…And that is what makes them arguably top 10 greatest football players on the defensive side of the ball to ever play the game. A number of professional athletes succumb to a “Joe Cool” attitude about the game they play for millions of dollars. Years of being given preferential treatment, being celebrated for jumping high, running fast, throwing hard, catching well, and hitting have led them to a sense of self entitlement and arrogance that waters down their passion (if they ever had that passion to begin with). The professional athlete has become so desensitized to the fans’ perspective and feelings, so detached from the reality of them playing a beautiful game, not for the money, but for the love, not to make it onto Sportscenter, but to be the very best they can possibly be. Not to extend the contract but to create a bond of brotherhood amongst teammates. These athletes enjoy the ancillary benefits of the lifestyle more so than the game. Oh sure, they do a United Way charity event or two. Why not?…tax break and good publicity for brand imaging. But do they really understand the lessons and character conveyed to an onlooker by them being impassioned and taking pride in their every breath? Do they understand that, yes it’s a child’s game that you make millions for, but it’s also the platform for the world to judge and learn from your every action. Should you be a role-model?…NO. Are you a role model?…YES. The ideal and the reality, the reality and the perception. Ray Lewis and Brian Dawkins are examples of players who appreciate every breath of life God gives them. Every opportunity to put the pads on and play a child’s game. Though they are vocal leaders, their actions speak the resounding volumes of their character, willing to follow as much as lead. There is a story of Ray Lewis bringing water to his teammates during practice…a 12 or 13 year veteran at the time, bringing water…no ego…just a desire to build the bonds of brotherhood a sports team needs to be successful.
These two players have the happiness, joy, passion, intensity, and love of a 1st year walk-on in college, decades into Hall of Fame careers.
Ray: 216 games played, 215 started, 1492 tackles made, 18 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 40.5 sacks, 31 INTs, 3TDs.
“Dawk”: 216 games played, 215 games started, 892 tackles, 35 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 25 sacks, 37 INTs, 2TDs.
They’re going to the Hall folks. They are arguably two of the greatest at their respective positions. I hope we all can learn to be as passionate and loving about life and our pursuits as these two dudes. No “Joe Cool” ego. Just love of life and the game.
Bradley “B. Austin” Anderson of The War Room, for War Room Sports
Tags: All's Fair in Sports and War, B. Austin, Baltimore Ravens, Bradley Anderson, Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos, Football, Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Eagles, Ray Lewis, Sports Talk Radio, Sportscenter, The War Room, War Room Sports
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