Hi Harry!
I have been a fan of your dignified Persona how you carry yourself and the goodness in you. I am sorry I don’t know much about football except that you are a great linebacker, but I can’t help liking how you come accross as a human being! I am only 8 months older than you. I went for the engines and cars when I was a kid instead of sports and everytime I see you speaking on TV I wish I had a good friend as you to sit and chat about life!
The world needs more people like you!
Thank you for all the good things you have done!
Rene Valdes
I recently served as Principal for a Day at Rikers Island in New York City. The following comments were made by Richard Block who heads the Get Out Stay Out Program at Rikers.
Harry:
In reflecting on yesterday, I realize that I never met anyone who has taken notoriety and celebrity and transformed it (a pivot as you describe it) into such a useful productive unselfish phenomenon. To me, the magical element is that you have chosen to do it. At one point yesterday, you glanced toward me to see if I had something to say. I never have nothing to say-except yesterday. Adding something to your offering would have been impossible for me. What you do is a gift to those who are exposed to it and if you chose a bigger cloud, it would be yours to fly on.
Thanks
Richard
In late September I traveled to Vermont to speak with the high school football team. The team was experiencing some racial problems and sought my help to bring the team together as a unit.
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Jahmal Mosley and I am an assistant principal at Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, VT. Recently our football team experienced a series of incidents that rattled the spirit of our team as well as each and every individual team member. The team was having a difficult time coming together as a team in order to overcome these incidents and it was clear outside help was needed. We decided that although it was a long shot we would attempt to get an NFL player to speak to our team about the value of teamwork. We contacted Mr. Carson after reading about his dedication to helping others, his altruism and his strong ideals regarding teamwork, and respect.
Mr. Carson did not need to drive to Brattleboro, VT to help a small time high school football team; however, he agreed to visit us and speak to our players. His visit was not just the highlight of the football team’s year but left a palpable buzz in the school for weeks. Mr. Carson talked about what a real team should be, what they should do, and how the benefits of being part of a team far outweighed the benefits of only thinking of yourself. This philosophy resonated and touched the players, coaches and administrators of our school. The lesson Mr. Carson conveyed to our players was not just about football, it was about life and how to live it in a way that creates a positive impact on as many people as possible. This is clearly how Mr. Carson lives his life and his words of wisdom will not be lost on the football players of our high school. Thank you Mr. Carson for everything,
Brattleboro Union High School.
Mr. Carson:
I was very impressed with your presentation on the Lou Dobbs Show on CNN tonight. Thank you for your comments, and perspective regarding football. I have 3 grandchildren who, although still young, will most probably be in athletics. I will take your example of being an informed and realistic man, as I lend my support and input into their decisions of athletic participation. You are a very impressive person. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Bob Warns
Harry,
I just watched your piece on Lou Dobbs and I just wanted to say you touched my heart when you spoke of Mike Webster. As a Pittsburgh fan who watched his down fall locally, it was heart breaking to see him as you said lost his way. I never would have or could have imagined anyone would assume responsibility for something like this. You are a true sports Hero in my opinion and May God continue to Bless you and your family. I wish we had more American Sports heroes like you.
In this day and age not much affects me good or bad and I just wanted to take the time to write to you to thank you for remembering one of our local heroes in a positive light.
God Bless You
The Saymansky Family
Pittsburgh PA
Hi Harry,
I hope all is well. Just saw you on CNN being interviewed by Lou Dobbs. I very much liked what you said, and how you said it. I have great memories from watching the Giants in the ’80’s., and loved the way you played the game.
The CNN interview was probably the best and most responsible interview by a former athlete that I have ever seen. Complete honesty and insightful analysis. Keep up the great work Harry.
Tom Riddle
Hello Mr. Carson,
Thank you so much for spending the time to chat my family and I. As my children look up to their sports heroes, meeting someone of your demeanor and humility was such a wonderful blessing for me. More impressive than your tremendous achievements on the football field, is your genuine graciousness and warmth. Signing my son’s jacket was a dream come for him. My sons will never forget the short time they met you. Sincerest thanks!
