Juneathon 11 - Day #7

Juneathon 11 - Day #7

3 mile run on the track at Cheyney University.  The University is only a few miles from my house, so I figured I would go over and run on the track around the football field.  I listed to a live Paul McCartney concert, which was good to listen to.  3 miles equals 12 laps.  Hey Jude ate up 3 of the laps, and nobody was around so I got to sing it aloud.  Also, decided to do an evening run (which I haven't done in awhile). 

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Cheyney University was the college that the late great former Philadelphia Eagle Andre Waters played at. 

In 1984, Waters was signed as an undrafted free agent by Philadelphia Eagles head coach Marion Campbell. He returned a kickoff for an 89-yard game-winning touchdown against the Washington Redskins as a rookie in 1984. When Buddy Ryan took over for Campbell in 1986, he welcomed Waters' aggressive style as a fierce tackler and ferocious hitter, earning Waters a position in the starting lineup for the next eight years. He blossomed under defensive coordinator Bud Carson. His tackle of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett in 1988 led to a rule prohibiting defensive players from hitting quarterbacks below the waist while they are still in the pocket; for a while, it was unofficially termed the "Andre Waters Rule". NFL broadcaster Dan Dierdorf notoriously nicknamed the Eagles defender "Dirty Waters". He scored a touchdown in 1989 when he took a lateral from William Frizzell after Reggie White caused a fumble by New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms.

Waters served as part of the Eagles' defensive unit that was regarded as one of the league's best, in 1991 ranking first statistically in both run and pass defense, as well as total defense. His hard-hitting style translated into leading the team in tackles for four seasons and endeared him with Philadelphia fans but often led to penalties and fines for some of his tackles. He led the Eagles in tackles in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1991. He recorded 15 interceptions in 156 games.

Waters committed suicide shortly after 1 a.m. on November 20, 2006, according to the Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office, dying of a gunshot to the head.  Dr. Omalu determined that Waters' brain tissue had degenerated into that of an 85-year-old man with similar characteristics to those of early-stage Alzheimer's victims. Omalu said he believed that the damage was caused and/or hastened by the numerous concussions Waters sustained playing football. Additionally, Omalu said that Waters would have been fully incapacitated within ten years.

Its almost been 5 years since Waters took his life.  It is believed that he took his life because he found out about his condition and didn't want to live a suffering life that he was going to have to endure for the next ten years.  The NFL is now starting to study brain injuries from retired NFL players.  Its a shame it took something like this to bring it to their attention. 

Waters was certainly fun to watch, and one of my favorite Eagles of all-time.