Former University of Texas Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy is playing a different kind of catch these days. Without football, he's gone fishing.
"Growing up out in the country and on the farm, we were outside all the time," said McCoy. "And so, it was kind of my escape from the life that I'm privileged to live right now."
Nowk it's a bond he shares with Dustin Strelsky, a 13-year old from Rockdale who idolizes Colt. Just more than a year ago, a head-on collision left him paralyzed from the waist down. So the two went out together, casting their reels for children's health care.
"I think it's awesome and amazing that he's taking his time out of the day to do this for the Children's Hospital in Temple and for coming out here and fishing with me," said Strelsky. "I just think it's real awesome and so kind of him to do that."
It's a one-on-one opportunity Colt might not otherwise get, but the lockout has its benefits.
"Any opportunity I have to give back and make a kid smile or make a family happy, or anything I can do, that's the least of my responsibilities," said McCoy. "And, I wasn't going to pass up a fishing trip either."
The peaceful waters of Lake Austin are a far cry from the trenches of a football field. But ironically, it's a perfect snapshot of an NFL player waiting for the labor dispute to end. Nothing says free time like an afternoon fishing.
McCoy didn't have the same luck as Strelsky on the lake, but he didn't go home empty-handed either. Strelsky's desire-to-stay-active-and-positive outlook was an inspiration.
"He's a stud," exclaimed McCoy. "The way that he's handled it. Not many people in life could handle the trauma that he's gone through. And, I was so glad he caught two fish early. That's all he needed to stay on top. So, I was proud of him. It was a fun day for me."
"I'll always be a fan of his for life," said Strelsky. "I'll just keep rooting him on the field. I'll be his fan forever."
