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I don't see many people as heroes and, though I love sport, I believe athletes rarely deserve that praise.

Growing up where I grew up, we looked to athletes. They were our first heroes. They came from the same places we came from. I mean, you can't watch TV and see someone who is successful that you can really relate to. That person isn't real; he doesn't exist. But athletes traveled the world, had these big houses and gave their families a better life.

Athletes tend to have less of a sense of humor than most people. They are heroes to so many. That might be part of it.

I know, I know - men have that extra hero gene in their foolish makeup; it's part of our charm. But I happen to know some women who have their inner sports hero, too.

I have great admiration for athletes. They are just like actors in a lot of ways. They have tremendous pressures and conflicts. They have to compete, and they can't stay home just because they have a head cold.

All of the stunt men - these are the unsung heroes. They really are. Nobody is giving them any credibility. They're risking their necks.

Our men and women in our armed forces are the real heroes in this conflict.

The only reason we make good role models is because you guys look up to athletes and we can influence you in positive ways. But the real role models should be your parents and teachers!