Meet The Real Phil Mickelson

I have been a fan of Phil Mickelson's for a very longbeen a quadriplegic ever since. After numerous
time. He's one of those golfers that I've pulled for forsurgeries, doctor visits, etc., Conrad has had to
years and have always assumed he was a nice guydownsize and sell almost all of his assets to keep the
considering how polite and nice he seems onfamily afloat while paying for Joy's rehabilitation.
television. Back in 2004, I was at the Masters onEnter Phil Mickelson. Phil's lawyer, Glenn Cohen, called
Sunday when he won his first Masters title. My wifeConrad up one day and told him that Phil had become
and I were positioned to the left of the tee on #10,aware of his situation and wanted to pay for his
and after Phil teed off, he walked down the left sidedaughter Holli's college education. Conrad couldn't
of the fairway passing directly by us.believe it because he had never met Phil and still
We both smiled and gave him a "Go Phil", and he didhasn't to this day. Conrad asked Cohen why Phil was
something that many professional athletes don't do,doing this, and his response was, "Because he can."
he smiled, tipped his hat and said, "Thank you andPhil does stay in touch with Holli who is now a
thanks for coming out." That may not sound likesophomore at Miami of Ohio. She waits tables and
much, but try that same scenario with many otherhas a heavy load of classes and currently has a 3.8
professional athletes while they're in the heat of theGPA. The first year, Phil sent $20,000, and he has
battle, and you're more likely to get ignored, glaredpromised cost of living increases every year
at, or at best, a quick nod.promising $22,000 and then $24,000.
But, one nice "thank you" does not necessarily meanThis random act of kindness by Phil has changed the
that the real Phil Mickelson is a nice guy. It means he'slives of more than just Holli. It has made Conrad a
polite and respects the fact that the fans are asbetter person, and it's given Joy the will to walk
much a part of a golf tournament as he is.again. She's already made great strides and hopes to
What does make him a nice guy is a story I read in aone day get out of the wheelchair for good. Phil has
recent edition of Golf World magazine. The title ofinvited the entire family to the Memorial Tournament
the article was, "Conrad Dobler's Favorite Golfer."in May, and the family can't wait to meet him in
Unless you are a die-hard historian of professionalperson. As Joy says, "If there's anything he's missing
football, you probably have never heard of Dobler...in his life, it's a set of wings. He's an angel. And if I
Neither had I until I read this article. Conrad was oncecan when I see him for the first time, I'm going to
called the "dirtiest player in the NFL".go up and give him a big hug."
Because NFL players of the distant past did notBECAUSE HE CAN! That is the real Phil Mickelson.
make that much money, and the NFL's disability planTo me, this story embodies what it means to be
doesn't amount to much, Conrad lives a nice, but notsuccessful. Being successful means having the ability
too extravagant lifestyle considering he's hadto help others "because you can." There are so many
numerous surgeries on both knees. But, Conrad'speople who could help others, but they choose not
entire life changed back on July 4, 2001. He and histo. I'd like to challenge you to look for areas in your
wife Joy and their six children were relaxing whileeveryday life where you can perform a random act
waiting for friends to come over for the holiday. Hisof kindness. You'll be surprised how many situations
wife Joy was in their hammock and accidentally fellcome up where you can help....
out of the hammock and couldn't feel anything. She'sGood luck and make it a great day!