ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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Co-writer Bonnie Church worked tirelessly alongside us to conceptualize, develop, and write The Last Laugh
. She has been a ghostwriter, contributing writer, journalist, and self-help columnist for more than thirty years. Dennis Franks mentored Bonnie and her husband, Michael, in their rise from “the creative underclass” to the world of successful entrepreneurship. Writing is now her side hustle. Matching people to the resources they need to live the life they want is her passion. Visit her at bonniechurch.com
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In success, there are always important people and influences that help form the mold that makes you. I acknowledge the following people for their support. To my amazing wife, Nancy, who has stood by my side throughout my post-football days and my entire business career, supporting my dreams and helping make them realities. My beautiful daughters, Lauren and Katie, who have made me proud throughout their lives, creating a new dimension to our thinking and existence. My parents, Don and Inge Franks, who have passed but have kept a special eye over me with their countless lessons and values by which I still live. Brother Don, an amazing example of intelligence and drive throughout his career, who showed me I could be so much more than a football player. Sister Claudia, for the many calls and letters of encouragement that made me feel like I could conquer the world. Your words and love will always be close to my heart. To my second parents and in-laws, Barb and Jim Haslett, your love and support has been a constant reminder to keep balance in my life. To my coaches—in high school, the late Rudy Andebaker; in college, the late Bo Schembechler; in the pros, Dick Vermeil and Monte Clark—a huge thank you for your discipline and values, which have influenced my life in and outside of football. Your teachings have stayed with me throughout the journey. To my good friend Kevin Buckman, “the professor”—so many miles we have traveled and so many learning experiences. My business partners of twenty-five years, JR Ridinger, Loren Ridinger, Marty Weissman, Marc Ashley, and Joe Bolyard—what an amazing learning curve to success! Finally, my hard-working assistant of twenty years, Yvonne—your love and caring for me kept me on schedule, making even the impossible days possible.
I am inspired everyday by “MY WHY”: Janet, Gabby, and Vinny. To my Mom & Dad, Almira & Kingie, thanks for giving me the strength to chase my dream. I will always be grateful to these coaches and teachers for believing in me and my vision: George Corner, Dick Vermeil, Lou Nicastro, Marty Stern, and Kevin Quinn. I can’t ever forget the thrill of being portrayed on the silver screen. Thanks to the All-Pro Invincible
Team: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Ken Mok, Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, Brian Nguyen, and, of course, Walt Disney Productions.
Finally, a special thanks to all of those who doubted me: you provided me with the fuel to do the impossible.
