In His Own Words Larry Gagner

These two following exerts are from my recently published book: Dancing in the Shadows, available from my art website: larrygagner.com                             

My first participation as a rookie in a regular season pro-football game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966 was preceded with a common occurrence executed, somewhat, uncommonly. Since we won the coin toss, we elected to receive the opening kick-off. That meant the Steeler’s offensive team was to be individually introduced over the PA system before the hometown crowd at Pitt Stadium.

There were several linemen introduced prior to me. At the end of each player’s run from the stadium’s field entrance unto the field, they would shake the hands of the preceding introduced players. When my name was announced, I followed suit. At my run’s end, I shook a couple of white player’s hands, and they said the traditional, “Have a great game.”

But upon extending my hand to the first Black teammate, I was humorously surprised. Why you ask? Well, what began as a simple “white” man’s shake, immediately evolved into a multiple of wrist-hand rotations and gyrations culminating in a mutual fist bumping that got a “Welcome to the NFL, Rookie,” greeting. I never forgot that and have since used that special hand shake (and rookie comment) whenever the situation was appropriate.

Now, instead of players bumping fists, they’re into head butting (helmets on of course). I find it almost ironic how the head butting of your teammate is interpreted as a gesture of congratulations; whereas, the same act committed against an opponent will get your team a penalty. I’m sure the difference is just a matter of the heart (and possibly intensity); we’re all aware of the love that most opposing players share for each other, at least off the field anyway, aren’t we?

NFL Initiation

My first official NFL game took place in Pitt Stadium against the Detroit Lions. We won the coin toss, so the offense took the field right after the kick-off. Roger Brown was the name of the defensive tackle playing directly over me that day. He weighted in at about 320 pounds and was a seasoned player. Me, well, I only went about 250 pounds soaking wet. Giving up 60 to 70 pounds to a veteran competitor places you at a distinct disadvantage, to say the least. But I’m not making any excuses, he was a good experienced football player, and I wasn’t.

We received, and every play in that series , Roger just steam-rolled over me, like I wasn’t even there. I was beginning to wonder why I signed on to play in the NFL, if this was to be the steady diet of what I was expected to overcome. Somehow, we got a first down. It certainly didn’t happen on my side.

The first couple of plays of the second series I’m beginning to impede his progress somewhat. My confidence is building for sure. Who knows, I might be able to survive this game after all. It’s now, third and long, an obvious passing situation. We break the huddle and are just now getting into our three point stances. My roommate, who was playing beside me at left offensive tackle, looks across at Mr. Brown and says, “What’s the matter Roger, is Gagner eating your lunch?” Angered by this negative comment, once again, Roger rumbles over me for the nth time today, but this time, he broke my face mask attachments, causing the helmet to gush blood from my upper nose (and we’re just in the first quarter).

I did survive that game, and, yes it was a rude welcoming to the NFL. That is the only time I can remember paying the consequences of someone else trash talking my opponent. Thanks loads, roommate. I wish I could have, somehow, returned the favor.

Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades.  To order, just click on the book: