Fridays with Mac: Remembering Dan Reeves

This Friday with Mac was via telephone. An unexpected funeral of a dear neighbor of mine prevented two knuckleheads from gathering as usual. While we visited on many topics, including the 81-year-old just returning home from a brisk walk around the neighborhood (Bravo coach) the conversation transitioned to the unfortunate passing of former Denver Broncos’ head coach Dan Reeves.

The coaching icons have similar history in Colorado. Reeves directed the Broncos for 12 seasons, from 1981-92. Meanwhile, the only coach to ever lead the Buffs to a national title began in Boulder in 1982 and built a collegiate Hall of Fame resume before retiring after the 1994 campaign. 13 seasons. Each had much success at the same time, shared deep spiritual faith and had a good knack for leading men. Yoked in many ways.

I shared with McCartney a favorite story that, when darling wife allows, is enthusiastically offered despite her lukewarm endorsement and “Not that story again?” look. As the CBS4 Denver “Buff Guy” I traveled on the CU football team charter. That fact plays large in the unfolding essay involving Reeves who passed New Year’s Day at the tender age of 77.

Back then, Denver-based folks who flew with the Buffs would meet at a hotel near the old Stapleton airport. It was our staging area. We had to be there by such a time and then board a bus moving us onto the tarmac to the waiting plane. We’d get seated and wait for the Buffs to arrive from Boulder. They’d lumber aboard and off we’d go to hostile territory in search of victory.

At this hotel over time I got to know the bellhops. Most were sports fans. Good guys. They knew to call if anything “sports news worthiness” appeared on their radar. Lucky me.

One day I’m at my desk at the station. Phone rings. No cell phones yet. It’s one of the bellhops. “Mark, there’s a bunch of sales guys from New York here for a conference. They swear they just saw NY Giants general manager George Young in the elevator with Dan Reeves. I thought you might want to know.” You betcha.

Rumors had been flying about Reeves’ future since the Broncos fired him after the ’92 season. Gotham City. We had the scoop. The station dispatched this washed up sports guy and photog to the hotel known for its glass elevator. You sit in the lobby and gawk at those descending. We waited. Eyeballing all elevator occupants. Finally, after a few hours? As rumored, who before wondering eyes appear? Reeves and Young. For the hunted? Nowhere to hide.

Upon exiting the elevator, the Americus, Georgia native who participated in nine Super Bowls as a player, assistant coach and head coach wondered, with that delightful southern drawl, “How in the hell did you know I was here?” Coach, hey, it’s my job. Here’s where the classiness of Reeves reared its beautiful head. Thanks to a bellhop buddy, I broke the story. In the media business, once you break the story? You own the story. It can become wearisome for the stalked (Reeves) and the stalker (McIntosh).

Once the dust settled, I sent a short note to Reeves through the Giants front office commending the way he handled with grace my hounding on the story. It left a powerful impression. I witnessed Dan Reeves in yet another honorable light.

Less than a week later, a pro football legend who should be a NFL Hall of Fame member, upped the admiration ante. I noticed a letter on my desk on NY Giants letterhead. A hand-written note from Reeves stating, “Hey man, no problem. You were just doing your job. Keep up the good work. Best of luck with your career.” Blew me away.

“I always thought he was such a class act,” chimed McCartney. “That confirms it. Then Billy Mac from Hackensack, who’s fighting the good fight against Alzheimer’s joked, “He’s (Reeves) gonna have a special ‘No Wait’ designation for him at the pearly gates.”

Coach, amen to that. Two dudes remembering Reeves, a humble, genuine and admirable guy from Americus certainly worth emulating. Thanks for the example. #goodbetterbest