[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22740-22741]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ERNEST ``BILL'' WALSH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William 
Ernest ``Bill'' Walsh. Nicknamed ``The Genius'', Walsh revolutionized 
professional football and became a legend in the San Francisco Bay 
Area.
  Recognized as one of the greatest football coaches of all time, he 
earned a host of awards throughout his career, culminating in his 
enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  After moving to the Bay Area as a teen, Walsh started his coaching 
career at Washington High School in Fremont. He quickly moved up the 
ranks, doing stints as an assistant coach at both the University of 
California at Berkeley and Stanford University before beginning his 
professional career with the Oakland Raiders in 1966. The next ten 
years saw him move on to the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Diego 
Chargers, until 1977 when Walsh returned to the Bay Area, this time as 
head coach at Stanford.
  Two years later, Walsh received the appointment that was to place him 
in the top ranks of American professional football coaches--moving up 
the Peninsula to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

[[Page 22741]]

  Madam Speaker, when Bill Walsh joined the 49ers, their prospects 
seemed grim. Their record from the previous season was 2-14; a record 
that was repeated in Walsh's first season. It was only through his calm 
determination and intelligence for which he became famous that the 
49ers returned to greatness.
  Two years later, in 1981, the 49ers won their first Super Bowl, and 
``The Genius'' earned his nickname as an innovative strategist, expert 
motivator and brilliant coach. His revolutionary tactics were soon 
known throughout the football world as the ``West Coast Offense.'' 
Walsh's next seven years with the 49ers saw two more Super Bowl 
victories, and two legendary Hall of Fame quarterbacks--Joe Montana and 
Steve Young--who thrived under their brilliant coach's tutelage.
  Resigning from his position with the 49ers following his Super Bowl 
win in early 1989, Walsh moved on to become a broadcaster at NBC. Later 
he assumed various roles with Stanford's football team and the 49ers. 
Even after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2004, he worked through 
2005 as interim athletic director at Stanford. He wrote two bestselling 
books, was a motivational speaker, and taught classes at Stanford's 
business school. No matter what he did, Bill Walsh was always known for 
his exceptional intelligence and professionalism.
  Madam Speaker, Bill Walsh earned respect where ever he went through 
his intelligent approach to the game and his demeanor, both on and off 
the field. I am honored to pay tribute to this great professional 
football icon and a proud son of the Bay Area. With his passing earlier 
this week, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of successful proteges and 
reverent fans. I invite my colleagues today, to join me in honoring the 
life and the legacy of Bill Walsh--coach, leader, teacher and an 
outstanding American.

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