Shawn, Luke, and Isaac Matsumoto
Harry,
I have had the privilege of not only watching you play, reading both of your books but also having met with your on a few occasions. Of all that I just mentioned I was most impressed with meeting with you. You were most cordial with our conversation took your time and answered all my questions. I have 2 sons who watch the Giants the same way I do. They have only seen pictures and videos of you playing football. But they both have read your books and listen to your comments when you are on TV. Maybe you remember me at your last book signing in NY. I asked Mrs. Carson to autograph your book as well. I invited you to a Yankee game with me and my sons. Unfortunately you were able to make it. Anyway you left a deep feeling in me of admiration. Not only as a great Giant but a true gentlemen and ambassador to the game.
BTW: My sons Nick and Steven feel the same way.
Regards,
LNC
PS: regards to Mrs. Carson as well.
Mr. Carson:
I have been a local NY Giants’ fan since the Fran Tarkenton-Homer Jones era. Like you described in your interview for Politico a few years back, the violence in football does not appeal to me at all. I get annoyed when even now- after all the rules changes- the refs and commentators ignore or downplay vicious hits that are not strategic plays but are intended to injure or intimidate the opponent. At least now there is nominal concern for the brains of running backs and receivers instead of only quarterbacks.
But as you also stated then, the team aspect of the game remains worthwhile- especially the mix of individual roles and abilities working toward a common goal. You need speed, skill, power, guts, strategy, training, drilling, teamwork- and camaraderie.
When LT became the superstar, I would always try to remind people that without the greatest inside linebacker in the world by his side to stuff the run, he would never be free to rush on a whim and create havoc. The ’86 Giants’ defense that you led and anchored was so good that it was more exciting to watch than the offense. Even though the Giants had endured years of failure- especially on offense- there really was little surprise for fans paying attention when you secured the Super Bowl ring. No one could register first downs against those Giants… touchdowns were possible only after offensive turnovers.
What did surprise me was when Parcells sent you out alone for the coin toss. Honestly I could have turned the game off right there. Whatever the story about sending a message…I saw it as the team’s tribute to Harry Carson the man- the quiet team player and leader whose contribution was usually overlooked. Of course LT, Carl Banks and Leonard Marshall racked up sacks, headlines, and holding penalties almost every possession. They merely assumed, correctly, that it would be a pass play: running the ball into Carson’s vicinity was utter futility, as it had been for a decade. The screen pass or wide run weren’t much help either- your lateral quickness and anticipation made your “vicinity” a Giant zone.
But the reliably solid excellence of your linebacker play was matched in every respect by your personal demeanor and exhibition of sportsmanship. Off-the-field behavior is a player’s private business in my view, but a pro athlete should be a role model during the game.
Why were you so great as a tackler? Because you used sound, responsible technique. It may not have made the highlight reel as often, but it was less likely to result in injury. It is sad to note that you sustained so many concussions. The rules and culture of the NFL and the CFA still need significant improvement- maybe even radical change, despite the ratings and revenue that violent collisions may bring in.
No Giants’ fan ever imagined that you would not put your body on the line for the team on every play. At the same time, I never saw you deliver a reckless or dirty hit on an opponent, which made me particularly proud to be a Giants’ fan. (To be fair, despite LT’s wildman image, I remember his distress when he broke Joe Theismann’s leg. He had to sit out most of the rest of the game, and no doubt there were idiots in the booth or the press who would criticize him for not “doing his job”).
Like the Knicks’ Walt Frazier before you (whose real genius was relentless aggressive defense), you showed New York fans that a Hall of Fame superstar could play pro championship level TEAM ball with plenty of flair and intensity, but always with respect for opponents and officials- not to mention a “quiet dignity” that some of us remember more than the Gatorade.
Man I wish you would entertain becoming the Giants’ Defensive Coordinator. (Assuming, of course, that current management has enough brain power to appreciate your value…)