Jim Vance revealed the secret of George Michael’s success.
It wasn’t technology the late NBC-4 broadcaster pioneered to create a national show. Nor was the unrelenting dedication to excellence. Not even the ambition and competitiveness that once left Michael inches from a fistfight with another sportscaster during a Redskins practice despite being 60 years old.
“George lived the days of his life in terror of failure and rejection,” said Vance, Michael’s co-anchor for 28 years before the latter’s 2007 retirement.
Indeed, Michael feared being second best even when he was by far Washington’s leading sportscaster for a quarter century. It fueled a career in radio and television that made him a national name and local icon.
Yet sports rarely was mentioned during a memorial service for Michael on Thursday before more than 500 at the National Cathedral. Michael died Dec. 24 of cancer. Oh, the 75-minute service drew many Redskins over the years like Joe Gibbs, Sonny Jurgensen, Dan Snyder and Jim Zorn. Many local sports media whose careers Michael either helped or tormented also filled the pews.
But only the man away from the camera was discussed. From the photo of Michael holding one of the horses he bred and cherished to the teary-eyed stories by his children over body surfing and watching airplanes, the man was remembered for moments away from the job. Vance recalled Michael giving $1,000 to a family — who just lost their home to a fire — on the condition of anonymity.
“He was the first man to tell me he loved me,” Vance said. “Guys from my generation … it’s not easy to do. I was a little uncomfortable. George said, ‘Get over it.’ I’m so grateful to him for that.”
Gibbs and Michael were regulars together on Monday post-game and Saturday coaching shows. Gibbs appreciated Michael’s tough questions without an agenda.
“He was very competitive, as competitive as anybody,” Gibbs said.
Indeed, Vance mentioned holes in the newsroom wall created by Michael’s frustration.
“He loves his work and was passionate about it,” Vance said.
Gibbs marveled over Michael’s courage during a two-year bout with cancer. Their final conversations were filled with Michael’s concern for his family.
“He had a peace,” Gibbs said. “He knew where he was going. He knew where he was spending eternity. …
“God, take care of George until we get home.”
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
