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Dying Professor Pausch Fulfills Another Dream: Practices With NFL Steelers

A few weeks ago, 46-year-old Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch gave his final lecture and focused on helping young people fulfill their childhood dreams. Yesterday, the computer science professor realized one of his own: he practiced with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he promised that if the Steelers get in the Super Bowl, he'll live long enough to see it.

As reported in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pausch ran routes and caught passes from All-Pro receiver Hines Ward, and spoke with Steelers owner Dan Rooney.

The article said in part:

"Beneath sunny skies yesterday, Pausch jumped and dove to snatch every single pass from Ward out of midair. Clad in a No. 86 jersey and navy blue shorts that showed off his skinny legs, he looked every bit the professor, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said his moves were respectable. "You know, Hines doesn't have to worry about his job security, but [Pausch is] impressive," Tomlin said, adding that he, too, was inspired by Pausch's story."

Afterward, the Tribune-Review wrote, Pausch met with Steelers chairman and owner Dan Rooney, and put another dream on the line: "I'll make you guys a promise. You get into that Super Bowl, I'll live to see it."

As my 9th-grade Latin teacher used to tell us every day, "Dream big dreams, kids -- it's a waste of time to dream little ones."

(Tens of thousands of people have watched the video of Pausch's last lecture -- you can view it here.)

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