Well, as the guy who got beat out by "The Mur-Man" for the starting quarterback job, I have to take exception to Rob’s assertion that Tim "was not the most athletic quarterback ever." It seems to me that he had cat-like reflexes, a rocket arm, and speed to burn…or at least that is what I tell my wife when she asks how the hell I got beat out by our new Lt. Governor (Note: my wife’s father has coached five Massachusetts Super Bowl Championship teams, so clearly I had some explaining to do to her whole family). Remarkably, as you can see by the picture above, "The Mur-Man" has maintained his svelte physique after all these years.
Where I think Rob (or "Jack" as we knew him in high school…for reasons not appropriate to this forum) is right on the mark is in his assessment of Tim as man of uncommon integrity and commitment. I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t like and respect, Tim – even those of us who have felt his wrath! In an unassuming and dignified way, Tim has helped transform the City of Worcester in a relatively short period of time, and will soon do the same throughout the Commonwealth.
Ironically, at last Wednesday’s 1,700-person Worcester Inaugural Celebration, I listened to Tim and Deval with billowing pride as I stood next to two of my all-time favorite people in the world – Bob and Donna Morrison. Yes, that’s right, Rob/Jack’s parents. In a twist of fate that was not lost on either of us, Big-Bob Morrison could only smile with great pleasure as he saw me cheering on our new Democratic leadership team. You see, it took a man like Tim Murray to move me off my die-hard Republican post…something coach Big-Bob Morrison has been trying to do since Pop Warner. Actually, now that I think of it, if Big-Bob had spent more time coaching me instead of trying to influence my political views, then perhaps I would have a 1986 Super Bowl ring on my finger right now!
While we’re on the subject of guys who have surpassed everyone’s expectations, I think Rob’s ascension to the media spotlight rivals the rise of "The Mur-Man." I mean, who woulda’ thunk? However, if he would like to stay atop of his lofty television perch, I might suggest that he let sleeping dogs lie. A little SJ graffiti pales in comparison to the tales of young "Jack" Morrison….
Now that I think of it, it might be best for all of us if we look only toward the future. So, congratulations to our new Lt. Governor – may your successes continue. And to you, Rob, all I can say is….Woof, Jack.