Kemp led by example in sports, politics, life

By Anthony Bialy  |   Monday, May 04, 2009  |  Comments( 76 )

Buffalo Bills
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Jack Kemp always fought for Buffalo. Whether guiding the Bills to success, representing the area in Congress, or promoting ideas he believed would better Western New Yorkers and everyone else, Kemp did everything in his power to enhance life in one of his adopted hometowns. The great quarterback and person, who passed away from cancer Saturday at 73, was commendable for far more than how he played football.

Typically, he employed foresight when choosing his university; with a football career in mind, Kemp attended Occidental College chiefly because it ran a pro-style offense. It didn’t help him get drafted highly, as he was the Detroit Lions’ 203rd pick in 1957. He floated through, and was discarded by, a sizable assortment of NFL teams and even the Calgary Stampeders. Getting rejected by a CFL team may have convinced someone irresolute to quit pro sports, but the Los Angeles native persevered until a league that was compatible with his strengths happened to be spun into existence.

Early after its founding, Kemp caught on with the American Football League, finding work with the Los Angeles, then San Diego Chargers. Their attempt at sneakiness changed Buffalo’s history. When they waived him to free his roster spot while he recovered from a hand injury midway through the 1962 season, the Bills astutely noticed he was available and plucked him away. His new team was accordingly set at quarterback for most of the decade’s remainder.

The Californian prospered out east, going 43-31-3 over his 77 starts for Buffalo; in the process, he thrived in an offense where pass routes and straight lines were often the same thing. Similarly, his best moments corresponded with the franchise’s high points, as Kemp helped the Bills win their only championships following the 1964 and ’65 seasons. Of course, those teams were coached by Lou Saban, another legendary Bills figure who recently passed away.

Kemp took charge whenever needed. As the co-founder and five-time president of the players association, he led every AFLer off the field when he wasn’t leading the Bills on it. Representing the interests and welfare of his fellow athletes was a formative experience that led to him serving the same role with his fellow citizens.

The beloved quarterback made an easy transition to life after football thanks to the 51.6 percent of voters who gave him his next job. He ran successfully for the right to represent part of Western New York in Congress the year after his last season of 1969. Eventually, he won seven more times while making himself known as a supply-side advocate. His efforts culminated with the passage of 1981’s tax cuts, legislation he sponsored; while the House of Representatives was a different kind of team, it was the same Kemp taking charge.

He went on to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Bush 41 before running as 1996’s Republican vice presidential candidate. The latter was his last attempt to win an office; after the loss, he wrote columns arguing for his core ideas, delivered typically eloquent speeches, and worked on behalf of political and charitable causes.

Kemp's road to ideological champion originated at War Memorial Stadium. He was one of only five quarterbacks nominated as a candidate for Buffalo's recently released 50th season all-time team; it’s no offense to Daryle Lamonica or Frank Reich, but he was one of three genuinely great Bills at the position along with Joe Ferguson and winner Jim Kelly. And that was only his first career.

It’s irrelevant whether one agreed with Kemp's policies; in the end, he genuinely pursued what he thought was the best course. He was an example of how it’s possible to respect others despite disagreements. Even political foes recognized that his tireless advocacy on behalf of issues like tax policy or civil rights were based upon a sincere desire to improve the nation.

Kemp will forever lead the AFL in passing yardage with 21,130, just like he’ll forever be remembered by Bills fans as someone who made their team both respectable and triumphant. For a $100 waiver fee, the Bills were blessed to be associated with an honorable, passionate, visionary gentleman whose greatness only began in Buffalo’s huddle.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (76)

About Anthony Bialy

I'm just here to submit columns.
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report