The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

My favorite time to exchange pleasantries with Vince Lombardi were "Happy Hours" at the 1969 Washington Redskins training camp in Carlisle, Pa.

Lombardi called me, "Russ."

Not once did I call him, "Vince" or "Mr. Lombardi."

"Vince" would have been too chummy - "Mr. Lombardi" too formal.

At "Happy Hour," as at all other times, Vince Lombardi was "Coach."

There was an occasion, when Shirley Povich addressed Lombardi as "Vincent." and Lombardi addressing Povich as 'Shirley."
Lombardi had trouble with a number of Washington sportswriters, who didn't bow before him as did the Green Bay Packers press.

'You're all necessary nuisances," he said one afternoon at "Happy Hour."

Whenever a writer noticed too much on the practice field, he quickly became "unnecessary."

Ken Denlinger, from the Washington Post and myself (Washington Daily News) earned positions on Coach Lombardi's 'Watch it, Buddy" list. No ugly incidents. A glare. A gentle reprimand. A reminder about, 'loyalty to the team."

We laughed when Coach snapped [at] other reporters who asked him to compare his old Packers teams and the Redskins.

"All comparisons are odious," Coach said.

Lombardi had a weekly press conference each Monday. Nearest thing to Happy Hour at Carlisle. "I gave you what you needed," he said. "Monday's the day for us to talk." Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - not so good. Friday, Coach would talk about anything. My favorite Friday chat was about St. Francis of Assisi, Lombardi's favorite saint.

Coach had a daily Catholic Mass at training camp. He always served as the altar boy. One day, altar boy coach messed up a bit. The priest didn't not scold him but they laughed about it later.
Lombardi had a Mass at the team hotel each Sunday on the road, When the team played at Dallas, Joe DiMaggio attended this Mass. Coach and Joe were good friends. Good Catholics on Sundays when the Redskins played.

"Peace be with you," we exchanged at Mass.