I was talking with Finn yesterday afternoon - I had absolutely no idea Neel played football for a spell at A&M. Apparently he played under Bellard for a short time and was promised a scholarship by Bellard. After a while (Finn's words, not mine - I'm assuming Neel gave him all of 24-48 hours max knowing him enough that I did) and no scholarship, Neel informed Bellard that he was quitting the team and concentrating on school to be a doctor.
Fast forward many, many years and Neel runs into Bellard at some benefit or banquet or somesuch. He walks up to Bellard and tells him that even though he quit playing ball, he managed to be successful in life and was a trauma surgeon, etc. Bellard apparently remembered him vividly (shocking, I know) and told him that sometimes his mistakes turn out to be the best for everybody in the long run because what Doc had accomplished in his life was significantly more than he ever would have accomplished on the football field.
Fast forward many, many years and Neel runs into Bellard at some benefit or banquet or somesuch. He walks up to Bellard and tells him that even though he quit playing ball, he managed to be successful in life and was a trauma surgeon, etc. Bellard apparently remembered him vividly (shocking, I know) and told him that sometimes his mistakes turn out to be the best for everybody in the long run because what Doc had accomplished in his life was significantly more than he ever would have accomplished on the football field.
