In 1968, The Ohio State Buckeyes clobbered Michigan with a 50 to 14 victory at The Shoe (Ohio Stadium). I believed we were destined to be ranked Number One three years in a row. I began interviewing sports figures for my book. I met with Marion Motley and Vic Janowicz. One of the more challenging interviews was with Woody Hayes. I thought of him as coaching “father to son.” I was determined to interview Vince Lombardi who coached “man to man.”

I began calling Green Bay. “This is Nancy DeLong, freelance writer in Columbus, Ohio and I must speak to Mr. Lombardi for an interview.” I made the call three times a day and for three weeks was always told he was busy.

I think the secretaries knew I would keep calling so finally I was told “Hold for Mr. Lombardi.” I was breathless. I pictured a golden arch above his door. And then, “This is Vince Lombardi!”

I went into my spiel. When I took a breath, Mr. Lombardi said, “May I call you Nancy?”

“Oh yes sir, if I may call you Mr. God!”

He belly laughed. He said, “I’ll be in Columbus in January. My secretary will give you the details and you can meet my plane. We’ll spend the afternoon together.”

And we did.