For a couple of months he had been reverently speaking of the wonders of something called the “wop chop” available only at the semi-legendary Muzzy’s Freeway, a rustic joint just off the 90 freeway in Butte, run by an old pal of Sam’s. Sam’s hometown of Butte marked the halfway point in our 500-mile journey to Billings and the Hall induction. He later concluded his career as president and general manager of the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League.
According to Sam it was the least enjoyable time of his football life. His two seasons as chief executive officer of the New England Patriots were anything but fun both fraught with turmoil as the team transitioned from the ownership of Victor Kiam to Robert Kraft. at the University of Miami where he won national titles in 1983, ’87 and ’89. On the way Margaret (who’d heard it all before), Melissa and I were treated to tales from his days as athletic director at Washington State during the late 70s through early 80s in addition to stories of his seven-year run as A.D. Then we laugh and move on to the next insult.
Me: “When you come out of the men’s room there’ll be a smoking patch of rubber where this vehicle used to be.” I ought to push you out at the next gas station.” He also appreciates anyone who is inclined to lob a little rhubarb in his direction. Sam is a man of strong opinions who chooses not to keep them bottled up. I was introduced to Sam by his longtime friend and neighbor, Melissa Moss, who, along with Sam’s beloved Margaret, a true saint, made the Hall of Fame journey. This wasn’t Sam’s first hall induction he is already enshrined in several as the result of an outstanding career as a player, coach, university athletic director and a memorable stint as the general manager of the New England Patriots, but this one meant the most to him. I was honored to be his chauffeur for a couple of days just to be a part of all the hoopla surrounding such an event. He’s in his 80s now and recently gave up driving. Two weekends ago, I set the cruise control at 90 and hauled Sam from his home in Hayden Lake to Billings, Mont., for his induction into the Montana Football Hall of Fame. Last year I was lucky enough to add another, Sam Jankovich. The Skipper, Country Al, Tito, Johnny Boy, Tailspin Tommy, Battlin’ Buzz, Nasty Ned, Cool Rick, Bobby T and my old buddy Willie the Moff to mention a few. I have been fortunate in my life to have collected a fairly large and eclectic posse of characters I’m privileged to call my friends. Sam Jankovichs Montana Football Hall of Fame plaque.
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