On this episode of Off the Cuff, Ed Wilson and Keith Murphy dive into two very different celebrity encounters — one filled with warmth and admiration, the other with gruff resistance. Ed shares his experience meeting Al Roker at the Rally Against Cancer, where he and the WHO 13 weather team had the chance to spend meaningful time with the legendary Today Show personality. Ed describes Roker as down-to-earth, kind, and effortlessly charismatic — just as viewers would expect. They discussed everything from Roker’s decades-long career with NBC to his surprising side projects, including Broadway performances and murder mystery novels. Beyond his on-air charm, Roker’s generosity stood out, as he spent time visiting cancer patients and making a lasting impact on the event. Ed recalls how Roker even gave him a shoutout on national TV the next day, a moment of unexpected recognition that capped off an unforgettable meeting.

In stark contrast, Keith recounts his less-than-pleasant dinner with an NFL legend at a past Rally Against Cancer. From the moment this celebrity sat down, his mood was unmistakably sour—so much so that event organizers warned Keith and his wife, Jenny, to brace themselves. Determined to break through the former gridiron star’s gruff exterior, Jenny finally got him to smile by refusing to share her appetizer.  Ed adds his own tale, recalling a brief, unpleasant encounter years ago when the football coach flatly refused an interview. The contrast between Roker’s graciousness and one star’s grumpiness makes for an amusing reflection on how public figures handle the spotlight.