In the sprawling tapestry of war stories, some threads weave together in unexpected ways. One such story is about an NFL quarterback and a Vietnam War POW. This is the untold tale of how a sportsman, unbeknownst to him, helped a captive soldier maintain his sanity and will to live.
The Unlikely Connection
“In the darkest corners, it’s amazing where we find our light.”
This story revolves around two key characters: Earl Morrall, an NFL quarterback, and Jack Fellowes, a Vietnam prisoner of war (POW). Their worlds were poles apart, yet they were unknowingly connected.
Earl Morrall: The Gridiron Star
Morrall was a seasoned NFL quarterback who played for six different teams over 21 seasons from 1956 to 1976. His trade to the New York Giants marked a significant turn in his career.
Captain Jack Fellowes: The Vietnam POW
On the other side of the globe, Fellowes, a Navy pilot, was shot down and captured in Vietnam in 1966. He spent the next seven years of his life in the notorious “Hanoi Hiltons,” battling not just physical torture but the mental torment of captivity.
A Mind Game: Remembering to Forget
“In captivity, memory becomes both a curse and a companion.”
During his time in captivity, Fellowes would try to distract his mind from the harsh reality of his surroundings. He did so by reminiscing about baseball lineups, replaying football games in his mind, and recalling old television shows.
However, one day, while thinking about a particular episode of the show “What’s My Line?” where Morrall’s trade to the Giants was discussed, Fellowes hit a mental roadblock. He couldn’t remember the name of the quarterback mentioned.
The Struggle to Remember
“In memory, an obscure name became a beacon of sanity.”
For the next two and a half years, Fellowes grappled with trying to remember Morrall’s name. He remembered watching him play and being impressed, but the name eluded him. The struggle to recall this seemingly insignificant piece of information was driving him to the brink of insanity.
The Eureka Moment
“The mind has a way of revealing its secrets when least expected.”
One day, while Fellowes and some fellow POWs were trying to remember song lyrics, a breakthrough occurred. As he was mentally singing the song “Lucky Old Sun,” Morrall’s name popped into his mind.
The realization was so surprising and relieving that Fellowes couldn’t help but celebrate. To the others, his joy over remembering a name might have seemed trivial. But for Fellowes, it was much more than that.
The Significance of a Name
“A name, a memory, a lifeline.”
Morrall’s name became a lifeline for Fellowes. It was a testament to his mental strength and testament to his ability to remember. It gave him hope, and it kept him sane. For the remaining four years of his captivity, the memory of that moment and the name Earl Morrall remained with him, helping him to endure the unendurable.
The Life-Saver
“A man he never met, a name he couldn’t forget, a life he helped save.”
Looking back, Fellowes gives credit to Morrall for unknowingly playing a pivotal role in his survival. The struggle to remember Morrall’s name kept his mind active and prevented him from succumbing to despair. In a way, he believes that Morrall saved his life.
