It’s Super Bowl Sunday and over the past week, I have been thinking about the life lessons that the sport of football has taught me. This year, the lesson has been has been learned from watching Robert Griffin III play for the Redskins.
It’s not often that a young professional athlete plays as if he’s totally in control of things; an athlete with poise and a certain elegance. RGIII certainly was that in his first season. He was friendly and respectful. He knew how to play the game and he also knew when the blame was his to take.
On television and in advertising we are bombarded with images of professional athletes selling us products and telling us how to make the most of our lives. Our kids soon learn to look up to these athletes and try their best to emulate them. Sometimes, however, the athlete doesn’t live up to societal expectations. It’s a lot of pressure, and some just cannot handle it, but RGIII seems to be on the right track.
When my son was in elementary school, he thought Troy Aikman was the greatest player. We watched every Cowboys game just to watch my son’s quarterback hero play each game of the season. Timmy wore a Troy Aikman jersey and listened to him speak every time he appeared on a sports program.
One day he told me that he was going to write a letter to Troy and tell him what a great player he was. We wrote the letter, posted it, and sent it on its way. I didn’t think we would every hear anything from it, but much to my surprise a few weeks later a return letter arrived with a glossy photo of Mr. Aikman.
We framed the picture and saved the letter, and that little boy of mine lit up like a star whenever he told people about his letter to Troy Aikman.
Athletes who play the game with class are truly the professional athletes. They make a difference not only in the sports they play, but to the fans who adore them. It is a burden that they carry. Many athletes are not role models who play with class, but for those who do, they enhance the game.
RGIII is looking to be one of those players, and I am certain that he will influence many young people. I know I’m a fan, and I pull for the Ravens!
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