OK, you have to suspend the cynicism about athlete hero worship around Young, or maybe you're wondering if this guy is for real. The truth is, Young is a known flake, difficult to pin down for appointments and return calls, difficult to get places because he's pulled in so many directions — family, business, charities, ESPN — and because he likes to put off decisions. But his feelings about assisting children and using his name for good and defining his life someday in a way that meets his exacting, high-minded expectations are genuine and consuming.

"He's not out there because he wants to make a public appearance," says Tanner. "He's there because he cares about these kids. When I call him to do something, he might moan about it once in a while because he does so many, but then I remind him what it can do for the foundation, and that's all it takes. Once you get him there, he's there. The meetings and phone calls feel more like work to him. He has a lot more fun showing up at hospitals and giving footballs to the kids."

After a pause, Tanner continues: "We fund things through the foundation, but I've seen Steve walk up and give someone a check for $5,000 of his own money and tell him, 'Don't spend this on research or doctors; throw a party for these kids.' "

Tanner and Young hope that one day Forever Young will be known more for what the foundation is doing than for its famous namesake and, ultimately, thrive without relying on him.

"Early on, people donated because of Steve," says Tanner. "Now we're getting a reputation for doing a lot of good and doing it effectively. Steve says that is the goal."

Meanwhile, he plays the role of The Gimmick. And the TV Analyst. And The Venture Capitalist. And, above all else, he says, The Dad and Husband.

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E-mail: drob@desnews.com