By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

I occasionally receive startling phone calls from a certain acquaintance at the most random times.

The phone rings whenever she hears a tidbit of news that she assumes will be remotely interesting to me She calls me out of the clear blue and the topics are typically all over the place. I know she means well, but I question if she does this to everyone or whether I am the luckiest guy on this planet.

This may not bother anyone else, but it drives me crazy. I don’t read tabloids or watch reality TV shows for a reason. I don’t care what Khloe or KK are doing. Lots of marriages break up. Some people don’t have cars, so they don’t need a “ShamWow!” or care that New Orleans wants to change the legal intoxication limit to .30 so as to not discourage tourism. I don’t want to know how to drink tiger’s blood and have warlock powers. She needs to share these little tidbits with someone who cares. It's not me. 

If you are my friend, tell me that British are coming or that my house is burning. Tell me something pertaining to life, liberty or the pursuit of better health… It will be almost impossible for me to fake being excited about anything that doesn’t have some immediate relevance.

Good Bye to Our Friend, Chester

Many of you have heard the news about the sudden loss of Chester McGlockton last week. The news stopped me in my tracks. He was a NFL icon during his time with the Raiders, but more important he was a mentor and all-time champion of people. An all-round good guy. 

I met Chester in college through his cousin, who played with me at UNC. Chester was positive and fun and his bigger-than-life personality drew me in and made me want to be able to call him a friend. 

He was the kind of person who would stop and try to convince a down and out soul to fight for himself.  Later in my career, as I looked at my transition into the business world, it was Chester who encouraged me to remain practical. He had already started his fast-food franchises and asked me to look at industries that are recession-friendly.  He was a fantastic husband and father who was always shared he treasures of having a family. You will be missed, my friend, and I hope me sharing this will help others see the good in you. With you and Reggie anchoring God’s team, no force should stop you.

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

We are nine days away from the biggest day of overconsumption of the year. A day dedicated to the practice of eating plate after plate of scrumptious food ,then finding my spot on a couch to indulge in hours of viewing parades and football games.

There will be some work done by me in the time leading up to chow time. I will navigate the usual to-do lists -- cleaning, prep, and cooking -- but nothing that will offset the number of calories I will consume at the annual “Henderson Family Turkey Day”.

Here is my problem: I’m retired from football and my lifestyle is considerably different from years ago, when I spent all my time surrounded by physically active folks and people motivated to be fit. I’m not blaming anyone else for my circumstances or my 5- year-old for telling me repeatedly that my belly is getting “really big.” Kids say the darnedest things… (anyone want a 5-year-old? She loves fruit, music video channels and Barbie dolls).

Kids are honest and I could never punish a person for being tactfully frank. I admit that I haven’t charted the best course in my post-career approach to fitness. I still love to eat and my wife is a damn good cook! I want to have my beach body back.

It hurt me a couple of weeks ago when a fan asked me to sign a copy of the 2001 hard bodies calendar that featured me and several of my teammates. I was pretty ripped standing on a bow of a boat in Jamaica. I looked at the photo and said “Not bad…” then realized he small tire I’m packing around my waist right now.

I understand how some teens are stressed about their condition when many of the ads and shows focus on extreme fitness and perfectly altered shapes. I have never let outside pressure lead me astray or intimidate me. I have always been the one to take the bull by the horns. I have excuses that I could use… lack of time, energy down from busy days, others calling for my attention, I travel too much, I love food, addicted to junk food and my best would be the fact that NFL doctors have declared me disabled…

Again, I’m not declaring myself unfit or able to change my lifestyle and body. I will have my abs back this year. I won’t try fad diets and have never subscribed to every get-skinny diet pill or guru. As a traditional guy from the old school way of thinking, I will get it done brick by brick stone by stone, but it will get done. First things first -- I will do some reverse curls by PUSHING MYSELF AWAY FROM THE TABLE! A mile should only take 15 minutes to walk, so I won’t use the excuse that I don’t have time. Pushups and situps can be done while waiting for the shower to warm up…

You see where I’m going with this.

Here is my other motivation. I’m going to be on vacation with six current Packers. I refuse to be the FAT BOY on the beach. I was a glorified offensive lineman. I got voted “best ass” three years running when I was in college. I want honorable mention at least this year.

