Kendrick Meek: “I rise this evening to honor George ``Godfather'' Thompson, one of the most remarkable men in my life and many of the…”

“I rise this evening to honor George ``Godfather'' Thompson, one of the most remarkable men in my life and many of the lives of individuals who have played Rattler football at Florida A&M. Tomorrow night, friends and families and other players at Florida A&M are going to come together to pay tribute to this wonderful man who has done so much on behalf of so many, a man of great humility and compassion. When he speaks of Florida A&M and Rattler football, he gets chill bumps all over his body. His heart is so big that those who go to Florida A&M with very little money, very little guidance or those that have great guidance, he takes the time to speak with them. This Nation loves sports and for good reasons, but the right coach and guidance and sports, particularly in team sports, are fun and effective ways to teach young people the great lessons of life, that discipline and hard work are necessary for success but not necessarily guaranteed; that those who are trying to beat their opponents, they are not necessarily their enemies; that winning with grace and dignity often requires as much character as losing with grace and dignity; and that teams succeed over the long haul when there are people working together, helping each other and supporting each other. These are the great lessons of George ``Godfather'' Thompson.”