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Heritage Hall resident Ruth McNamara hugs NFL player Jermon Bushrod as he visits the facility.
Heritage Hall resident Ronnie Sorrell (right) poses with the Saints' Jermon Bushrod. |
By CATHY DYSON
Jermon Bushrod signed tons of autographs yesterday--on mini footballs and water bottles, a No. 74 jersey and a white pocket-size New Testament.
He gave firm handshakes to men who wanted to stand beside him and see how big they looked by comparison, and he tenderly hugged little old ladies. He said it was all part of the "territory" that comes with being a professional athlete.
Bushrod, who's from King George County, is the starting left tackle for the New Orleans Saints. He told residents of Heritage Hall Nursing Home, where he visited yesterday afternoon, that it hasn't sunk in that he was part of a Super Bowl-winning team.
But whenever the subject of his celebrity status came up, Bushrod switched the focus to the folks back home.
Many times, he mentioned "what a blessing" it is to share the moment with them.
"I just appreciate your support from Day One," said the soft-spoken Bushrod. "It means a whole to me to share it with you."
It meant a lot to the residents and staff, too.
Bushrod is the second cousin of Kenneth McDowney, whose wife, Patricia, is the activities director at Heritage Hall.
When the McDowneys saw Bushrod over the weekend, Patricia McDowney took her chance to ask him if he'd come visit. She has a patient who's been talking about the Saints' lineman for months.
"He said he'd be more than happy to," said Patricia McDowney. "He is probably the most down-to-earth, most humble, sweet person, to be in the position he's in."
Gordon Rose is the resident who wanted to meet Bushrod. Rose grew up in King George with Bushrod's grandfather, Arthur. Even though Rose is a Cowboys fan, he switched his allegiance for the Super Bowl.
"I was rooting for him because he's a local boy and all," Rose said. "They're a nice family, the Bushrods, as nice as you'd want to meet."
The 25-year-old athlete spent about 20 minutes answering questions, mostly from staff. He told the crowd of about 50 residents and workers that he's taking a few weeks off to relax and spend time with family. Then he's headed back to New Orleans.
He also talked about the sports he played as a child and in high school. He rarely made the weight limit for youth football--he was too heavy--so baseball became his passion.
He thanked coaches who guided him and said his parents were his role models. He was grateful he got the chance to play football in college and then the pros.
"It's just been a blessing," he said.
But the best part about it, he said, was being able to encourage others in his own community.
"It's an opportunity to come back and show kids you can do whatever you want," he said. "You don't have to be a professional athlete, you can be a fireman, a teacher. You just want to be great at what you do."
Barbara Huff, 73, didn't know Bushrod before yesterday and said she was impressed by his visit and his friendly nature.
As she sat beside him, she told the lineman she didn't know players' names and numbers, she just liked watching the game.
"He laughed and said that's the best part," she said.
Elizabeth Mary Darley, who's 100, didn't know who Bushrod was, either. When Nurse Nicole LeRose told her Bushrod had won the Super Bowl, Darley clasped his hand and rubbed his arm.
"I don't have a prize for you," said the woman everyone knows as Grandma. "But I wish you all the luck in the world."
Bushrod thanked her, and LeRose tried to wheel her back to her table.
LeRose wouldn't let go.
She clung to Bushrod's hand until her fingers slipped through his.
Staff members were even more enamored by the athlete. They took dozens of pictures on camera phones and got autographs for their children and grandchildren. McDowney passed out Bushrod's bio sheet, which included a blank space for his autograph. It included plenty of open space for the sweeping "B" that's part of his signature.
Maintenance director Happy Self thanked Bushrod for playing such a good game--and winning him $20 in the process. He also praised his actions off the field.
"For somebody to come out, to take time out of his busy day to visit a nursing home, that's awesome," Self said. "That says a lot about his character."
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
Bushrod, the starting left tackle for the New Orleans Saints, told the crowd that he was a Redskins fan growing up.
"Anybody who would want to take a chance on me, I'm willing to go," Bushrod said.
