In October 1997, when Comcast SportsNet launched its Philadelphia signal, they created a show called Eagles Post-Game Live, a two-hour talk show with Michael Barkann anchoring, Tom Brookshier providing analysis and me providing, well, I don't know what I was providing. I was just there.

I had very little TV experience, and I was terrified at the thought of doing a live two-hour show.

As the director began the countdown "One minute to air…30 seconds to air…" I was shaking. Tom leaned over and asked, "Are you all right?" I said, "Tom, I'm scared to death." He nudged me with his elbow and said: "Just relax and follow my lead."

So I did… I followed his lead for the rest of that season and the season that followed. Even after Tom left the show in 1999, I continued to hear his voice. Each week as they begin the countdown on Eagles Postgame Live, I still hear it. Thirteen years later, I'm still following his lead.