NFL by the Numbers: 152

One hundred fifty-two is the approximate number of Tiffany & Co. velvet-lined pewter trinket boxes the NFL’s Player Association purchased to give to the wives and girlfriends of former players who RSVP’d for the “Money and You” financial guidance breakfast. The box was like a tchotchke of sorts; a thanks-for-playing gift attendees picked up simply for sitting through a stocks and savings accounts presentation by a big-time writer at Money Magazine. (Research suggests that nearly 80 percent of women in relationships bear the responsibility of managing household finances – often with little help from their significant others, and apparently the NFL got the memo.)

The early-morning seminar was but one of many events on the itinerary during the 2005 NFL Former Player’s Convention, an annual five-day getaway – usually held in a warm, sun-drenched locale; that year it was at the lush Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach – where retired football players, both young and old, convene for food, fellowship, and to hear health and business related updates from their board of representatives.

But for now, let’s focus in on the Tiffany swag because at that point in time, it was the first Tiffany anything I had received. If you’re thinking, Damn, Courtney, the box is made of pewter – it’s not covered in diamonds. You are easy to impress.

Why, yes. Yes, I’m easy to impress, then.

It’s because in all the 12 years I spent toiling in the workforce, attending more yawn-inducing seminars than I care to remember, the only token gifts I received were key chains and cheap ink pens, many of which had run out of ink before I had even reached the parking lot.

So, yeah, I admit it: My heart skipped a beat when I took my seat at the table and realized that the little blue box next to my mimosa and crumpets was for me to keep. It still is a pretty big deal to me.

But as much as this gift excited me, it pales in comparison to the second item we walked away with – and get this: The second item actually cost less than a dollar – 79 cents, to be exact. I’ll explain what it is – as well as its significance – in an upcoming post.

The 2014 NFL Former Players Convention kicks off today, as a matter of fact, at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. This event is just another in a long list of things we’re continuing to pass on while the Ball and Chain are young.

Sigh.

In the meantime, however, Scott’s and my definition of “going away,” involves a trip to…wait for it…

The park.

…where Kennedy this weekend had her first ride on the swing:

And she liked it! She really liked it!

If you like what you see, please cast your vote for us on TMB! Just click the pink banner below my siggy. And if you're really feeling benevolent, “like” us on Facebook and subscribe here to receive this goodness in your e-mail inbox.

* VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE *