Rival Report 10/28: Marty Schottenheimer battling Alzheimer's Disease

Sad news came down the wire today, former NFL head coach of the Chargers and the Chiefs Marty Schottenheimer has Alzheimer's Disease. If you have ever watched a loved one suffer from the debilitating disease you already know how awful it is to see a person go through. It's a long journey ahead of the Schottenheimer family but it sounds like they are handling it well so far.

"He's in the best of health, [but] sometimes he just doesn't remember everything," Marty's wife Pat said to ESPN Cleveland. "He functions extremely well, plays golf several times a week. He's got that memory lag where he'll ask you the same question three or four times.

It's pretty remarkable for him to still be in as good of condition as it sounds like he is in after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's 5 years ago. They appear to be taking it all in stride but they also know that it's going to be a long fight ahead of them.

"He remembers people and faces, and he pulls out strange things that I've never heard, but he's doing well. It's going be a long road. We both know that."

There is no doubt that he is a warrior and will take on Alzheimer's the same way he took on team after team in his illustrious football coaching career. For those of us who remember "Schotty" coaching, it was always quite the sight to behold on Sundays. He was the type of head coach that Hollywood has made a living portraying football coaches as in movies, fiery and red faced yelling at everyone while also being the type of caring coach that players absolutely loved.

This isn't the end for Marty Schottenheimer, though one does have to wonder how many more times we will hear from him as time continues to slip by. It's a sad part of life but if you live long enough, eventually something like this rears it's ugly head. Don't feel bad for Mr. Schottenheimer though, he knows he has lived a good life and he is appreciating every minute he has of it.

"I'm sitting here looking at a lake and it's a spectacular setting. Pat and I, the Lord's blessed us. I mean, there's no other way I can identify it. We're doing really good."

Good luck Marty Schottenheimer, you were the epitome of a rival to the Raiders for many years but the very best kind of rival. The type of rival who always put up a good fight and earned the respect of those on the other sidelines and in the stands. No doubt that the warrior you are will continue fighting for as long as possible, no matter what comes next in this battle.

Marty Schottenheimer has Alzheimer’s disease - Arrowhead Pride
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