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Thursday, March 27, 2008
Doug Flutie on football, autism
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Doug Flutie with Saba Silverman, founder of the Habima Theatre
Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, founder of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism (www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org), was in town Thursday to help kick off the 15th season at Jerry’s Habima Theatre.
The theatrical company, at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, is directed and produced by professionals featuring actors with developmental disabilities.
At the benefit reception before the production of “Footloose,” Flutie engaged patrons in a discussion of his autistic son, Doug Jr., 16.
“We can’t put limitations on children,” said Flutie. He shared a story of how a therapist helped Doug Jr. windsurf, even though he doubted his son would be able to do it.
“I’m synonymous with all this ‘never give up’ stuff, and there’s my son proving me wrong right in front of my face,” Flutie said before a crowd of about 300.
“It’s been a long, fun career — the (playing) career was nice,” said Flutie, now a football commentator. “When I retired, I was ready to retire. But someday, I would love to be remembered as the guy who set in motion a cure for autism.”
He and his wife Laurie also have a daughter Alexa, 20, who has handled her brother’s condition with grace and compassion, he said.
“She grew up a little quicker, and showed maturity that some of her friends don’t have,” he said. “I’m very proud of her.”
Doug Flutie with Susie Davidow, director of Jerry’s Habima Theatre at the The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
After his remarks Flutie took questions about both autism and sports. Here are condensed excerpts of his remarks. Questions, which came from audience members, are paraphrased.
Q: Do you think there is a link between autism and vaccines?
A: There is some relation. What it is, I don’t know. I’m not a doctor. All I know is at 2, Dougie’s shooting hoops and talking smack. Next thing you know, he’s tripping over toys. I was never immunized for chicken pox. I did okay.
Q:What kinds of programming would you like to see offered to children with autism?
A: Whatever is going to push the children to be more and more independent.
Q: What’s your prediction for Matt Ryan (the top-rated quarterback from Boston College and a possible Falcons draft pick)?
A: I know Matt Ryan very well. He will definitely be the first quarterback drafted. Matt has all these intangible qualities of a leader, and he’s tough.
Q: What coach had the most impact on you?
A: My offensive coordinator at Boston College. He was a drill sergeant, a real stickler, disciplinarian. His name is Tom Coughlin (now the Super Bowl champion New York Giants’ head coach.) I learned more football from that man. After working for Tom and learning it his way, everything else came easy.
Q: Do athletes have a responsibility to serve as mentors?
A: It’s not a responsibility, it’s a choice. I shake my head at the sense of entitlement, the “what can you do for me?” attitude of so many of the youngsters. I wish they would take the virtues and morals of the players into consideration. The people paying all this money (to athletes) ought to consider that before promoting them. It you’re going to be an idiot, go be an idiot quietly. Take all the idiots out of the league. We’ll lower the salary cap and still play great football.
The Jerry’s Habima Theatre production of “Footloose” is this weekend at the MJCCA’s Morris and Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd. Dunwoody. Performances are 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $32; $15 for children 12 and under. (For MJCCA members: $22; $10 for children 12 and under.) For tickets call the box office at 678-812-4002.
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