MY CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: LESSONS LEARNED IN THE NFL

After high school, Gordon accepted a scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he excelled on the field and participated in numerous All-Star games. His successful career at BYU lead to his being drafted in the second round in 1972 -- just behind Franco Harris -- by the Pittsburg Steelers.  He played offensive (right) tackle on a team that was to eventually include 11-12 NFL Hall-of-Famers, including the likes of the aforementioned Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, and Mel Blount.  1972 saw the resurgence of the Steelers, when they won their division title in the AFC playoffs against the Oakland Raiders, during which the "greatest play of all time" -- the Immaculate Reception -- clinched the game. That year they went on to compete in the AFC Championship (only their second playoff appearance since 1947).

But this was just the start of their historic run of championships. Coached by Chuck Noll -- who achieved more Super Bowl wins than any other head coach in NFL history -- the Steelers (and Gravelle) went on to win the Super Bowl in 1975 and 1976, as well as 1979 and 1980.  Gravelle eventually sensed that change was in the air when they started moving him around on the team.  Though he talked a possible trade to the West Coast, he was picked up by the New York Giants in 1977-- and experienced a tremendous culture shock. Whereas Chuck Noll demanded no egos, set high standards and insisted on 110% from his players, playing was different under head coach John McVay, assistant coach Bob Gibson and the Giants owners Wellington and Tim Mara, who had a reputation for not getting along.  The assistant coaches McVay brought in were largely old buddies and there was poor morale, low self-esteem and lack of confidence among the younger players especially -- which no doubt contributed to one of the more infamous plays in NFL history -- the "Miracle at the Meadowlands" in which the Giants gave away an all but assured victory to the Philadelphia Eagles -- and any hope of making it to the playoffs that year. 

The last team Gordon joined was the Los Angeles Rams in 1979.  Here once more Gravelle experienced great teamwork, equality of treatment and player respect -- lessons he has used successfully throughout his post NFL career as owner of the Anticoh airport and as a commercial and residential developer. There are lessons that he has applied to Rotary, too, as a member of the Antioch club since 1982 and former club president.

Though he has undergone 15 (mostly orthopedic) operations and shrunk from his youthful 6'5" frame to his current 6'4", he values his experience in the NFL and would do it again (at today's salary's of course!).