Verducci loves football and even likes sports writers -- well, at least one
Thursday, March 31, 2011 | Football, Gymnastics, Scott Carter
In nearly 20 years as a sports writer, it's not often that I've come across a subject who has as much interest in my job as I do theirs.
That's just part of the deal. My job is to research people, ask questions and share answers with readers. Frank Verducci's job is to teach the Gators' offensive linemen and coordinator Florida's running game.
But Verducci is a little different than probably 99 percent of coaches, managers, players and officials I've talked to over the years. First, he actually has a brother who is as well-known as he is. That's hard to do when you've had the career Verducci has had, spending long stretches in the NFL and college football.
And second, he understands the quirky relationship that often comes with the territory of writer-subject. Before the Internet and explosion of cameras, the relationship was often much more casual and open. These days, a public figure might get quoted on a blog even if he's just having a private dinner with his wife and someone nearby happens to hear something he or she considers interesting.
“Most coaches abhor sports writers,'' Verducci quipped. “I would hope I have a great understanding and I certainly have a great interest in your profession. There are very few things I enjoy more than a well-written article or a well-written book. I try to read as much as I can.''
While times have changed, Verducci remains as interested in sports and writing the same as 25 years ago when he would meet up with his brother, Tom, a well-known baseball writer for Sports Illustrated, on a road trip when Tom used to cover the Mets and Yankees for New York Newsday.
Verducci and his brother would have long chats and perhaps hang out after games with Yankees from that era like Lou Piniella, Ron Guidry, Dave Righetti and others. They grew up around football and baseball. Their dad Tony was a prominent high school football coach in New Jersey, and their uncle Frank the same. Another uncle was Mets manager Gil Hodges, who led the Miracle Mets of 1969 to an improbable World Series win.
As a kid, Verducci remembers meeting Mets like Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman outside the clubhouse waiting for his uncle to come out after a game. More than 40 years later, Verducci is charged up about the latest stop on his coaching journey.
He has coached at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium just once in his career – a 15-10 Florida win over Maryland in 1981 when Verducci was a part-time assistant on Maryland coach Jerry Claiborne's staff – but can't wait for the Gators' season opener Sept. 3 against Florida Atlantic.
After it's over, he'll probably even read about it.
As for Verducci's brother Tom, he's busy writing today with Opening Day scheduled.
Click here to read Tom Verducci's piece on the top storylines of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.
