I didn't know Neal Morgan as Coach. I knew him as Mr. Morgan. The father of my best friend Allison. I was still scared of him though. lol. I spent many nights at Allison's house and through time and age became unafraid of him. Mrs. Morgan was such a gentle soul and easy to talk to. He took a little more work but it was well worth it. I don't think his brain ever shut down. Even when he was sleeping. Both a curse and a gift. I will miss him being alive on this earth. Just wondering what his next article or book might be about. I'll never forget his newspaper article about being denied a cellphone because he wanted to pay cash for it instead of using a credit card. God forbid some people can pay cash! He was one of a kind and I will miss his presence deeply.
Monday, June 1, 2015

Lance, your dad was a good coach and a better person. He used to stop in and visit my oldest brother at his used car dealership in Lufkin. He always "made his day" when he stopped to visit.
Do you remember that time in practice back in 76 .. you were a sr and I was a jr cornerback. You missed a block on me and he made us run the play over and over again till I think we were both so exhausted we couldn't get off the ground. I went up to him after practice and asked him why did I have to suffer because you missed a block. He spit some tobacco on the ground and said sorry son, I was trying to teach a lesson and got carried away. That was the first time any grown-up ever admitted a mistake to me. To me it took a BIG man to admit he got a little carried away. In my eyes, he will always be Coach.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015

A Texas legend. What a man. Had the pleasure of asking him to speak at our Nederland Football Banquet. Neal wasn't sure if he wanted to do it or not, he said to me"I have nothing to talk about". I told him your experiences in life will do Neal. He accepted. When he spoke he didn't need to raise his voice, everyone was on the edge of their chairs. Sorry to see him go. God Bless
Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Davey Joe and Jake Hart. " Jake Hart, you ought not to've let them hog-fart Wampus Jacks kick your ass."
If you don't know those two names or that line, you haven't read "Play it from the Heart " by Neal Morgan . I consider it one of the best football novels about Texas Football ever! Coach signed my copy with the line "all my best to a fellow sports enthusiast." I couldn't be prouder of that line signed by someone I had always addressed as coach.
The flyleaf lists Neal as a Texas native, writer , rancher ,and for 28 years a teacher, football coach and adminsitrator in Texas high schools and colleges. I want to add to that " solid democrat and lifelong Nederland Bulldog supporter.
This was to be the season Coach was to be in our broadcast booth with Charlie Jehlen at selected Nederland games for the Friday Night Experience. I regret that will not happen now as Nederland and Texas has lost a fine citizen who represented all the best qualities of a writer, educator and coach.
Thank you to the Morgan family for letting us share time and moments all these years with Coach. mike sheffield


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

My deepest heart felt condolence to family and friends. Loved listening to Neals stories and reading his articles he wrote.....never a dull moment! Neal will be missed by so many.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015