Barry Switzer-Still a Great Guy

Barry Switzer is a great guy, there's no way to get around it.
I'm not the guy who can tell you every great Switzer accomplishment at OU, but while I was a student at the university, Barry Switzer was in his heyday, and it was great.
Recently I had a chance to visit with Switzer at a political fundraiser, and he's a terrific guy.
What do you remember most about him? I like how he stretches out his arm and says, "Barry Switzer" when you come around him. So, who wouldn't know Barry Switzer? It's not every day the guy speaking can stretch out his hand and ask, "Ladies, is five karats too much?" as he stretched out his arm with a Super Bowl ring on his finger.
He gave a short presentation that brought tears to his eyes, and to mine as well.
What I liked best about Switzer's comments were how he makes decisions about friends, not because of them being gay, or straight, or Republican or Democrat but if you are friendly to him and respect him because of who he is.
"I don't make a friend because they are a Republican or Democrat, but make friends because of how they treat me and if I like them."
Simple, huh?
He also said, people ask him what's the difference between college and pro football?
If you expect a short answer, sit down.
Pro football, says Switzer, is all about money. Fifty-three guys who are motivated to do everything they can to win every minute of every game, or they can be back in Georgia pumping gas. He says 15 of the players on the Cowboys Superbowl Team were new to the squad, and he doesn't remember their names.
But Switzer says in college football, he knew the kids names, their sisters and brothers, their mothers, and their fathers if they were around (telling comment don't you think) and their coach and their principal and so much more.
Yeah, it's different. And Switzer began to get chocked up,perhaps reflecting on his life in football, a successful life in the mercurial world of football.
A great coach, a great motivator and a great American.