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SWOYERSVILLE — The youngest son of the late Lou Michaels remembers his father’s booming voice as if it were yesterday.
Some three decades ago, when he was a sophomore playing defensive back for Wyoming Valley West High School, Matt Michaels received a tip in the form of signals from his father.
“It’s third-and-short,” Matt Michaels began the story. “He (Lou) stood in the same spot in the end zone through all this time. He’s looking at me. We were beating Wyoming Area by two touchdowns. So he motioned to me, ‘Get out, step over fast, score a touchdown.’ “
The kid didn’t listen. And he didn’t score a touchdown.
“I decided to get one last shot in on a receiver who had been giving me problems,” Matt Michaels laughed.
“And I heard about that game for the next 25 years.”
That was Lou Michaels.
Gruff, tough and rough on a football field. But a tender family man and devout Catholic filled with pride for his Polish heritage and Swoyersville home away from it.
His family and friends shared some of the stories that highlighted the former University of Kentucky and NFL star’s unique moments Saturday during a Mass of Remembrance for Lou Michaels at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Parrish in Swoyersville.
Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, whose father counted Lou Michaels as a close friend, told the congregation of losing a God-loving man who prayed for hours each day while comparing Michaels’ final days during his battle with the cancer that finally took his life in January with the cross Jesus had to bear.
While offering words of remembrance about his dad, Matt Michaels spoke of a man who cherished his wife, children and grandchildren; looked forward each year to March 19 and St. Joseph’s Day, the Polish version of the Irish St. Patrick Day; and reveled in wagering on horses at the track and watching various sporting events.
“My dad lived a life,” Matt Michaels said, “most people can only dream about.”
A legendary two-way lineman at Kentucky, Lou Michaels was equally proud of being inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 1992 and the National Polish Hall of Fame in 1994. He was a two-time Pro Bowl player who spent 14 seasons in the NFL as a two-way lineman and kicker for the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts and Green Bay Packers.
He went from Swoyersville to the Super Bowl, becoming the first Wyoming Valley native to reach the NFL’s marquee game as a member of the heavily-favored Colts during a loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III.
That defeat soured his memories of the Super Bowl forever, but not his love of the game.
Or watching his sons play it.
“We won a championship my junior year,” said Lou’s oldest son Ed Michaels, a former Valley West star player and head coach who is now Coughlin’s defensive coordinator. “We were going to the Eastern Conference, I played a pretty good football game. Coming out after the game, he said, ‘Ed, you’ve got to enjoy this one because it’s very, very special.’ ”
Lou Michaels, a man who held such a special relationship with the people around his native Swoyersville passed away Jan. 19 and — in keeping with one of his final wishes — was buried during a private, family service the following week.
His family had intended to hold a public service before Saturday, preferably on St. Joseph’s Day, but complications prevented it, Matt Michaels said.
“But I thought down the road, after time passed, people who didn’t get a chance to say goodbye would get a chance,” Matt Michaels said.
Maybe it was fitting.
As people filled nearly three-quarters of the seating capacity in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s, a steady, light snow began to fall.
Perfect football weather.
“I know,” Matt Michaels said, looking up to the heavens for his father, “you’re here today with us.”
