A lot of us were Athletes before we joined the Service. Some played lots of sports, some played just one, but really really good at that one. I played several sports in both HS and College and a bunch in the Army. I was good enough to make the Team, but usually just the last place on the bench. A water boy with a Uniform. LOL
But every once in a while, you meet guys in the Service who played for a Major Division One College, West Point, or even on a Professional Team. And those guys are genetic freaks.
So today I am watching Alabama play Georgia (Not looking good for the Tide right now,). And I remember back to my Army Days.
I was in the Gym and got into a "center court" pick up game. That was the court where only the "big boys played." I got in solely because I can pass the ball. And shooters love to pick a guy who will feed them. And if you were in the flow, I fed you until you stopped hitting.
In that game, on the other team was a huge guy. Probably six two...so not all that tall, but he must have had a sixty inch chest. And his biceps were bigger than my thighs. A good all around athlete, but basketball couldn't have been his go to sport.
What caught my eye, is he moved laterally faster than anyone I had ever seen. If I turned and ran a full out sprint, that guy - going sideways- would have easily passed me! Just imagine a crab, with Usain Bolt speed.
After the game I went up to him and said ;
"I have never seen anyone move laterally like you. Holy crap."
He laughed.
"I was a second string All American Linebacker at Alabama. "
"If you were second string All American what the Heck was First String like?!"
He laughed again, tapped me on my head and said:
"Oh, that guy? Hall of Fame NFL."
And he laughed and walked away.
I still haven't seen anyone - in person- who could move like that sideways. If you have Division One Abilities, you are a genetic freak. They are simply not like us!