David Cutcliffe writes touching note to injured opponent

He tutors Peyton and Eli Manning, and he leads Duke University, a basketball power but a football also-ran until his arrival.

David Cutcliffe replaced Ted Roof, who amassed a 6-45 record in four-plus years, and he's well on his way to leading the Blue Devils to a third consecutive season with a winning record. 

But there's something more distinctive about Cutcliffe than a golden touch with quarterbacks and a knack for developing a successful football program. 

It's his integrity, which he displayed in 2004, when he refused Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone's request to fire some of his assistant coaches. Instead, he was fired, and he headed to Notre Dame to serve as an assistant coach.

So it comes as no surprise what Cutcliffe did to encourage Pittsburgh running back James Conner, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Blue Devils.

As a head coach, Cutcliffe has a plethora of tasks and responsibilities that required his attention. But he sent a thoughtful note, handwriting, "I admire your spirit and talent," then signing his name.

"I just have great respect for James Conner as a player. Who wouldn't?" Cutcliffe said at his press conference. "When you've been on the sideline and see how he plays. It's not just talent. It's never just talent. The guy is relentless as a football player."

The gesture not only impacted an opponent but surely impacts his own players, putting the game - and life - into perspective.

Cutcliffe, 61, didn't think the note would become public.

"I just felt a sick feeling in my stomach when I heard he hurt his knee, so I just wrote him a little note of encouragement," Cutcliffe said. "I would have never thought it would become public, but I forget we're in the era of social media."

Watch a 60 Minutes video of Cutcliffe and the Manning brothers below.

Photo Credit: Sporting News , SB Nation

Pete Boone

Pete Boone

Pete Boone