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About Me
- BaileyZimmerman
- I'm a visual junkie! I need constant visual stimulation. Blogging is a perfect daily fix for me! Many years I lived in the desert...Phoenix, I'm now living in New Jersey the land of the green. Oh, I was starving for change...and change it does...the seasons provide me with more stimulus. I love to travel....and especially love VENICE!!
116 comments:
From a fan of the wonderful Dr. Z, I hope that he will improve and that you do not become too stressed or burned out. Having been there, done that to a different degree, I understand more than I wish I did and wish only the best for you both.
Keep the faith Bailey and take care of yourself too! My husband had the same surgery 3 years ago and it helped him tremendously. Wishing you all the best... Cindy, Columbus, OH
My heart goes out to you. What a struggle this has been for you but you seem to have such inner strength, humor and wisdom to deal with what you have been given. I will keep you both in my thoughts.
Thanks so much for all your kind words!!
Today Paul had a good day at therapy...showed some improvement re: stability and stamina!
Thanks so much for thinking of us....it really HELPS!!!
Love to you.......
The Dr. Z Fan Club is still patiently awaiting his return. As long as it takes.
Dr Z, Best wishes to you and your family. Keep up your strength!
A world of sports fans who have come to think of you two as family are praying you both. Keep the faith!
My thoughts are with you and your family during these troubled times! Thank you for sharing your husband with us over the years
All the best. I'm a huge fan of Paul's work and I miss not only his insights but also his sense of humor. He taught me quite a bit about a sport I thought I knew pretty well.
The Peace Of God Surpasses All Understanding.
Pray For Peace.
GOD BLESS
From myself and all my friends here in cold NH, Patriots land, we love and miss you! Your columns have always been must reads (and will be again) and the personal touch and stories are what took them from good to great. Best wishes always, we know you'll bounce back on the next play!
Bailey:
I am sure that Z always marveled at the athletes that he covered and how hard that they worked. One day at work, I was talking with a friend who was a body builder and I was training for a marathon. We were both feeling pretty good about ourselves when another friend told us about the physical therapy that her husband, who had a stroke, was undergoing. We both agreed HE was the great athlete and we were in awe of HIM.
The same goes with the great Dr. Z. He makes All-Pro and MVP in my book.
Both Dr. Z and you will be in our prayers. God Bless.
Best wishes and healing thoughts to both of you from across the Atlantic in sunny (right this minute at least) Scotland.
Look forward to Z being fit enough to once again entertain us with writings about football, wine and of course the ever present Flaming Redhead!
From a a big fan of Dr Z. Thinking about you and hoping that you improve. Hang in there Dr Z and Mrs Z.
Keep the faith,may God be with you during your journey
I hope you receive the love and support you need. My prayers are with you.
Best wishes to you and your family! I cannot imagine the struggle you are all going through and I admire the strength and hope you have shown in this emotional time. Keep your spirits up and my thoughts are with you for this difficult time to pass.
Stay Strong Flaming Readhead. Dr Z still has so many fans who adore his writing and eagerly wait for his return. This is quiet a struggle and you are an amazing person
Hang in there. It is weird but I have never met Dr. Z but I feel like I know him from his writing so it is like I am watching take care of a favorite uncle. Anyway, I am thinking of Dr. Z and you so hang in there! Sending you both good thoughts from New Orleans.
Hang in there Z, the world is a better place with you here. Plus I'm not sure readers can take another Peter King mock draft... Keep focusing on you and your therapy - strength comes from within and from those around you, and you could not have done beret than Bailey.
I was unaware of Paul's condition until today. From my own personal experience...as well as knowing other folks having this type of issue...it does take time, patience...and Faith. Will keep you, Paul and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish nothing but God's blessings during this difficult time. I have been a fan of Dr. Z's writing for years and I am hoping for some good news. Keep positive vibes flowing!
Aaron, Cincinnati
We wish you the best during these hard times and will be praying for you.
Anna in Buffalo
Dr Z. We all miss you very much and you are one of the greatest sports writers of our era. Just get well, recover, be comfortable. You earned more vacation time than anyone in the sports world ever has. Use it all up my friend!!!!!
DR Z and Bailey,
Raleigh, NC is pulling for the both of you. I wish you two nothing but the best and hope the Doctor's condition improves soon.
Best Regards,
Brian Karp, Raleigh NC
I've read and loved the work of "Dr. Z" since first grade. I'm in awe of both of your strength and resilience! I'm saddened to hear of this setback, but it sounds like it's nothing you two can't overcome if you've come this far. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace
Ty
In another life I covered the NFL for a couple of years, and had the pleasure of sitting next to Dr. Z in a few press boxes and watched him chart games. Also spoke with him a few times at owner's meetings, and it was a pleasure. I'm rooting for both of you. His '81 NFC title game story for SI is one of my all-time favorites.
