A NOTE FROM THE ED THOMAS FAMILY

MY HUSBAND ALWAYS ENCOURAGED HIS PLAYERS TO “PLAY four quarters!” In other words, to play with heart, with enthusiasm, to never quit, to never stop being your best. You see, football was more than just Xs and Os to Ed. He often said that if all he taught his boys was how to play football, then he would have failed as a coach. “I want them to learn the intangibles that will make them a better husband, dad, member of their community and church.” Faith, family, and football. It’s on every helmet.

Ed loved the game of football, of course. And he loved his players. And they won more than 80 percent of their games. But that’s not why those boys loved Ed; that’s not what changed the course of their lives off the field. Ed’s greatest legacy was leading by example. A close friend said it best: “True toughness is doing what’s right all the time, and Ed was the toughest guy I knew.” The core values of his faith — honesty, integrity, respect, honor, doing what is right — these are the life-changing intangibles those boys caught from Ed more than any footballs.

Now, Ed wasn’t perfect, and he would be the first to grin a bit sheepishly and agree. But there can be no question that his passion guided those boys, inspired them, showed them the way to become men. “Play four quarters,” Ed would scream over the din of the crowd, and those boys would hear it and give it all they had. That’s leadership—not for glory, not for self, but for love of another who gave his all for them.

Ed didn’t draw attention to himself, and he would be embarrassed to see that a book has been written about him. But my sons and I hope that by sharing this humble man’s story, you will be inspired to find your own passion

to use the gifts that God has given you,

to do what’s right,

to lead by example.

And then to get out there and “play all four quarters!” Ed is counting on you. So are your kids, your spouse, the people you work with.

We miss you, Ed. The boys are good. You left an example to follow.

All our love,