Honors for Freddie Solomon: 'If there's anything above a hero, he's that.'

TAMPA - It was a packed house at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church as friends, family members and former teammates of Freddie Solomon said goodbye in a special memorial service Monday.

But the former University of Tampa quarterback-turned-wide-receiver in the NFL was remembered more for what he accomplished off the field than his gridiron greatness.

"If there's anything above a hero, he's that," said Hall-of-Famer Joe Montana after the service.  If you saw how much he gave of his time...  He's someone we should all look up to."

While some read notes of condolence from politicians and other well-wishers, or offered their personal remembrances of the man who played professionally for the 49ers and Dolphins, most spoke about the quiet, mild-mannered servant who grew to love his adopted hometown of Tampa.

"He came home to do what?" asked Monsignor Laurence Higgins, who presided over the service.  "To serve others."

That spirit of service was echoed by each and every speaker at the memorial, who insisted that this community lost a great man when Freddie Soloman lost his battle with Colon cancer last week at the age of 59.