Thank you for serving our country Jeff! May God bless you for your unselfish sacrifices! Go cougars!

Great story, Dick! You were one of my mentors when I was going to BYU and working at the Provo Herald. And my thanks and best wishes go out to Chief Bledsoe for serving our country in combat. I'll be joining him in a month when I deploy to Afghanistan with the USAF, so will also be cheering on the Cougars from the combat zone. I was the sports editor of the Universe during Summer 84 session and graduated that August, so I wrote a story or two on the 1984 team, but wasn't there for the national championship run. This year's team has the potential to equal the accomplishments of that great team, and I know Coach Mendenhall will keep them grounded and focused for each game. I am so proud to be a Cougar and I'm proud of this team for playing great on the field and displaying character and being model citizens off the field. Coach Mendenhall is a great coach and has instilled in his players a strong work ethic, but more importantly, the responsibility of representing themselves and their school with dignity and sportsmanship. Thank you Cougars for being American's best (all around) football team!

So what happened to Reed? I didn't even see him get hurt during the game? Or was this something that happened during practice?

Some feel we have become a nation obsessed with sports. I can agree with that to a point. But I see in many instances the good in sports in your story. Athletics broke down color barriers, and has repeatedly taken our minds off of the tragic during times of war.

There is beauty in watching effort, skill, and heart being played out on a large stage.

Thanks for serving brother, we pray for you and your sweet family in Scottsdale.

Come home safe!

Until then, Go Cougs! Give this man something to cheer about!

Jeff and I have two things in common, we're both loyal Cougar fans, and we're both serving in the armed services. The football team really does give guys like us a chance to take our minds off of the stresses that war can bring to our lives. It's especially rewarding to see the Cougars do well and for Bronco to successfully integrate some of our military culture such as coins and dogtags to help him build young men of character. Not only am I proud of the successes these young men are having on the field, but more especially their successes off of it. I wish Jeff and his family well while he's in Iraq.

Why does the NCAA have to approve something like this? Does anyone know the rules and/or regulations?

RE: Anonymous
Reed was injured during the UCLA game, though I don't think it was anything he had to be taken out of the game for. There was a pass midway through the 3rd quarter from Gaskins to Reed, and I think Reed got knocked in the knee when he was tackled. He had a slight tear in one of the tendons in his knee. I read another article that said he's gonna have orthoscopic surgery today (Thursday), and he should be ready to go for our game against Utah State (it actually couldn't have come at a better time because we play Wyoming this week and then we have a bye before playing USU).

It was sad to hear that Michael Reed will be out 2-4 weeks because of a knee injuring - MCL tear that will be repaired arthroscopically.

The good news is this comes during the softest portion of BYU's schedule, Wyoming at home, bye, and at Utah State.

We do need Michael back and healthy for the New Mexico game on October 11, and especially for TCU the following week.

Good luck on your quick recovery Michael.

That man truely bleeds blue. True cougar fans put their life on the line for their team, like jeff does. We all need to sacrafice for the cougars, not just jeff. The cougars are what makes this state and university legendary. If you bleed blue, you will go to any lengths to show your loyalty.

Good timing for such an injury, but is still advertsity. Kudos to the second stringers who played very well. Also Kudos to thr 12th man. The noise was great. I think Norm Chow would like to have the first series back, but didn't have confidence that the team could pick up 3 inches. Oh well. I almost hope UCLA bounces back and opens some eyes. Almost.

Thanks for serving Jeff,
I am glad that you have something to take your mind of of what you are going through.
Sports really does have a good side, and this article points that out.

Jeff, if I were you I would not check the score on Nov. 22 when Utah beats the Cougs by 5.

Go Utes and Thanks to all of our service men/women no matter who they cheer for.

you can't give almost anything (maybe even a plate of cookies to NCAA scholarship athletes). Exceptions are made, and it's good they are going through channels.

I think Bronco Mendenhall is a Jedi Knight.

I hope that you are kidding.
Comparing Football to a War, you are disturbed.
Your comments show why people struggle liking BYU.

