EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Tunney, a longtime NFL referee, educator and motivational speaker, died peacefully at his Pebble Beach home Thursday night according to his son-in-law, John Oldach. Tunney was also a longtime Herald contributor, filing his observations on sports, teamwork and sharing his memories in his weekly Tunneyside columns. He was 95. The following is one of the last columns Tunney wrote for the Herald. It reflects some of his strong principles and vast experience.

A running back fumbles about the 30-yard line. One of the defenders picks it up and returns it for a touchdown. Then eight or nine defensive players run into the end zone to join the young man who picked up the fumble. They all pose for a photo. I couldn’t see that there was a photographer there, but then this was not an NFL team but a local high school game. Where did they learn that? The NFL, of course. When did this antic start and is it necessary? At one time the NFL had a rule about “showboating” after scoring etc. I know what you’re thinking: NFL No Fun League. Maybe you’re right. However, I’ve always thought it is best NOT to embarrass your opponent. Obviously, that has changed!

The Lambeau Leap is a touchdown celebration in American football in which a player leaps into the bleachers behind the end zone after scoring. It was once a unique and enjoyable leap but has now become a trend in other stadiums, as I’ve noticed recently. I’m sure you’ll witness it again; some just can’t resist being copycats or trying to outshine others!

Pushing-the-tush

At one point in my 60-year NFL relationship, there was a rule where the offense could not help a ball carrier keep his feet — it was called “helping the runner.” Today’s game has gone much farther. This “scrum” that we see at every NFL game needs correcting. Now we see that in a third- or fourth-and-1 situation, the offensive team places its fullback or another player of that size right behind the quarterback for a QB sneak to gain a first down. This rugby-type scrum often occurs with some 10 or so players pushing against the other team to gain that first down or cross the goal line. I even saw a bigger back put his arm around the “sneaker” and lift him forward. Hmm! The NFL competition committee needs to correct this. Soon we’ll see this at college and high school games. Oh, and by the way, it’s not called a “QB sneak” anymore. It was never a “sneak” anyway, since the guy in the 60th row of the stadium knew what that play-call was going to be. It’s now called the “Brotherly Shove” with several players pushing that player across the line. I recently heard a player, who had several years of NFL playing experience (I won’t mention his name, but it was one of the days of the week) say that shoving a player in this type of play was a normal/natural football play. I disagree! What is your thought on shoving a player of your own team to gain yardage?

Regarding the NIL

As you have read here before, this column is not in favor of the NIL (name, image, likeness). Simply, if our country is in favor of inclusion, this is producing just the opposite. If we as sports organizations believe in what I’ve labeled T*E*A*M (Together Everyone Accomplishes More) unity, this separates the “star” from their teammates. Why should a player help the “star” who is making several thousands of dollars for his performance receive even more with another’s help? Perhaps today’s youth think about this differently.

In the past, players who became eligible for the professional leagues often made the immediate transition, despite their coaches’ reservations about leaving college early. Coaches, however, would still encourage players to capitalize on potential financial rewards. Nowadays, players have the opportunity to assess professional offers while considering the benefits of securing a stronger deal through a NIL contract with their college.

Although the specific requirements for college tenure before eligibility for professional sports vary, there is a consensus that a player must be at least 19 years old. Notably, as demonstrated by LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant, a player who remains out of high school and reaches the age of 19 can be both eligible and highly qualified to play professionally.