I am not surrounded by my peers, the competitiveness of football and the enormous fines for being overweight to encourage me to control my eating and exercising choices. I must face the demons, but I don’t have to be alone. As a true fan ,if you see me out and opening the door of the donut shop… call me out on it. I invite you to join me in the accepting this fitness quest.

 

By WILLIAM HENDERSON

Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com



With so many amazing events happening in the world of sports, I decided to give you a chance to see some to the questions that are flowing through my head.

Questions for football fans:

1. If the Packers didn’t get the two Pick 6’s, would they have won the game Sunday in San Diego?
2. What will be the outcome of this year for the Packers? Will they go 16-0 and make a great stand in the playoffs without a Super Bowl victory, or will they have the perfect season?
3. Will Dom Capers figure out a recipe to allow this defense to stiffen and stop the run before the steady bleeding costs the Packers in a must-win situation?
4. The fines levied against players for flagrant hits during rivalry games last week -- $15k, $20k, $40k -- when or will this game return to some semblance of football as we knew it when hitting was a part of the game?
5. Why are teams still giving Albert Haynesworth a chances to play in the NFL?
6. Will NBA players stars start renting arenas and begin playing pick up games and charging admission, in effect saying “Screw you” to owners? They certainly can afford it!
7. How many of you would pay admission to see NBA owners face off on the court? Would you cheer and run to the pro shop to buy one of their jerseys?
8. How pissed are you at Jerry Sandusky for causing the situation that resulted in the firing of JoePa and the destruction of his legacy, which was the foundation for Penn State football?
9. With three games left, did the administration at Penn State make the right call by firing Joe Paterno?
10. Looking at the world of sports and given the current issues, rank the 10 most hated names in sports. Would your list include Jerry Sandusky five times? Where would you list the Vikings and Bears?
    
    It’s time to plan your family getaway -- it’s snowing already and forecasts are calling for a lot more. Plan to get away from the extremely long Midwest winter with an ALL- INCLUSIVE trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Join me and six of your favorite current Packers players. You will have the chance to talk to us about the current state of football and their journey into history as contenders for back-to-back titles. Contact Nanci at Packer Fan Tours (920) 445-2113) for information on how to become part of our travel family.

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

Over the past 16 years, I have been fortunate to learn of Vince Lombardi’s legacy from men who experienced his tirades, passion and brilliance as a coach, general manager, mentor and husband. The gentlemen who shared those stories were some of the main characters in the play "Lombardi," now being featured on stage at The Milwaukee Repertory .

I am so glad that my interest as a football fan and curiosity as a historian pushed me to see this rich production. In my experiences as a football player, I have heard wisdom spread by a variety of people who played under Lombardi and covered parts of his life over the years. Attending the play gave me insight into the man and gave me a different perspective of how this man was put together -- things that are so often forgotten when the guys are telling their stories or commenting on his character.

I, too, feel like I have been coach by the great Vince Lombardi. Every coach, mentor or person affiliated with my football experience has in some way borrowed some practices and philosophies from Vince Lombardi. They may have tweaked them a little, but the essence of Mr. Lombardi was still apparent. His fundamentals still ring true today.

The play reaches into the personal life of Lombardi at home as a family man, husband and father as well as the man on the sidelines. If you consider yourself a fan of football or are seeking a philosophy for success and winning attitude, this play is a must-see.

For information on the play, which runs through Nov. 20, click here

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

A reporter just called out of the blue to ask me a question.

She felt that I was qualified to answer because of all the time I spend around Packers fans in Wisconsin. I listened to the question, but I'm not sure I am the person to make a statement. I gave an answer, but it left me with a need to ask you, the fan, to further explain to me what you feel is an acceptable answer.

As soon as I answered I realized that I won’t be the one to decide. It will be you. The question was “What will Brett’s Favre’s legacy be to the fans of Green Bay?”

Would you please let me know how you would respond to that? Good, bad or indifferent… If you see me around, let me know. I am curious. I'm not starving for your answers, just intrigued to know what his time will mean to you.

