.  For the uninitiated, Chuck Bednarik was the last of the true “60 Minute” NFL players.  He played center AND linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1950s to the early 1960s.  His hit on Frank Gifford, after which Gifford was given Last Rites, was the stuff of legends.  He hit Gifford so hard in a game that I’m sure his mother felt it.

Old Blood and Guts

Eddie Shore, “Old Blood and Guts”,  was a defenseman for the Boston Bruins.  He once got into a scrap with a teammate in practice, and his ear was nearly ripped off.  He watched through a mirror as the doctor sewed it back on.  But only after he refused any anesthetic.  He was a dirty player, and I’m sure if he were playing today, I’d hate the bastard.  Besides, I think it’s a prerequesite to hate the Bruins if you’re a Ranger fan.

Give the Devil His Due

I give these examples not as a glorification of man’s Neanderthal side, but as a testament of his tenacity.  How many times have you given up in the face of adversity?  Well, there was no quit in these guys.  I have to respect that, and I absolutely HATE the Eagles and Bruins!

Real Toughness vs. Hollywood Toughness

I’d like to differentiate between the real toughness exhibited by guys like Bednarik, Shore, and Thurman Munson, versus the unrealistic Rambo-type, superhuman Hollywood kind.  The real kind can be witnessed firsthand, while the Hollywood kind is done with smoke and mirrors.  When looking for tough role models, look first to the real world.

“When life hands you a lemon, say “Oh yeah, I like lemons. What else you got?” - Henry Rollins

When I’m feeling sorry for myself, because my boss didn’t like the report that I prepared for him, I don’t sulk.  I go back and do a better job.  When my weight goes up, I don’t blame it on Dunkin Donuts.  I hit the weights harder and watch what I eat.  Life always knocks you down.  It’s your job to get back up.

That’s when I channel my inner Chuck Bednarik, and get to work.

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