Duffy’s first Underground Railroad passenger on America through football and education

This story has been reposted from Dec. 9, 2014. Clifton Roaf passed away in 2017 at age 76. By TOM SHANAHAN Clifton Roaf's life spans the best and worst America has to offer. He grew up in the segregated South in Pine Bluff, Ark. He was a teenager at all-Black Merrill High when historic Civil Rights events unfolded in 1957 at nearby Little Rock. President Eisenhower sent U.S. Army troops to Central High to enforce desegregation, escorting for…

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West Point votes West into elite San Diego club

San Diego high school football’s vast talent pool has formed over the years select clubs at the next levels. The four Heisman Trophy winners have been the most recognized, Marcus Allen, Lincoln and USC; the late Rashaan Salaam, La Jolla Country Day and Colorado; Ricky Williams, Patrick Henry and Texas; and Reggie Bush, Helix and USC. Bush had to return his trophy for NCAA violations, but three or four trophies, one word still applies. Exclusive. Another club is…

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Don Coryell and case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame from Dan Fouts

PHOTO: Don Coryell and Dan Fouts in their Air Coryell years changing the game of football. By TOM SHANAHAN 'John Madden, Joe Gibbs and Dan Fouts sat together as Don Coryell disciples for their mentor’s 2010 memorial on San Diego State’s campus. They shared the same thoughts delivering eulogies, but Fouts admits Madden said it best. “All three of us are in all Hall of the Fame because of Don Coryell,” said Madden, chocking up. “Something is missing.” Madden’s…

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