By Mick Holien
It was pleasing to realize while watching the Philadelphia-Minnesota game on Sunday that a couple of former Grizzlies and a third player with Treasure State connections will cash in for an extra game by heading to the Super Bowl.
It is probably no secret that Griz All American Hall of Famer Tim Hauck is listed as the safeties coach for Philadelphia after a lengthy (12 year) professional career starting in 1989.
Besides NFL accolades and the UM Hall of Fame, last year Tim was elected to the three-year-old prestigious State of Montana Hall.
Hauck played with innumerable teams as a free agent and was credited with the tackle that retired Michael Irwin from football.
Brother Bobby, of course, just took the reins of the Montanan Grizzlies and at a time it was speculated that Tim might well join his staff. I don’t see that as forthcoming especially given bonus money for the playoffs.
Chris Long, who spent his summers at Flathead Lake at the family compound on Finley Point, although playing sparingly played a key role in the Eagles victory with a deflection, a couple of forced fumbles and a recovery.
Since he is donating his entire salary (more than $1 Million) to help non-profits, others also will benefit.
You have to go back a ways to find Ken Flajoe, who coached in Missoula from 1980-85 and was released with the firing of Larry Donovan and subsequent hiring of Don Read. He said in a Missoulian interview by Bill Schwanke that he has never returned to Missoula.
Currently linebacker coach for the Eagles, Ken, 63, is well traveled in a 17-year NFL career following more than 20 years in the collegiate ranks.
He came to Philly after an extensive job as defensive coordinator for the Rams.
Hey sometimes there is an upside to a forced release. You know what they say: when one door closes, another is opened.
Just sayin’
