A few weeks
ago I came home to a pale look on my hubby’s face (beautiful ebony skin not
withstanding) The Philadelphia Eagles had surreptitiously traded their #1
quarterback! I was totally surprised, and
instantly more juiced about the season than I had been to date. Plus, I had to try
to console my guy. We talked and came up with possible scenarios. He concurred
with most of my thinking, and a curious look crossed his face, one that I’ve
seen before: “You’re not bad at this. You
get it.”
Honestly, I’m
not particularly knowledgeable about any team other than the Eagles and still mostly green on the sport itself, despite being a Philly girl since the age of 10 and
Eric’s wife since the age of 20. But I’ve lived through it all, “Silver Linings”
style (for those who’ve seen the movie). About 7 years ago, I decided to take
the plunge – and go all the way in. I love it. It’s good for my balance-no work
during football. It’s good for my marriage. Beautiful artistry, crazy, serious
strategy and heart pumping fun. Good stuff.
But I’m sure
the reason I “get” it is because the rules that govern football are a lot like
the rules that (should) govern life. And, I believe if we remembered and
applied them more, we would be better off. Hey I know: the obscene salaries,
choreographed, chattel system dictated by big business, and a chauvinistic
attitude towards women and too many other people and issues suck. This is where
the business of football has been
able to move in our capitalistic society. But it’s not the game.
In football
·
There are plans A, B, C, D and E (and a Hail Mary in the back pocket). You expect that on any given Sunday,
Monday or Thursday, you may need any or all of them. So you prepare and then work
your plan(s).
·
You have to dress up and show up. If you want a victory, you have to suit up and report in. And
it’s not about just showing up; you have to get on the field and get banged up.
·
You have to show value to keep your space. Unlike life, football does not deal
in long probations or drawn out scenarios. It’s not a matter of what you think
you are worth or can add given time. Space is precious; you may be loved, but
it doesn’t mean you keep yours. Also, if you don’t win, you don’t stay. And
everyone knows the deal.
·
The big picture is the bigger picture. Even teams that are hurting physically and
emotionally roll in and try to operate as a single organism for 3 hours. The
bigger picture of accomplishment is the one that draws them. The few that can’t
see the bigger picture usually weed themselves – or get weeded - out
quickly.
·
You have to use the mind and the heart. The play designs are scientific and intense. Learning
them requires skills – of many players who I would totally bet have trouble
with other technical learning. But
because of their passion, they learn the plays with the rest of the team. After
they use their minds to learn them, it’s their hearts that pump hope and
possibility into the play.
·
The folks in charge come from the ranks of those they lead. Football is not a field to be seduced
by “shiny” new stars and wishful and academic thinking. Experience is required.
Relevance is expected. Credibility is achieved.
·
It’s a long game. The move of the Eagles signaled that for this year at least, we weren’t going
for titles and other glory. This blunt, focused call said that we’ll take at
least until 2017 to reshuffle the deck and figure things out. Yes, live in the
moment, but don’t forget the time.
·
The winners get love for the right reasons. Everyone witnesses the winners emerge
through grit, hard work, and pain and commitment. You’re not being asked to
endorse or accept based on others’ determination. The winners gain our respect
and regard -- the best two pillars for lasting love that I have ever seen.
·
They have coordinated colors. Everyone, from the players, the field, and the fans dress up
in comradery. You dress up and you declare who you are for and how you choose
to be received. This is called a “brand” and I’m only recently realizing its
power and import.
·
It’s inclusive.
The game brings together one of the most eclectic and diverse crowds this
nation ever sees.
·
It’s something to look forward to. You know the days and times that you get the opportunity to
participate. You know what to expect – with an expectancy to be open for the
unexpected. You plan for this time and are explicit about the pleasure you
expect to derive.
Works for me, but gotta go. Life’s about to kick off.