Drew Pearson Getting Passed Over for the HoF is the Personification of Heartbreak
Sweet Jesus, this is hard to watch. In most cases when you see a grown man break down in tears over something that isn't a funeral, a military family reunion, a flyover at a ballgame or the end of "Rudy," it can be the height of unintentional comedy. This is not one of those cases. In fact, it's the furthest thing from it.
A guy who just turned 69. Surrounded by loved ones wearing his t-shirt. Anticipating his best shot the immortality that's eluded him since 1988 (the NFL has a 15-man class going in this year for its 100th anniversary) go up in smoke. Making it probably his last shot. And the crushing disappointment was simply too much to bear.
I'm hoping for Drew Pearson's sake, this doesn't turn into some viral thing like Crying Jordan. But it's impossible to watch this and not think of the pinpointed second we saw Ralph Wiggum's heart rip in half.
But sincerely, I'm not hear to make fun. It's profoundly sad to see an older gentleman's dreams shattered, especially in front of his whole family. Retired athletes love to say they don't think about getting enshrined and claim it doesn't bother them when they're not voted in. Even though we know they're lying. But with Drew Pearson, there's none of that. This is a man as his most genuine. He's wearing his heart on both sleeves, his chest and his Hail Mary hat. And you can't blame him for being disappointed beyond words.
Not only did Pearson make the 1970s All Decade Team, playing in an era before they changed the rules and defenders could legally commit acts on receivers that would get you charged with mayhem today, he was one of the most prolific wideouts of all time. Here is where he finished in the major categories at his retirement in 1983:
Receptions: 6th all time
Receiving Yards: 7th
Yards per Reception (minimum 400 catches): 4th
Touchdown Receptions: 10th
Yards per Game: 10th
That's to go with three All Pros, 13 postseason wins, three Super Bowl appearances and a ring. But still he gets passed over for Canton, in all likelihood for good. Yeah, there's a total justification for this crushing disappointment and these sincere tears. Here's hoping he gets in to write this wrong, but I doubt it'll happen. So here's wishing for all of you that you never have your heart shatter all over the internet like this.