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

I moved to Wisconsin in 1995. Without a girlfriend or significant other, I wasn’t made aware or bombarded with this Midwest phenomenon for several years. What was this Midwestern tradition “Happy Sweetest Day” that women of this foreign land were telling me and my teammates while we moved around town during the early part of October?

Was it a European custom that had been brought over to plague the men of small German/ Polish settlements of the Great Lakes region? Was it some scandalous plot by terrorists hoping to cause division in our households when forgetful guys, like myself, slipped and found themselves more consumed with work or other "honey-do" lists? Was it something constructed by the government to confuse us and keep us from investigating more well known conspiracy questions like “What landed in Area 51?” or “Does Bigfoot really eat beef jerky?"

Last week, I fell victim to this dastardly alien ploy yet again. While walking the streets and minding my own business, I was blindsided. Not by a car driven by a carelessly-texting teen. No, I was slapped by a phone call and charged with disrespectfully failing to acknowledge the day and carelessly going about my own life by not taking part in the tradition.

Here is my defense: I won’t claim ignorance in knowing that the holiday exists. I simply don’t recognize it because I don’t know what it is.

I understand the background behind Valentine's Day, Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Easter, Kwanza, Halloween, Hanukkah... We celebrated those where I am from and we learned their meaning when I was a kid. Each of them has their own cartoon to prove they are needed. I have yet to see the Disney animated classic about the fluffy animal that helped us have a Sweetest Day. (Hint, Hint and I want my producers credit when it comes out Mr./Mrs. Hallmark.) We were even allowed (without penalty) to not participate in all of the customary holidays as we grew older or if we didn’t have people in our household that were of age to participate.

So, to avoid future slipups. To not impeach myself as a member of the caring men fraternity. And to avoid being flogged by the women who have blessed me with their presence in my life. Please excuse me for not being completely available to participate in every modern attempt at tradition. I have no desire to become a target for your outrage. I simply don’t have time to adopt another needless practice. I don’t tweet nor actively log into any Facebook account. So the chance of me becoming a fan of Sweetish Fish Day won't happen either. Unless you come up with a really cool cartoon to support it. Preferably one that has a cute fluffy wolverine that saves the day.

#Remember to check out Packer Fan Tours for this year's trip of a lifetime with your Super Bowl XVL Champions. All=inclusive fun for whatever your dream of a get away should include.

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

You will forever be my teammate. At the time, I, along with the other nine guys on the field, gave our all to protect and keep your reign alive. We watched you go from talented… to exciting… to extraordinary… to a legend. All the while, we encouraged you because we believed you felt as we did. We shared the thoughts that the honors you received were being accepted by you as acknowledgements’ of team efforts.

Feeling that you saw yourself as one of us and never the proverbial “I” in team. This was evident because we never heard you claim your individual success, but instead respectfully distributed the accolades to deserving teammates. As a team, we stood by you through the thick and the thicker. We argued feverishly in your defense about your reluctance to play or not to play. We took positions of understanding as you crossed over to the Dark Purple side to chase another ring. Out of respect, we even chose the high road and refused to strike back as you cut our legs from under us and proclaimed the Purple People were the “Most talented team you EVER…” And their Super Bowl Trophy case is still empty. I believe you get the point.

You will forever be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl starter, Super Bowl winning, three-time MVP quarterback and a team leader. A household name and animated icon in the business of professional football. None of these honors will or can ever be taken from you.

That being said… it's time.

It is time for you to be a man and let the game belong to the young. It’s not an sin to let go of the past. It may sound cliché, but every record eventually will fall. Just like, in time, every mountain will erode. So… I say, stop making comments that show the public that you may not be the guy we grew up with and loved for being simple, honest and fair. Enjoy that fact that you built up such a legacy that the league uses you for comparison for all quarterbacks. Relish the fact that young QB’s inspire to have a throw, run or fake be considered Favre-esqe by James Brown or the great Boomer. They say impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery. Embrace it

So tell Bus or whoever your PR person is to decline requests for comment. Don’t say another word unless it’s a compliment to the young men who are trying to live out their dreams. Celebrate the success of an organization that gave you a platform you once embraced and in turn made you a God for many. Lose the ego and don’t let a game define your existence. We can always look back and remember the good chapters of our lives, but we all must eventually turn the page.