There is whole legion of fans here in the UK hoping for a recovery.
Best wishes for Dr Z from Newfoundland, Canada. We are all pulling for him...
I may not always agree with what "Dr. Z" would write but he always gave me something to think about, and I would come away with a better understanding of a different point of view. Keep the Faith and God Bless.
Best wishes and prayers to Dr. Z from a huge fan in Dublin, Ireland. Loved his writing through the years, especially the rugby references!
I'll drink a pint tonight to his good health.
Andy.
All the best in your recovery Dr. Z!! May god bless you and your family.
Mrs. Zimmerman, I hope that you are blessed with strength, comfort and hope in the days ahead. Dr. Z wasn't just enjoyed, he was relied upon by people all around the world. Now he's relying on you, and I can't imagine how hard it must be. Thanks for sharing the Dr. with us for so many years, and thanks for keeping him wrapped in love.
We're all pulling for you, Dr. Z! Keep fighting!
Certainly, we are all praying for Dr. Z and that God will ease his pain and suffering. Just remember that He puts us through these life challenges so that we become better, stronger human beings. It is obvious that while he may lose the battle with this surgery, he is no doubt winning in the eyes of God. That courage and determination is admirable and an inspiration for us all. Know that whatever happens, you have accomplished that.
Thinking of, and praying for you, Dr Z. May you fight through the difficult times like the best athletes you've covered... and have peace and comfort during the darkest, trying times. -Scott / Tampa, FL
Peter you did it again....sending us strength and LOVE!!
I opened my e-mail and in poured dozens of messages. I thought OMG something is screwed up...I was almost afraid to open the first one.
I can't begin to tell you how much this means to us....I can't wait to read them to Paul. It'll give him the extra boost he needs to face another round of rehab.
He has worked 100 times harder than anyone I've seen.
You all made me cry....now let's see how Z reacts!!
Love to all!!
Dear Mrs Z (The Flaming Redhead):
I am really sorry to hear that Dr Z's condition has deteriorated. Glad he can still drink wine, though - we know he loves that! I hope he gets better.
Dr Z was probably the first columnist I read regularly, and he really educated me about American football. (I grew up in India.) I really loved reading his columns, and miss him.
My best wishes to you both.
There is no football writer in history whose columns I looked forward to reading more than Dr Z's. His passion, humor and devotion to seemingly endless research for his articles were great to read. Please stay positive and I pray that both you and Paul can stay strong.
Paul, you were the first s.i writer
I enjoyed reading. Your power rankings are way better than Peter kings (but I'm sure you already know that :). But serously Paul, I wish you and your family all the best.
Best wishes from the UK. Our thoughts and prayers (and a little selfish wish to read another Dr Z column) are with you. David
I've been following Dr.Z for the last several years from my home in the UK and I was really saddened to hear of his taking ill. Best wishes to you both and here's wishing him a speedy recovery.
best wishes to the good dr. and all of his family. i always looked forward to reading his articles on si.com! god bless
I wish him the best! I've followed him for a long time. Hope you are doing ok and may God give you strength to get through this.
Well, i'm saddened to hear this latest news. I've read Z's columns for so many years that it's almost like you know the person. Of course you don't but the feeling persists. I hope that both he and you can find some comfort and joy in whatever lies ahead.
Hang in there, Mrs. Z. We love you both and we sorely miss our ol' Dr. Z's columns. Take care.
in life, it is truly a special thing when you get to passionately work with someone, something you love. as a life long fan who appreciated Dr. Z and his passion for his craft, I wish him, his family and friends improving health, a foundation of faith and a positive view of his contributions to this life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Dr. It’s encouraging that he is now seeing improvement.
Dr Z has brought me much pleasure through the years. In his writing, he’s brought a new level of information, mixed with interesting antidotes, to football journalism. I love dipping into the SI Vault and I’m often drawn to Paul’s stories from 30 years ago- the Chuck Noll articles, the John Hannah, the Alworth/ Willie Brown pieces and many others. As I’ve reread them for the first time in many years, I’ve been struck by how much I remember. Paul’s writing is so vivid.
I’m glad that he still enjoys wine. Please realize that many of us are thinking of you.
Greetings from Mexico, praying for you and Dr Z and for his complete recovery, we need him back!
Mauricio Marquez
Thank you for taking such good care of Dr. Z. My heart goes out to you and I hope he gets better.
