Virgen: Another Best Day comes for Mark Keys

For those who watched the ESPN segment last NFL season, “NFL Stars Share Their Best Days,” it was difficult to make it through without shedding tears.

For the first time, Jarrett Payton read his father Walter’s Best Day, a letter responding to Newport Beach resident Mark Keys.

Walter Payton had written his Best Day was when his son inducted him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“It was so well done,” Keys said of the ESPN segment on TV.

Keys recently completed his book “My Best Day Pro Football,” which features several NFL stars, including Frank Gifford, who died recently.

Gifford’s Best Day?

“Every day is my best day,” Gifford, the New York Giants Hall of Famer wrote.

That just might mirror Keys’ philosophy. Certainly Saturday will be another “best” day for Keys.

Keys will have a book signing at The Cannery in Newport Beach, where some of his friends will also show up. Keys will also have his “Best Day USC” book available.

There will be former pros and some of Keys’ heroes at the signing, including Charle Young, a former USC tight end who went to play for the Rams, Eagles, Seahawks and 49ers.

Rod McNeill (former USC running back, Saints, Buccaneers), Mike Salmon (former USC defensive back, 49ers, Bills), Eric Crabtree (former Pitt wide receiver, Bengals, Broncos, Patriots) and Charlie Weaver (former USC linebacker, Lions, Redskins) are also scheduled to attend.

“I’m so thrilled,” Keys said. “They are coming from all over the place to hang out with me. That’s a best day for me. It really is. Not to sound corny, but it is.”

Keys said he never really met the majority of them, just through phone conversations and letters he communicated. He became excited that they would attend the book signing to support Keys’ love of asking and gaining responses from the question: What is your best day?

Keys’ wife, Laurie, worked hard to organize the book signing event, Keys said, because of her husband’s passion. But also to help raise money.

Keys is donating portions of the sales to USC, as well as the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Fourth and Goal Foundation, which aides retired players.

“I know I’m not a rich guy, but it’s just the way I am,” Keys said of wanting to help. “I like to do it.”

Keys also plans to publish five more books, including a Best Day for Newport Harbor High football and famous actors and actresses.

He also has many more Best Day responses tucked away in his home. Some responses are so good, he frames them.

Keys gained a heavy amount of feedback after the ESPN segment aired. Over 5,000 tweets blasted on Twitter in reaction to the segment.

Keys is hoping the love continues on Saturday at The Cannery, and he hopes many will show up so they can hear great gridiron stories from his friends.