I love that I grew up in this era, but every once and awhile I like to think about some of the things that I missed out on. One of the things that I've pondered about on more than one occasion, what would it have been like listening to Howard Cosell call a game? I wonder if I would have fallen in with the crowd who thought he was brilliant, or the group that couldn't stand the cantankerous analyst. Well after this story by Al Michaels, during yesterday's Pro Bowl, I think I can say I would have fallen in with the brilliant folks.

Nearing the end of the game, Michaels was talking about Archie Manning (in attendance), playing in the first Pro Bowl ever, while both his sons were playing in the current one. That then led the PbPer into how he was actually on the call of that first game with Fran Tarkenton and Howard Cosell, and how the late Cosell actually felt about the first Pro Bowl.....

Hilarious. The best part about Michaels these days, is the way he portrays the visuals of some of his more memorable stories. It's also funny that the way Cosell felt about the first Pro Bowl, is the way 95% of fans STILL feel about the game. Man, would he have had some fun with that boring game yesterday. It's tough not to watch the game, because you know Football won't be on again until August, but it's always the most boring contest ever played. At least Michaels and Collinsworth tried to make it somewhat interesting.

I was looking for clips from this special that aired in 2003 over the weekend but couldn't find any on the tubes. Lucky for you and I, HBO is going to re-air the Emmy award winning special "Jim McKay: My World In My Words" this Thursday, June 12th at 7pm.

As I remember it was just McKay talking about his personal life and his experiences in and around Sports. The one thing that stuck out to me was his bout with anxiety and his recovery from it in the early 70s. It also highlights his name change (once Jim McManus), his wife's negotiations of his contracts and dealing with his son as his boss.

It's a great look into a great man written and directed by himself. Be sure to check it out if you've got an hour. It's also airing Sunday, June 15 at 11:30 a.m. (Father’s Day) on HBO; and Monday, June 16 at 11:55 p.m. on HBO2.