God Bless. Prayers are with you. M
My thoughts are with you, Dr. Z! We believe in you!
C. Robert Dimitri
Los Angeles, CA
Best wishes to both of you! Dr. Z is in my thoughts with every SI.com visit!
Dr Z, your writing and knowledge inspired me to learn more about football. I eventually got a job writing about the NFL for a major network website. I often thought of you, "what would Dr Z say". Your fortitude inspires me now. Keep pushing. We need you!
Hang in there Dr. Z! Not only do the NFL owners and players need to hear your sanity in the midst of all this chaos, we need you to get back to the Hall-of-Fame voting so there's someone who will stand up to Peter King!
We miss you, desperately and deeply. Continue to fight the good fight!
As a youngster, I read the original 1970 edition of The Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football and have been hooked ever since. Thank you, and I anxiously wait for you to spill more ink. God bless.... Mark, Arlington, VA
Dr. Z was the first sports writer that I said, 'I can't miss any of his columns.' I was just getting into football, so every time he posted something new, it was as if I was going to Football 101.
The best thing about his writing was his voice. He had me laughing so often. He was always the best part of SI.
I'm still holding out hope on Dr. Z getting back to writing. The world needs his humor.
I wasn't even sure who this "Bailey" person was until I saw the picture. "Ohhhh, it's The Flaming Redhead -- why didn't she just say so?!"
Sorry to hear the struggles Dr. Z and yourself have endured. I can only imagine getting up to 48/50 and then ending up all the way down to an 18, and then a 23 (Berg). I will keep you all in my prayers.
On a lighter note, with this NFL lockout in place, Paul isn't missing much in the way of NFL news. This might actually be saving him from having his head explode from frustration, having to write about this nonsense!
/Kevin
Wishing all the strength, courage and humor for you and Dr. Z.
Bailey and Paul,
You both are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss sharing time with you, Bailey, at the NFL events.
Please keep updating us with Paul's progress. We all know the desire is there. The body and the mind will join in again.
We love you and miss you.
Bless you,
Patricia and John Clayton
Best wishes to both you and Dr. Z. I so enjoyed reading all of his work, especially his analysis on lineman. There's no one like him.
The best to both of you. Hopefully it helps, at least a little, that you are, and will continue to be in the thoughts of many.
force, man
Dear Flaming Redhead and Dr. Z,
I too have been a faithful reader for quite some time. I still often wonder what Dr. Z would say about various games and situations. I've always enjoyed his perspective (even though I wish he gave the Bears more love...probably their fault, not his :)
I look forward to his triumphant return with great anticipation.
Best to you both!
Thanks everyone!!!
I made copies of all your messages and brought them with us to rehab today...I read them to Z in between therapy sessions.
He was so touched!!
He needed an upper!!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
I'm sorry to hear that Dr. Z's condition has worsened. I really learned the game of football from reading Dr. Z. I never understood the importance of line play or anything like that if it wasn't for Dr. Z. Also, he was a great storyteller, with his time in the military and the Flaming Redhead. Plus, his passion always came through.
Good luck to both of you. Sincerely,
Sushant
Bailey:
THANK YOU! You made my day. Knowing that we made a difference for a least a day gives us a lot of satisfaction.
Dr Z. is our inspiration, so never, ever give up. Keep the Faith and give it your all. We'll try to take care of the Redhead for you.
Best wishes during this difficult time. Dr. Z's writing always brought me a lot of enjoyment.
Stay positive!
Back in the late 80's I had an office next to Dr. Z at SI. I worked in the marketing department and he stayed on the 20th floor when the editorial staffe moved to remodeled offices. We rarely spoke other than a passing hello but I was in total awe as a punk fresh out of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. One of my fondest SI memories was when Dr. Z invited me and a PR manager to a wine tasting. It was a small gesture for him but an awesome event for a 24 year old kid new to NYC. Thanks again Dr. Z. My prayers are with you and your family.
prayers and hopes go out to your family hope the doc makes it back soon.
All the best to you and Dr. Z, thinking and praying for you.
An NFL fan in Scotland, UK
Your family is added to our prayer list. Hang in there and know your legion of supporters is out here...
Even though I'm from afar, I still am keeping tabs on Dr. Z and his ultimate Angel from heaven above, Mrs. Flaming Redhead. I've kept asking Peter King about his health and I also reckognize he has his hands full keeping up with people like us tryin' to hear the latest about his health. Mrs. Bailey, tell Dr. Z that his #1 fan from Honduras and CENTRAL AMERICA is keeping him in his prayers. I encourage you not to give up on your fatih. God is the greatest "Mission Impossible" Player on the field. He's "thisclose" to both of you right now. Don't give up. I'll leave you with Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The best of wishes for a safe, blessed and speedy recovery. Cesar B. Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Dr. Z taught me football. He not only informed me but his style of writing was so enjoyable to read that I even enjoyed the digressions into the mysteries of wine.
