Thoughts and prayers for Ed

Of course, you know this by now, but from UI sports info:

HAWKEYE RADIO ANALYST INJURED IN ACCIDENT

Ed Podolak Recovering from Injuries Suffered in Car Accident

IOWA CITY -- Ed Podolak, a former University of Iowa and Kansas City Chief football standout and current radio analyst for Iowa football, was injured this weekend when struck by a vehicle in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Podolak suffered serious injuries when struck by a vehicle while crossing the street near his Scottsdale hotel. Podolak and his wife, Vicki, were attending a social event Saturday in Scottsdale. Full details of the accident have not yet been released.

“My dad is alert and in good spirits. His injuries are serious, but non-life threatening,” said Laura Podolak, one of Ed and Vicki's two daughters. “Our family greatly appreciates the calls and well-wishes we have received from friends and fans throughout the country. But, we also request that everyone respects our privacy as Dad recovers from his injuries. We also want to thank the emergency personnel, doctors and nurses for their quick response and continued care.”

Podolak has served more than 25 years as a radio analyst for the Hawkeye Sports Network's coverage of Iowa football. The former NFL running back is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. As a quarterback and running back at Iowa (1966-68) Podolak rushed for over 1,700 yards.

__________

I tweeted last night that Ed Podolak is the best football color analyst on radio and second place can't find him with a map and GPS.

Believe me, I've listened to every Iowa football radio broadcast intently for the last 12 seasons. OK, not all of them. At the Insight Bowl, I wasn't able to listen and found out I can watch games that aren't blacked out on ESPN3. Between Iowa radio and ESPN3, there are no excuses on missing anything.

I find Ed's path endlessly fascinating, from Hawkeye star to NFL all-star to the radio booth with a few crazy bumps in between. Part Iowa kid out of the fields to the big time. Part Hunter S. Thompson. Part "North Dallas Forty." Endlessly fascinating.

I wish Ed the best of health and a quick recovery. Let's hope he stays in the booth for as long as humanly possible.

Iowa football is much more interesting with Ed Podolak.