I've slacked blogging the past couple of days, as I've coasted into my birthday weekend. I still feel young.
Not sure how many people saw the AFC Championship trophy presentation (I always watch the interviews afterwards and whatnot), but the owner -- the OWNER of the Indianapolis Colts said something like, "First off, we give the glory to God..."
We've all heard a player say something like that; and there's been a few coaches that have been outspoken about their faith, but an owner?!?! Wow. I was impressed. That just NEVER happens. Those billionaires run in different circles, of which I know little. I can't remember ever hearing someone like that speaking up like that.
Even Peyton Manning, who was shown with his head down at the end of the game when opposing quarterback Tom Brady had three-quarters of the field and a minute and a half or so to win the game, and Peyton didn't look up. I thought he was just not looking. He said later he was praying. "I'm not sure if you're supposed to pray about stuff like that, but I was praying." That was funny.
Today I heard the analysts talk about the great precedence that is being set today by two African-American coaches representing their teams in the Super Bowl. This is a great day for a race that has endured so much hardship. It's a bummer to even be talking about race, when it has nothing to do with how great these men are as people and football coaches; but it is significant and now we can easier ignore skin color a little bit. Anyway, each analyst and ex-player working for ESPN today had their little bit to say. The great Ravens middle linebacker, Ray Lewis, had his turn. I really admire this guy. Even when they won the Super Bowl and lots of people didn't like him because he was such a thug or played the thug role and many people thought he was a murderer. I enjoyed watching him play and was glad to see him win the big game because he was such a great player. I love the position of middle linebacker and he plays it so well. Anyway, when it was his turn to talk about this race subject, he said, "First and foremost, it's overwhelming, with the steps that we've made as a culture. It's a huge, huge milestone. But at the same time, forget black or white. I think what sells it all is these are great individuals. Everybody that you meet -- that you run into -- that talks about Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy will tell you one thing: that they are pure hearted people." And then Lewis raised his finger and pointed at the camera. "And I'll tell you something about a great leader: Every great leader is a great follower. And these men follow Jesus. And they are Christian men and that's why they are able to lead the way they lead."
WOW.
He went on to elaborate: "I'll tell you something that impressed me the most. I was with Tony Dungy at the Gospel Celebration the other night. And his humbleness as a man -- just who he is. Take away skin color, take away all of that, at the bottom line, at the end of the day, a great man will walk off this field, winning a Super Bowl -- no matter skin color, no matter race, no matter anything -- and that's the understanding I think we have to have. Great milestone, once again. But I tell you what I love the most: I love both of these guys' hearts. I love the way they treat their families. I like the role model that they're setting for the kids of today's time. I tell you one of the greatest things ever -- one of the greatest things ever: they show love to each other. They show respect to each other, and that's why it's going to be a great game."
The solid analyst/host Stuart Scott punctuated that statement with: "Character is what you are and who you are when no one else is looking."
I love hearing that stuff.
I put pressure on a man that has the ability to fall, but when I hear people talk about humility I think about Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. He treats himself and holds himself in a way that many times embodies humility. I love seeing that and I think it's great when we can point to people and say that about them. That, to me, is Christ-likeness. If that's all someone like Sonny does the rest of his life, if he can maintain that quality about him and inspire others to do the same, that's a great, great thing.
Now, back to the big game: I think the first series that the Colts have the ball will be very telling. The same can be said for the Bears' offense. If one of these teams has to play "catch up" or falls into the trap of "pressing" and can't relax and follow the game plan, it'll make it very hard for them to win. It should be an interesting game. I'm having a small party over watching the game, and I'll find it hard to deal with the end of the game when people want to engage in small talk and will be leaving, but my heart will be glued to the tv set to hear what people and players are going to say after the game.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 4, 2007 11:55 AM