This past Monday after I made it home from work, I turned the TV on ESPN like always. The daily talk show “Rome is Burning” was on.

The host was introducing Deshea Townsend. I had no idea he was going to be the guest.

What we saw on the show was the real Deshea. He displayed 100% class. I’m six years older than Deshea and have known him since he was about 11 or 12 years old. He’s a very polite guy. He gives everyone respect.

He has been playing pro football since 1998. He doesn’t just play for any team – he plays for the Pittsburg Steelers.

The Steelers are one of the top five franchises not just in football, but in all of professional sports. The Steelers have won six championships.

Only four other franchises have done that – the Yankees, Celtics, Lakers and Bulls. That hasn’t changed Deshea.

He comes home and does the football camp every year. He also visits Patton Lane Park throughout the summer.

Last summer he was helping out with the little league softball team and he spotted me walking to the basketball court. He came over and shook my hand. A friend of mine from Quitman County was walking with me. I introduced him to Deshea.

Deshea shook his hand and the three of us talked about five minutes. I talked to him about three weeks ago – the same guy. Some people around here think that Deshea should retire because he has already made a lot of money and has two super bowl rings.

That’s crazy He loves the game. Also, he’s been playing football all of his life and this is the highest level. As long as he’s motivated, he should play until the NFL doesn’t want him anymore. I have been a Steelers fan all my life. That’s my team. But if I wasn’t, I would have become one in April 1998; when Deshea got drafted.

A lot of local players didn’t make the NFL. Now we should cheer for Jamarica Sanford, Derek Pegues and the Jerry brothers.

Let’s hope they make it. But one thing is sure- Deshea has made it- 11 years with the same team, Pittsburg Steelers, two rings, and he’s still going. Wow! Go Steelers and get #7.

Bobby Bradford

Batesville