The news that Washington football's legendary Dexter Manley is struggling with COVID-19 brought back a vivid memory. In 1987, I did some work for my friend and mentor Ed Muskie. He asked if there was anything he could do for me. I said yes. 1

Muskie was on Jack Kent Cooke's Washington R-dsk-n's board; I asked if he could get permission for me to take my two boys (ages 4 and 7) to a practice. He frowned-- he clearly was not relishing it-- but said yes. It worked. 2

My boys were fans, at least as much as you can be at those ages. My highlight was being introduced to legendary GM Bobby Beathard-- who said he read my stuff! My kids really loved it, and the players, especially the Hogs, could not have been nicer. Now comes the Manley part. 3

After the practice, we were in the locker room when Dexter Manley emerged from the shower. Naked. He looked like Superman, or the Black Panther, incredible muscles, chiseled, and incredibly well endowed. He walked over to us and said hi. My boys were about thigh high to him. 4

He was charming and charismatic. But my kids were speechless. I think that had more of an indelible impact than the football part. Thank you Dexter! And please get well! 5