Dr. Z is to sports writing what Mike Royko was to Chicago politics. They are my two favorite journalists and I miss their columns deeply.
I know that the good doctor can't help me with Royko's absence but I'm counting the days until that vinegary old s.o.b. once again chastises all who dare to screw with his beloved game.
My very best wishes to the good Doctor and Flaming Redhead, you are in my thoughts.
Every time I go to the NFL section of SI.com, I miss seeing Dr. Z's face and his articles. No one can replace him and I just hope we get to enjoy his insight some more.
I followed the link to your blog from today's MMQB, Bailey, and I would like you and the good Dr. to know that I have been pulling for you both since the first day Peter let us all know that Paul had fallen ill. I've been a fan of his writing for the last twenty years of so and after reading all the comments posted, it looks like the good Dr. has fans world wide.
I'm terribly sorry that Paul has suffered another setback, but keep fighting the good fight and keep going hard at your rehab. I've never given up hope that you will return to a productive lifestyle. You've got a beautiful and loving wife and a legion of fans pulling for you. God bless the both of you.
Linda:
There's no doubt you and Paul have had to deal with more than your fair share of adversity. But you both have proved you are more than willing to do whatever it takes to overcome your obstacles. Keep your courage up, keep the faith that things will get better again, and remember that you are not alone...there's an army of millions supporting you and Paul with prayers and strength. We are all here for you. Take care and God bless you both.
I'm pulling for you Doc! Been a fan for years and look forward to more after you recover!
Hang in there, guys. My father has had similar medical issues and has come out of it great. I hope the same for you and Paul! I miss his weekly articles and videos.
Sending prayers and hope from NYC.
Bailey,
Hang in there. Best wishes to you & Dr. Z.
The Great and Powerful Dr Z is in our thoughts and prayers. We miss his insight and irreverent humor, but most importantly the man himself. Get well soon Doc!
Best of luck to you & Dr. Z, Bailey. I have always been a fan of Dr. Z. Hang in there.
Hi Bailey,
I grew up reading Dr. Z's articles and I had taken for granted the fact that there was a family and a story behind the man. I remember buying the SI issues just to see what Dr. Z had to say about the NFL.
I had not realized that he had fallen ill. I hope that "Dr. Z" is able to improve and in addition that you are able to take care of yourself and not burn out.
Please know that many of us out there are rooting for both Paul and you.
Joe from San Jose, CA
I'm a big fan of Dr. Z and I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers. Your pictures are amazing but your messages about Paul can truly inspire. I look forward to reading more messages about Dr. Z soon. Keep the posts coming!
I'm a long time reader of Dr. Z. I can honestly say that reading his columns both in print and online over the years has helped make my day better. He is in my thoughts during this difficult time and please let me know that many readers out there are thinking about him (and missing his columns).
Keep your head up, better days are ahead. Love and respect to the family of DR Z...
Keep your head up, better days are ahead. Love and respect to the family of DR Z...
I'll be praying for you & Dr. Z as his rehab and recovery continue. Keep the faith! There are people praying for you.
All the best!
He was there when I really started to get into the business side of the NFL. I learned a lot about football in those times and it definitely developed my deep passion for the game. I am a huge fan and am very greatful for all of his contributions. I wish there was more we can all do. Just know that we are all pulling for you two.
I always used to open up SI straight to DR. Z's Forecast and read it. You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers.
Grew up with Dr. Z when he was at the Post. My best to Paul and his family. Keep fighting, Dr. Z!
Our thoughts are with you. I read a great article from Adam Schefter that mentioned Dr. Z's condition and we are all pulling for him. Keep up the writing never give up!!!! Best wishes :)
Murphey Austin, Tx
Get better!! We're rooting for you!!
Will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers, Bailey. Hopefully your husband's surgery will have as good an outcome as others I have seen-- the results really can be impressive.
Dr. Z's writing really introduced me to football, and taught me to love the game. Without him I probably wouldn't be watching the sport at all, and would have missed out on something I really love, and that helped me bond with my stepdad when the relationship was still tenuous. So without even knowing me he made a big positive contribution to my life.
He absolutely has my best wishes going forward, and we're all holding out hope for him.
Best of luck to the both of you. Never stop believing.
Dr Z was is and always will be my favourite sports writer, I wish you all the best and im Glad that Paul can still enjoy his wine. Paul had a gift for writing and i want to thank him for being a big big reason for my love of football and all the history that comes along with it so thank you Dr Z and all the Best.