REMEMBERING AN INNOVATOR

Rest in piece Steve. Your inventions had monumental impact on our world. I am a PC user who refused to be software wrangled. Still, I gave in to your IPod technology to make my long flights manageable and my music, pictures and personal files available. You will be missed, but your imprint lives on.. and on.. and on…

　
NOTICE
The list of players is set… Go to PackerFanTours.com and check out who you could be spending eight days with in beautiful Puerto Vallarta wwhen the Wisconsin winters will be at their peak. Did I mention it’s all-inclusive? You won’t even need to pack a toothbrush. For close quarters/conversations sake, I would prefer that you did. LOL

Take a few moment and check out 360Pack.TV for updates on your favorite players and get players reactions to hot topics directly from the players mouths.
 

By WILLIAM HENDERSON
Special to ESPNMilwaukee.com

Have you ever heard of the Lingerie Football League and, if so, what do you know about the LFL?

I’ll be honest -- when my buddy Gilbert Brown told me that his latest undertaking was going to be a head coach of the Green Bay Chill, the newest team in the LFL, I was convinced he was insane. Our group of friends, who are extremely talented amateur comedians, were ready to torture him.

We all thought like some of you do that he was stepping into a reality show nightmare by becoming a host or coach for a freak show. We didn’t think that this league could possibly be playing physical football and questioned if the ladies participating would be talented enough to pull of a single play. How wrong I was! I discovered over the recent weeks as I watched game film with Gilbert and attended practices.

I have to say it again: I thought Gilbert was crazy. I thought to myself “What an idiot move!” Why would a smart, successful player with such a positive legacy jump off a cliff with a choice like this? What good could he hope to make out of this? Two minutes into the game video and five minutes after I stepped on the field at practice Monday, I knew Gilbert hadn’t made a mistake and I was the idiot for assuming the worst. I’m telling you, I couldn’t have been more wrong about the quality of sport that the women of the LFL perform.

I wasn’t surprised by the fact that this was an all-female football league. My niece played in highly competitive semi-pro football in leagues in Virginia. So, this wasn’t uncharted water for sports. What was interesting was that is was such fast-paced, full-contact arena football. It just so happened and least I forget to mention that the women are wearing uniforms and pads that resembled lingerie! The fact that they are mentally strong and physically fit enough to sustain aggressive play while sustaining bruises and scuffs because of what is exposed is another credit to how dynamic these players are.

Needless to say, I failed to understand the most important details. I was assuming the worst about the program that these women were trying to portray. Fortunately for me, I was able to visit practice and watch footage from their first game. I offer an apology to the entire league. Those ladies can play ball! Most of them are former competitors from other sports like soccer, basketball, mixed-martial arts to name a few, but within the first 20 minutes I saw them showcase their competitiveness and incredible athletic abilities.

The quarterback for the Chill could have competed with several of the quarterbacks from my college and pro teams. The ladies can run, catch, block and tackle with the best of them. To better illustrate the toughness of the women imagine this: coach Gilbert Brown and his assistant coach line the ladies up and challenge them to get low and run behind their pads as they attempt to charge the gap between two dummies held by the coaches. Both Gilbert and his coach refuse to hold back as they absorb contact from the players… they lean into the collision and create some monstrous contact.

You know Gilbert's reputation for competition and his menacing size. This mattered little as the young ladies refused to be intimidated and repeatedly charged the gap. I had to applaud them as their unflinching confidence allowed them to wage war on their coaches and on the gap.

If you are not convinced, I challenge you to tune in. You don’t have to make the trip to the games in Green Bay or Chicago. I highly encourage you to because it is so much more impressive in person. The games are broadcast on MTV2 for you who are restricted by your spouses or too chicken to see women compete with better athletic ability than you. I took on the challenge and these women opened my eyes. This isn’t Pro Wrestling. These women are truly competing and you won’t be disappointed at the level of athleticism they display. I must say that five minutes into practice and film, I became a fan. At that point I wasn’t watching women in lingerie looking like football players. I realized I was watching athletes compete who just happened to be wearing different uniforms.

OK, I was happy as a spectator to watch a group of athletes with great ability and uniforms that highlighted their physical attributes. I challenge you to check them out and find argument with what I’ve shared with you.