A NFL Hall of Famer sat down with Franklin Community High School seniors Wednesday to discuss his life and career, and answer questions from a few of the 200 students who gathered in the high school’s auditorium.
Gil Brandt, 86, was the vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1989, during two of its five Super Bowl titles. He started working as a National Football League historian and player analyst for the league’s website in 1995, and is regarded as a draft expert, helping start the NFL Scouting Combine, which provides scouts an opportunity to evaluate college’s top players both physically and mentally. During football season, he makes radio appearances nationwide, according to the league’s website.
Last year, he became one of 326 people to ever be inducted into the hall of fame. Throughout his career, the Dallas Cowboys had 20 consecutive winning seasons and made five Super Bowl appearances, although during its first year in the league, they went 0-11-1. That development from humble beginnings contains a life lesson in itself, Brandt said, donning a gold jacket bestowed upon NFL Hall of Famers.
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“Don’t ever stand still,” Brandt said. “People who stand still get passed by. Always look for new things to increase your ability to make more money and create a better world to live in.”
Brandt’s visit was part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Heart of a Hall of Famer series, and was broadcast live on Facebook. Students from New York and Ohio were also given the chance to ask questions through an internet video chat.
Brandt’s decision-making led to the drafting of nine pro-football Hall of Famers, including Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Bob Lilly.
Hearing from someone who has accomplished so much in life was inspirational and informative, senior Hillari Hensley said.
“I didn’t know all the things that went into not just the Hall of Fame, but the NFL Combine,” Hensley said. “He took the time to come here and explain all of that to us. His advice was really motivational. Never stop moving and keep pursuing your dreams.”
The appearance of a Hall of Famer at the high school is a good guiding point for seniors who are deciding where they want to go in life, Principal Steve Ahaus said.
“I think anytime you can bring someone of his level of accomplishment to come speak (to) students, that’s cool,” Ahaus said. “They’re on their way to deciding their goals in life, and to see someone who has achieved at that level is important.”
Speaking to students and helping them find meaning and direction is rewarding, Brandt said.
“Anything we can do to help students understand where they have to go and what they have to do to get there is great,” Brandt said. “The most important thing to do in life is to communicate what they have to do to be successful.”