I was a kid who only enjoyed baseball and thought football was just a bunch of fat guys running around. But actually forcing myself to watch football games in college, as well as a healthy dose of Dr. Z's wickedly funny columns definitely developed my love and appreciation of the intricacies of the game.
Best of luck to you and Dr. Z, Bailey—we appreciate your hard work, and we only hope that one day we can share your rewards.
Dr Z. - you're in my prayers. I bought SI only to read your analysis' & weekly picks. I rarely read the rest of the magazine & I haven't read SI since you left - God bless you & your family.
Reading Dr. Z's articles were always a great source of entertainment for me. You have all my best wishes through this trying time, know that many are thinking of you guys.
My dad alwAys raved about Dr .
He would always say this guy is the Nostradamus of picking who's gonna a NFL. He was very upset when he found out he suffered a stroke I very sorry for you and your husband. You baily are an angel for staying by your husband through thick and though. He appreciates it alot more then you know. Good luck to you and to my favorite sports writer/broadcaster of all time. Oh and Dr Z get better soon I want to read your articles again your really inspired me to pursue sports journalism thank you and feel better
Like so many of Paul’s fans, I have been pulling for him. His was the only “must read” site for me. I would urge you not to get discouraged. My mother had a 3-level laminectomy right before Thanksgiving. As the doctors predicted, the progress was slow, and sometimes my mother was so frustrated that she said she regretted having the surgery. But looking back half a year later, her progress has been dramatic. Full recovery from a laminectomy takes about a year. I encourage you to focus on the fact that he is making progress and be as patient as you can be. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Thanks everyone for the outpouring of care!!
Anonymous....thanks for the heads up re: your Mom's recovery from her laminectomy. Paul's surgery was at the beginning of March and we're still seeing some improvement. In fact Paul just indicated that he feels stronger than he has in months. That's good news!!
Dr Z, you are the reason I pursued sportswriting back in High School at Horace Mann. I'll always remember pouring over your mock draft when Mel Kiper barely had a head of hair!
Hang in there brother.....
Bailey, I didn't realize at the time how important some of the info was about Paul, until my husband had a stroke this week, I mentioned the Berg test to the pt and they are going to do one this afternoon... Cindy, Columbus, OH
Cindy from Colombus Ohio...my heart goes out to you!!
These first few weeks after a stroke are so tough....hellish in fact!!
It's good to have a Berg test shortly after a stroke...and then again every month or so. That way you can both see how much progress he has made. Sometimes it's difficult to see progress and the test can reaffirm improvements.
Please let me know how things are going for you and your husband!!
Bailey, thanks for the words of encouragement...my husband came home today and is actually getting around pretty well walking with someone next to him, he'll continue pt as an outpatient, its his left hand that needs help with the fine motor skills, we should probably consider ourselves lucky if it weren't for the other diagnosis - lung cancer - which they think contributed to the stroke in the first place... Cindy
Hello Paul and Bailey,
Hope each day brings something positive to your world.
Think about you often and pray you will make progress with all your hard work.
What's missing most is your football knowledge and what you offer to fans. You inspire those who cover the sport.
What John personally misses is Paul's wit in the press box and his background in Hall of Fame voting.
Have a wonderful summer.
Patricia and John Clayton
Hello Bailey and Paul,
Hope summer is treating you well. We're finally getting some warmer temperstures without any rain. Yeah!
So many people are missing Paul's wit and wisdom. John said Paul's knowledge is so welcome at the Hall of Fame meetings.
We're sure Paul is working as hard as he can to recover. We pray he makes progress each and every day.
Please keep us informed about how you both are doing.
Bless you,
Patricia and John Clayton
As the parties struggle to hammer out a CBA between the players and the NFL, I am reminded of how hard both you and Dr. Z are working to improve his life. Hang in there, you have MANY friends and we are offering up special prayers for both of you. Paul has had a 3 year "training camp" and like most fans, just wants to see some football played. God Bless both of you. STEVE
Whenever a new post appears I read it to Paul...it makes his day!!
Pat & John...Thanks so much for your kind words. We miss everyone...it was so nice to hear from you!
I hope things are going well for both of you??
Pat any great museum visits?
Thanks for the update. You can see a lot of us haven't forgotten about Paul, and still miss him. Hope you're both holding out as well as possible.
From the greatest Dr. Z fan in Brazil and probably the only local Lion's fan, I wish you both all the best during this holiday season and a great 2012.
Paul Zimmerman is the finest writer I have ever seen. Prayers go out to you Paul and Linda.
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