It's one final run into the end zone for Glenn Presnell.

When Glenn Presnell died last Tuesday, there was no sadness for his longevity. The sadness was reserved for other reasons.

Many fans were saddened because Presnell never obtained election into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Also lost with his death is the wonderful stories of pro football in an era before mass media coverage.

The biggest loss is Glenn Presnell the gentleman. If there was a finer gentleman in this world, I would like to meet him.

Presnell signed autographs virtually every day until the last few weeks when he grew ill. He answered numerous phone calls from sports writers and fans just wanting to know about his career and the players from his era.

Despite answering the same questions and signing his name thousands upon thousands of times, Presnell never complained and was never short or terse with anyone. Everyone was treated with the same type of respect.

Left behind is Glenn's wife of 30 years, Mary, who is much the same as her husband with the exception of the spotlight of fame.

Soft-spoken yet strong, Mary Presnell watched lovingly over her husband and shared equally in his joys and sufferings.

"We had a great life together. It's hard to put into words. It was so easy to live with him," Mary said. "You have to have respect for each other. You have to work at it."

There is no need to talk about Glenn Presnell's accomplishments. Anyone with any knowledge of him knows about his career with the Ironton Tanks, Portsmouth Spartans and Detroit Lions. He was a great player who belongs in the Hall of Fame.

As for Glenn, he never bragged nor complained. He simply stated - and only when asked - that he knew what he had accomplished and in his mind he knew he belonged in the Hall of Fame. He was also sincere when he said it didn't bother him that he had never been elected, that knowing it in his own mind was good enough.

"He never lost any sleep over it," Mary said.

Yes, even in controversy Glenn Presnell was gracious and humble. The NFL and all its players could take a lesson, as could everyone else. If there was a gentlemen's Hall of Fame, Glenn Presnell would be it's first inductee.

Touchdown, Presnell.

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.