Neal Anderson is really underrated in Gator lore. I met him at the Texas roadhouse where I worked while in Gainesville and he said he retired early to preserve his health. Saw too many 30 plus year olds going on 60 to keep wrecking his body. Scarlett and perine were great in their own rights.
I moved to and worked in Chicago when Neal was a Bear. All that poor kid had to do was come behind Sweetness when he started in Chicago........ that's all. Neal balled out and gained the respect of a tough fan base. I mean at times Neal WAS the offense in Chicago. He signed two 4 year contracts and got Paid, his 2nd contract. Neal was unreal his first 4 years, he was as good as any back in the NFL. His second contract was marred by injury but I'm glad Neal got out when he did and saved his health.
Grew up watching the bears and chiefs. I remember Neal well hisbfirst four years. A smooth runner and good pass catcher. Think injuries and a change of focus after that 2nd contract lines up with his relative decline. The bears used to be on TV weekly even here in Florida those days
I kept stats for Dunnellon HS for several years. We played at Baker HS somewhere around 1996 and the entire chain crew for BHS was older guys. They were all graduates of BHS and did every game. I was impressed. Most schools have a hodgepodge of ages on on the chains. They told me Dupree owned(?) a car dealership in Macclenny and attended some of the games. They also said he was about double his weight from his playing days.
I played pee wee football there in the 70’s . The stands were packed and had stories in the local paper. They loved their sports.
