Mike was one of the most intense players in NFL history. If you were a guy carrying the football against the Baltimore Colts, you were going to get drilled when you passed Mike. Running backs such as Larry Csonka and Jim Brown were among Curtis’ victims. There was even a time at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore when an ignorant, drunken fan tried to barge on the field and steal the game ball…that fan sure got taught a lesson he would never forget.
I thank Mr. Curtis for wishing me the best of luck, and I wish this great all the best as well!
UPDATE: Sadly, Curtis passed away on April 20, 2020 at the age of 77. I offered my condolences on Mike’s Facebook page to all of this great’s family, friends, and fans, mentioning my letter to him I sent late last year as well, and express my gratitude to Mike for wishing my best. I got this response:
I offer my heartfelt condolences to all of Mike Curtis’ family, friends, and fans, and I champion Mike’s induction in the coming years to be forever enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
YET ANOTHER UPDATE: In the week of March 27, 2021, which is the day that would have been Mr. Curtis’ 78th birthday, I did a Facebook fundraiser in his memory for one of his favorite charities, the Alzheimer’s Association. I would like to thank someone who is not just a good friend from here in Bossier City, LA, but a fellow graduate of Parkway High School’s Class of 2003, Ramona Ruiz, for donating $45 to this great cause. It’s what “The Mad Dog” would have wanted.
My NFL 100: Gratitude to Greats Project 