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Terms like "throwback" get tossed around too much; phrases like, "so-and-so has a real old-school game" (invariably referring to Tim Tebow). But with the passing of Eagles All-Pro defensive back, and later broadcast announcer, Tom Brookshier, perhaps we should recognize that there are some players for whom there are no "throwbacks". The Philadelphia Inquirer remembers him thusly:
Originally a 10th round draft pick from Colorado, Brookshier made an immediate impact with eight interceptions during his rookie season of 1953. Then, after a two-year stint in the Air Force, the defensive back returned to the Eagles and twice earned All-Pro honors - first in 1959, and again in 1960 as a member of the NFL championship team.
Read that again. After bursting onto the scene as a rookie, Brookshier joined the Air Force, before coming back and establishing himself as one of the best in the game, leading the Eagles to their sole NFL championship. Now, as any Ted Williams fan can tell you, Brookshier was hardly unique in putting his athletic career on hold to serve his country. But still, outside of Pat Tillman and a few others, it's difficult to imagine today's athletes doing the same. It's simply a different era.
Brookshier passed away at the age of 78, before succumbing to cancer. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
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