There is a nice article in today's Dispatch about #33 which is of course the jersey belonging to James Laurinaitis. On media day way back at the beginning of the season (it seems like an eternity now) I interviewed James. None of us ever have it all, but James come as close as anyone I have ever met. The animal that you see on the field is in the flesh a quite different man of intellect, faith, humility and kindness.

After watching me do the interview, Jenny made an interesting observation about the dichotomy of his tattoo. The huge menacing thing you see on TV adorning his bicep is actually a family crest that incorporates the names Joe, Julie, Joey and Jessica...his mother, father, brother and sister. How many of you are close enough to go through life with the names of your families on your sleeve? How many 3 time All American football players are comfortable enough in their skin to step on the field and into the controlled mayhem with that in their arm?

Players come and then they go. Stars are born, burn bright, then dim to be replaced by new ones with new numbers. Only a select few over the years will have staying power. James is going to be one of those. I have no doubt that he will be successful on the field at the next level, but what that success enables him to do off the field will be the mark of James Laurinaitis. He talked in the interview about those dreams. Years from now his paying forward will still be a story.

That's why when Jenny saw a size 2 toddler #33 Buckeye Jersey on the markdown table she snatched it up. Grandma had it wrapped and under the tree Christmas morning for our two and a half year old grandson. He undoubtedly will look cute as can be in it next Monday evening and Grandma and Grandpa will be most proud if some day he grows up to be like James.

You can read Tim May's column at: dispatch.com