It's good that BYU is careful about gifts of any kind as the NCAA loves to ding programs about even trivial stuff. I found out several years ago it was illegal to give something of no commercial value, like photos of their game performances, to athletes and families, even if these were offered free to anyone upon request! BYU works hard to play by the rules, even if they sometimes make no sense. Keep it up!

Silver Maned Cougar

I have spent 17 months in Iraq since '03...that being said, I believe i am a loyal fan but I think you are trying to mix in loyalty to a school and football team with putting one's life on the line to defend our country. I see where you wanted to go with it but I am not sure that was the appropriate comparison. I thank Jeff for his service and think that he would agree.

Great story and very inspiring, but I think the comment about Michael Reed's injury is a bit understated! Michael Reed has been a money receiver this year, and in year's past. He may well be one of the most under-rated players, and person, on this BYU offense. Hall, Unga, and even Collie and Pitta get plenty of press, but Reed as been consistent, intense and been there every game and every play this year.

Time to give Reed his due and a more detailed news article about his injury is certainly warranted.

I hope it is not serious and that you are back soon, Michael. We need you during the difficult games of NMU, TCU, and the final conference game of the year.

I appreciate that Bronco uses battle and warriors as comparisons to teach and motivate, but points out clearly, the "sacrifices" made on the football field are nothing compared to the sacrifices made on a battle field.

You make ah-ha proud!

But, I think Reed tore his meniscus, not his MCL. The meniscus is the cartlege that cushions the knee socket, the ligament basically holds the joint together (anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments are ones most often torn in sports).

Re: "true Cougar fan" and "Bronco": When are you ute fans/BYU haters going to grow up? Your level of immaturity is astounding that you would post asinine comments on an article like this.

Thank you for your service!
I have a soldier and a Marine over in the sandbox right now, so our entire family gives you both a big HOO-AH! and big OOH-RAH!

"True Cougar Fan" is a troll -- taking a ridiculous position just trying to get a reaction. And "Re: True Cougar Fan" at 10:40 a.m. bought into it. Through the years coaches and sports writers have used war and the military as metaphors for sports, but people have always understood that the two were not REALLY the same. Unfortunately, today there are those who are looking for ANYTHING with which to attack someone who is prominent, and so Bronco has to protect himself by explaining to the easily offended that of course we don't REALLY think playing a football game is on a par with fighting a military battle. Literalists have taking all of the joy out of waxing metaphorical.

Rich:
THat was just plain rude. Go home!

During Reed's absence you will Koz step up to fill his daddies shoes. He is another that has the potential to shine!

Any relation to Drew Bledsoe the late Patsie's QB?

While deployed to Colombia we're glued to our computer's as well. Thank goodness KSL broadcasts over the web! GO COUGS, you've got fans all over the world!

So far I haven't heard any veterans telling Bronco to stop the comparison, but I have heard several praising him for what he has done with the team.

Ute low lifes post your comments some other place. Go Cougars. Win or lose, you are winners. Utah could win by 80 and they would not be winners.

RE:Utah Cougar 1:54 p.m. Sept. 18, 2008

I was not being rude, if you read my statement you will see that I was thanking him and everyone for their service. I don't care what team people root for.

Sorry if you took it the wrong way, but I think you are the rude one.

It looks like you are taking sports a little too seriously.

PS. I am home.

From somewhere in Asia
"Ute low lifes post your comments some other place. Go Cougars. Win or lose, you are winners. Utah could win by 80 and they would not be winners."

Not winners, but whiners.

Thanks Chief Bledsoe! You are a true hero. May God bless you and all of our troops. We are praying for you daily.

Utes whiners is well said.

This article deserves a follow-up. I'll be watching with interest to see what the outcome is with the NCAA. If they say yes, then we all want to hear who gets the honor. If they say no, then we deserve an article about stupid regulations that had a good purpose but went astray.

Jeff, your Apache flying brother from Ft. Rucker thinks it is a great idea! We've come a long way from watching BYU games on a computer in Alabama together. GO COUGARS!!!

