Here is the story about former CAL RB John Tuggle and his relationship with Bill Parcels.... very inspirational....


http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9179015/the-forgotten-player-bill-parcells-first-draft-giants-star-latest-30-30-documentary-series

John Tuggle sort of gets lost in Cal lore because of Joe Roth but his story is just as sad and just as compelling. Very emotional.

NM

Thank you Bareclaw. That's a great find and a fantastic story.

thanks for posting.

Thanks, bareclaw. That's a great film.

Here's a New York Times article on Tuggle from shortly after his death:

http://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/14/sports/tuggle-s-fight-against-time.html?pagewanted=all

I posted before that Cal ought to find a way to honor Tuggle. Many of Cal's football awards are named after former players, and it seems to me naming one or both of the weightlifting awards in honor of John would be fitting. I once emailed that suggestion to Sandy, but nothing came of it.

I still remember Tuggle's effort in the 1982 Big Game. He was Cal's rushing leader that day and a big part of that win.

As someone being grounded down by a medical issue, both the Purcalls interview and the Times article said a lot about Tuttle and to me about uplifting my attitude.

This 11-min clip will make a grown man cry.

Edit: Removed "Can't wait to see the full-length version" as this is the full-version (thanks 86Oski).

B.A. Bearacus;842115045 said:

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This 11-min clip will make a grown man cry. Can't wait to see the full-length version.

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B.A., I was under the impression that the 11-min film [U]was[/U] the full version.

86Oski;842115048 said:

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B.A., I was under the impression that the 11-min film [U]was[/U] the full version.

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86, I stand corrected. I wasn't aware that 30 for 30 did "shorts" (instead of their standard 30-60-min pieces), but based on some searching it appears that's what this was. Everyone needs to see this.

I remember that no one could bring Tuggle down on the field - the sideline was his only enemy. He would take the ball and rumble, with defensive players falling off him and John moving the ball toward the goal line. He wasn't fast, but it wasn't about speed - it was about yards gained.

Thank you for posting this. What a fighter. I also appreciate and finding it encouraging that the NY Football Giants did the right thing and made sure he was paid and had health insurance. I could see lots of entities just making business decisions.

Just saw someone post this on another thread, so I thought I'd give it a bump. Very moving. Must watch.

Never knew this story...thanks for posting.

Makes me proud that he played for Cal.

B.A. Bearacus;842115054 said:

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86, I stand corrected. I wasn't aware that 30 for 30 did "shorts" (instead of their standard 30-60-min pieces), but based on some searching it appears that's what this was. Everyone needs to see this.

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I believe all the new ones are this short format. the original idea was 30 half-hour movies to commemorate espn's 30-year anniversary, but I guess bill simmons got some more money to make more in even shorter format.

Someone else posted a link before I saw yours and I commented on that thread since I saw it first (reading from top to bottom). I'll invite anyone who's interested to see my comment elsewhere. This is a story that shouldn't be neglected!

I had the chance to spend some time and have a lot of laughs with John Tuggle at Irrelevant Week in 1983 (when he was awarded the Lowsman Trophy) and again in 1985. He was very gracious to share the spotlight with me during Irrelevant Week in 1983, one of the most fun experiences of my life.

A very good man. That film represents him well, and consistent with my memory of him.

I recently watched a replay of the 1982 Big Game. The guy was just a bull carrying the football. It was a vicarious thrill for many of us when he made the NY Giants roster.

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wifeisafurd;842115037 said:

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As someone being grounded down by a medical issue, both the Purcalls interview and the Times article said a lot about Tuttle and to me about uplifting my attitude.

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Good luck with whatever you are facing! Attitude is everything.

GaryT;842115211 said:

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I had the chance to spend some time and have a lot of laughs with John Tuggle at Irrelevant Week in 1983 (when he was awarded the Lowsman Trophy) and again in 1985. He was very gracious to share the spotlight with me during Irrelevant Week in 1983, one of the most fun experiences of my life.

A very good man. That film represents him well, and consistent with my memory of him.

I recently watched a replay of the 1982 Big Game. The guy was just a bull carrying the football. It was a vicarious thrill for many of us when he made the NY Giants roster.

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@GaryT thanks for sharing. You are such a class act.

Awesome story. Total tear jerker. Wish they'd made it into the full hour 30 for 30.

KoreAmBear;842115237 said:

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@GaryT thanks for sharing. You are such a class act.

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+1

Probably a bit of apples and oranges to compare him with Joe Roth. Being a QB, rightly or wrongly, that gives a different focus. Cal was within a SC FG of going to the Rose Bowl (mostly) because of Joe. Even how Joe got to Cal is a different story.
And lastly, Joe is the greatest college player ever not to get a chance to play in the NFL.
Again, the Mr. Irrelevant story is a great one...Joe's is legendary. But, retiring Tuggle's number and/or having an award, all of that would be appropriate.

I just vaguely remember the name John Tuggle, and now will never forget it. Bill Parcells did an amazing job telling the story, and John's life should clearly be a great part of Cal's history. Tears and pride for this Golden Bear.

Agree here. There's a bit of difference but both men handled adversity with courage. Roth already had a bout against cancer at Grossmont and when he faced illness again in 1976 he went about his business without burdening anyone with the challenge he faced. Roth played the last half of his senior season in pain and with fatigue. While nothing was definitely confirmed about his illness, Joe played football's most demanding position wondering what life held for him.