Quinn quite the painter
Oct. 28, 1996
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Quinn Early displayed unusual talent for drawing and painting as a youngster. It all started when Quinn andhis older brother Derrick read comic books, and then drew their favorite superheroes.
In 1992, Quinn was commissioned to create a collection of images that served as the cover for the Saints' 1993 media guide, schedule cards, and season tickets. The images -- dramatically striking illustrations on a black background -- capture the feel, sights and sounds of life in New Orleans. From Saints owner Tom Benson holding a parasol to jazz musicians playing instruments, Quinn's work clearly connects the two things most important in his life -- football and art.
Benson was so impressed with his star wide receiver's artwork that he purchased the original and helped produce 350 limited-edition prints that sold for $200 each. Proceeds from the sale went to the Leukemia Society. Early's next project is to paint Bruce Smith and sell lithographs of the painting with the proceeds going to a local Buffalo charity.
Quinn, an all-state track star who received all-county accolades in football and basketball during his high school days, went on to earn a commercial art degree from the University of Iowa. While there, he produced an illustration entitled "Hawkeye Spirit" which commemorated head football coach Hayden Fry's first 10 seasons. The illustration remains on display at the Big 10 school.
And there may be another early family artist in the not so distant future. Quinn says he gets worried sometimes because his son, Quinn Cameron, will stay in his room for hours. When he goes to check on his six-year-old, he finds him drawing pictures.
New York Giants running back Keith Elias has always been interested in writing. While at Princeton, he wrote his senior thesis on turn of the century American culture and how it affected football.
As a matter of fact, New York Giants coach Dan Reeves is currently reading his thesis. Keith has also written several film scripts. He and his brother Brian just finished a script that includes two characters who are a lot like Keith and his friend/teammate tight end Howard Cross.
Of course, Howard has said he would like to play himself in the movie.
A little of this and a little of that
Phoenix Suns Wayman Tisdale's sophomore jazz CD "In The Zone" is number 15 on the contemporary jazz charts ... John McEnroe and his "Johnny Smyth Band" will be performing concerts in Tokyo on October 31 and November 5 to sold-out crowds ... Actor Charlie Sheen has a huge collection of baseball memorabilia including the Yankees' World Series trophy from their last championship which he has loaned to the Official All-Star Cafe in New York ... If you were thinking about changing your hair color to, lets say, Apple Green, you might want to check out Punky Colour ($7.99), a semi-permanent hair dye available in 25 shades (Dennis Rodman uses the stuff.) The color fades away in about six weeks.
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