Jeff Foxworthy recently met with UGA librarian Toby Graham and his staff and called me to see if lunch with Mark Richt could be arranged following his session with the library staff.
That was easy, since there exists the greatest mutual admiration society between these two men, both famous for very different reasons.
The former Bulldogs coach arranged lunch at his home in the Five Points neighborhood in Athens. Much of what took place could have been expected if you knew anything about them.
“Do we go in the front door?” Jeff asked as we parked. I had visited the Richt spread a couple of times before, but I did not remember the protocol. About that time, the former coach was at the back door, summoning his guests through the garage.
Following a friendly embrace, Foxworthy was stopped in his tracks as he entered the kitchen area. There was a post the width of a 2X4 in the utility room, which segues into the kitchen, where growing grandchildren have their heights written with dates. Those kids will grow into their teenage years and beyond, and someday be able to look back and remember how tall they were at certain ages. That it is adolescent graffiti does not bother Mark and Kathryn Richt. Grandchildren are allowed to live by their own rules.
Foxworthy was touched. You would expect that at Billy Graham’s house. At Jimmy Carter’s house. At George Bush’s place. At Roger Staubach’s kitchen. But what was the kitchen like in Adolph Hitler’s home? Or Joseph Stalin’s?
I learned from a friend a long time ago that grandchildren are never overrated. I have also heard grandparents talk about how nice it would be to skip children and go straight to grandchildren.
We went from the children’s height study to the kitchen–den combination, where sandwiches were laid out (the coach had pre-ordered), as the conversation ramped up right away with Foxworthy becoming the “grand inquisitor.”
If you know anything about the second-winningest coach in UGA history, you surely expect him to return thanks before the meal. Foxworthy complemented the humility of the blessing with a robust, “Amen.”
He asked the coach about his network television gig with ESPN. He wondered about favorite players, his biggest games, and most thrilling moments. The comedian was having the time of his life doing the asking and cheerleading at the same time.
I chose not to ask the comedian if, in informal gatherings do people, by their disposition and body language, say, “Make me laugh!” I can tell you that all you have to do with this grand Georgian is steer the conversation to grandchildren, Georgia football, and family, and the laughs will erupt like a South Georgia thunderstorm in late July.
That is the beauty of this incredible talent: he makes you laugh without trying to.
Jeff Foxworthy is just naturally a very funny man. He watches people constantly — the man on the street — and collects material that brings houses down all over the country.
He confided that one day, a grandson was at the pool and announced that he had to use nature’s call. Jeff told the kid it would be okay for him to do what comes naturally this one time. The grandkid then jumped out of the water, took off his swim shorts, and sent a stream into the pool.
Coach Richt wanted us to try his favorite brand of chips, “Ruffles Baked Cheddar & Sour Cream.” All three of us kept reaching for this tasty delight until there was nothing left but crumbs.
When Jeff caught the coach pouring the residue from the chip bag into his mouth, he out a big “whoop,” whipped out his iPhone, and punched out a few notes in his grab-bag — another “You might be a Redneck” joke for a future performance. The man is always thinking, which means he is always working.
What I appreciate about Jeff is his genuineness.
He is about children, grandchildren, and the simple things in life. He swooned over the great moments of the coach’s Bulldogs career. Most importantly, he appreciates Richt’s emphasis on the value of faith. They are on the same page when it comes to identifying with faith-based principles.
As we drove away, my thoughts suddenly turned to a couple 481 miles away.
I feel for what Archie and Olivia Manning, who are going through what they are. They must be agonizing over the pressure and criticism of their grandson, Arch, the Longhorns’ quarterback.
I’m sure they hurt for him just like any of us hurt for our own grandchildren. Life can be unfair sometimes, and when it is, we suffer deeply when our grandchildren are affected.