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SPORTS 22 October 27,1999 • the Seahawk Rams coach announces retirement following Superbowl win by R.B. FALLSTROM wanted the best for the coach who made it a ning touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. times, he lost the battle and choked up, es Martz, scheduled to undergo surgery pecially when he talked about his players and AP Sports Writer point to get to know all of them. “I feel indebted to coach Vermeil,” said Wednesday for a neck problem, didn’t at the Rams organization. ST. LOUIS (AP) - One last time, the linebacker London Fletcher, who also urged tend the news conference. A Rams spokes “I don’t have the ability to verbalize how voice broke and the tears flowed. Vermeil to stick around. “He gave me an man said Martz would postpone surgery and I feel,” he said. “I’m so appreciative of what The NFL’s most emotional coach, stand opportunity that maybe nobody else would hold a news conference Wednesday morn my coaching staff has done. And these play ing within arm’s reach of the Super Bowl have and I’m very grateful.” ing. ers. Geez. These guys are unbelievable.” trophy his St. Louis Rams won only two Linebacker Mike Jones, who made the Vermeil coached two Super Bowl teams During the Super Bowl buildup, Vermeil days earlier and referred to as “Champ” by game-saving tackle on Tennessee’s Kevin 19 years apart. He led the Eagles to the Su hedged on his future. On one hand, he liked the team president, stepped away from the Dyson, said looking back that Vermeil per Bowl in 1981, and that 27-10 loss fu coaching. On the other hand, Carol Vermeil, game Tuesday. dropped a few clues on the flight back from eled his return to the profession in 1997. his wife of 44 years, told him: “What else It was a scenario that would unsettle the Atlanta but “I never put it together.” Vermeil led the Rams to a 13-3 record do you have to prove?” most manly of men. One knew that Vermeil, “It’s a great legacy,” Jones said, “going this year after winning only nine games his Vermeil said his wife brought up the pos who seemingly wept at the drop of a hat from worst to first.” first two years. Following last year’s 4-12 sibility of retirement after the Rams beat the during his three seasons in St. Louis, would San Francisco general manager Bill mark, there was talk that he could be fired. Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs. They not even attempt to rein himself in. Walsh, a longtime friend of Vermeil, agreed The players weren’t happy, either. Most talked about it again following the parade Vermeil, 63, said it was an “unbeliev with the coach that the time was right. of it was only grumbling because of ex through downtown St. Louis on Monday, a able feeling” to leave as a champion. He’s “At this stage of his life, he’s accom tremely hard practices that often left the play day after the Rams’ 23-16 victory. going out on top. plished everything,” Walsh said. “Now it’s ers exhausted before they stepped on the field Finally, the couple discussed retirement “I think the time is right,” he said. “Very time for him to thoroughly enjoy the rewards on Sundays. again, briefly, Tuesday morning. Vermeil few people in this profession get this op of what he’s accomplished.” Four prominent players, including said, however, it was strictly his decision. portunity.” This exit was a lot different than the first comerback Todd Lyght, boycotted the final “I love these guys, too,” Carol Vermeil Vermeil’s quick decision had a lot to do time he walked away from NFL coaching, team meeting of the 1998 season. That sent said. “After my own boys, I call them my with emotion. He didn’t want to be involved complaining of burnout when he left the a message to the coach, who described it at boys. But there’s a time for everything.” with the free agency period that starts Feb. Philadelphia Eagles in 1982. the time as a “shot in the back.” Vermeil said he’ll pursue a job in televi 11, so he leaves with two years to go on a The decision elevates offensive coordi Vermeil, however, weathered the prob sion again. During his 15-year hiatus from five-year, $9 million contract. nator Mike Martz to coach. The Rams signed lems and led the team to an incredible turn coaching. Vermeil was a college football ana “I don’t want to participate in that,” Martz, who directed the NFL’s top-rated of around. lyst. He also plans to spend time at his Phila Vermeil said. “I don’t want to cut the squad. fense (33 points a game), to a two-year con In his first stint as an NFL coach with the delphia area ranch with his wife. These are my guys.” tract in January that assured he would in Eagles from 1976-82, Vermeil called the Two sons, a daughter and 11 grandchil Owner Georgia Frontiere tried to talk herit Vermeil’s job. plays and basically ran the whole show with dren live nearby. Vermeil out of it, team president John Shaw “I told everyone before the season that an iron fist. When he returned, he became a “We’re world champions,” Vermeil said. said he should at least wait to make sure Mike Martz was the type of coach who benevolent overseer. “How many coaches can go out having par and special teams coach Frank Gansz made would go after it _ from the first game to the As is his trademark. Vermeil fought back ticipated in a world championship contest?” an impassioned plea. Rams players just last,” said Isaac Bruce, who caught the win tears throughout the news conference. Some what kind of job do YOU want? [how about one that SELLS?!] $ q6^.

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