As someone who is an Army pilot and former football player, I think the military comparisons are fine. Except for the actual danger, soldiers and football players share a lot in common. We both strive for excellence, work as a team, and have a bond between our brothers that few can understand. We suffer together, support each other, and grow together as a unit. It truely is a band of brothers fighting an enemy, the stakes are just higher for soldiers.

Stay safe Jeff, I'm heading over there next Spring, sorry I couldn't get over there sooner to escort some of your missions. Later. BYU class 2004.

Don't worry Rich, I'm a Cougar fan, and I think you're funny, I appreciate your humor.

Lighten up Utah Cougar!

Just wanted to give some credit to Chad Bunn, who is the man behind all the DVD's. When I had three brothers serving in Iraq my dad spoke with Chad about getting DVD's of the games for the boys in the war. Since they were all over Iraq, Chad burned multiple copies of EVERY game for my dad. For over a year and a half, every football and basketball game was burned and ready for my dad. Chad was performing this service way over and above what his job responsibilities were, probably on his own time to serve those in our military. Class acts all over the place.

Thanks for your service Jeff, get 'er done.

I, too, want to say how grateful we military Cougar fans are for technologic advances that allow us to hear the games nearly live while over here (even if I do have to stay up 'til 2:30 to hear an afternoon game. You should know that AFN-Armed Forces Network carried the UCLA and UW games (delayed broadcast) and were available here. It's too bad they can't work out something with the mTn.

MAJ MLL
BYU Class of 85
Baghdad

This is a nice article about Jeff Bledsoe. Be safe and God speed until you return to your family. There are more important things than the BYU Utah rivalry. Military and football comparisions though should never be done.

Jeff, thank you for representing our country so well. Whether or not the Cougars are able to use the flags, your gesture is a great idea. With so much apathy seen in many of our country men, it is refreshing to see the excitement and enthusiasm of the true life warriors rooting for BYU.
CAB

Just received an email from my son, Jeff. He is really surprised by the interest in this idea.

"Wow, this thing is getting crazy. I really didn't think it would be a very big deal. Just something between me and the team."

Jeff is currently scheduled to be home in December. I'm looking forward to sitting the same room with my son and watching the Cougars and Utes make us proud as Bowl Season gets underway. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Anziano Bledsoe, I love to get updates on my missionaries and reading the Deseret news article was a most pleasant way to find out what you have up to since you left Bella Roma. Congradulations on your marriage and family, your graduation from college and your career, Most of all congradulations and tons of thanks for your service to our country. You continue to be a wonderful example to the youth of America. Thank you for all that you and your comrades are doing to keep us safe from terror and to give a whole nation of people a taste of freedom. I watched the UCLA game and after reading your article I understand why the Cougars were able to raise their level of play several knotches. You are an inspiration. Continue your good work and come home safely, God Bless,

Leone Flosi
Italy Rome Mission

Yes, we are distantly related to Drew Bledsoe.

Jeff, long time, no see! Thanks for representing the family in such an outstanding way and for your sacrifices for our safety & freedoms! You are truly one of my hero's!!

Love, your cousin, Linda B.

Besides Thank you and God Bless - One Word for Jeff and those in far away places

"SLINGBOX"

Thanks for the suggestion however, there is a problem,
"BANDWIDTH"
The problem with the computers in some of these faraway places is that there isn't enough bandwidth to support the Slingbox. Believe me, we tried to use the Slingbox in order to watch some of these games.
Thank you Jeff for your service.

Thanks for serving our Country Jeff. I work with your mother on the HOPE Task Force and she is one proud Mom ~ and I can see why!! Anything to decompress a little over there and help keep your head in the game and what better way to do that than to cheer for your favorite team and honor one of them each week in a Patriotic and meaningful way!! As in war, so in football...it is a "Full Contact" battle to the end. My husband is also in the military, has been in the sandbox for 15 months as well, and I am just thankful for inspiratonal men like you!! God Bless you, America and all our troops!! I'll even do a shout out for the Cougars ~ though I went to the U LOL!! HOOAH!!