Bo Passes Away

Sad to hear this. Just like a few weeks ago, Bo had a heart episode at the Channel 7 studios. He later commented that he thought that he was going to die. Fortunately, he didn't and kept on with his normal life. Unfortunately, this time he didn't make it despite what appears to have been a valiant effort by the doctors at Providence Hospital. This is a huge loss for everyone that was touched by Bo and for all Michigan fans. It's also a huge loss for college football in general. They don't make them like Bo anymore and he was one of true icons of the game.

What he meant to Michigan football is almost immeasurable. Michigan football would not be what it is today without Bo. He came to Michigan after some down years and restored the program to national prominence and kept it there. He legacy was extended to Gary Moeller and then to Lloyd Carr. This current team and coaching staff would not exist as we know it if not for Bo. Right up to the end, he was a presence. Just yesterday, he gave the team what has been described as an emotional and tearful pep talk. And he meant so much to all the people who played and worked for him. It was difficult listening to Billy Taylor breaking down while giving a radio interview to Channel 7. I'm sure Taylor wasn't the only one. Despite his gruff exterior, he has been described as being a very caring individual with a huge heart. He helped alot of people and was very charitable.

Bo had his first heart attack in 1970. He had another in the late 80's. A heart like his may have taken alot of other people a long time ago, but Bo was a fighter. Bo could have taken it easy in retirement and just sat around, but he stayed active right to the end. Could he have added a few years to his life by sitting in a recliner day after day? Maybe, but that wasn't Bo. He lived his life the way he wanted to. His heart finally got the best of him, but not before 77 years of a life filled with hard work, dedication, accomplishment, love and care. He molded countless men into boys and positively impacted the lives of so many, both inside and outside of football.

Some are already questioning how this may effect the game. I don't really care right now. I have to admit that this has given me a much-needed dose of perspective. As confident as I was a couple days ago, my nerves had gotten the best of me by yesterday. That anxiety has all washed away now. I realize that life is so much bigger and precious than a game. I know it sounds cliche, but that's truly how I feel now. Hopefully others feel the same way and maybe this will alos quiet down some of the nastiness involved in the rivalry, if only temporarily. I have to say I am very impressed by the class shown by Ohio State fans on UM's Rivals board, as well as their own. And it's not just Ohio State fans; fans of teams all across the country have flooded the UM board with condolences. It's really a nice thing to see, and goes to show the respect that people have for Bo. And while the timing of Bo's passing is unfortunate, I'm sure he'll be watching from the place that good people go to when they leave us. Rest in peace, Bo.