Be like Peyton
In August, I posted a Facebook status about the upcoming Denver Broncos season. Having just acquired future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning from Indianapolis, hopes were high in the Mile High City, and I posted, “The Broncos will lose at least two of their first five games, and then will win all the rest.”
People mocked me.
Yesterday, the Broncos finished their 2012 regular season (13-3), and with Manning at quarterback, they have earned the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Oh, and they’ve won 11 in a row.
I’d like to brag that I’m some sort of incredible football genius, knee deep in stats and scouting reports. ESPN hasn’t called me to become an analyst or anything. I’m just a casual fan.
My prediction was based on leadership.
Love him or not, Manning is one of the best team quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Even after a trade, a season of injury, and in spite of his age – he’s still Peyton Manning, with all of that experience and skill. I thought he had something to prove coming to Denver, and John Elway (another Hall of Fame quarterback now running the Broncos operation) had something to prove also.
The recipe was solid. But, I knew that it would take Manning and his new team several weeks to settle in. The best quarterback in the world (whether you think that’s Peyton or someone else) can’t just walk in to a new team and have everyone clicking the first week. It takes a little time to get a team and a plan working at their optimal levels.
Whether or not you like football, keep this in mind as you prepare to head back to campus. If you were just elected in November, you are a new quarterback. The first few weeks back to school are probably going to feel a little rough. A team takes a little while to gel.
Don’t get frustrated too quickly. There will be sacks, fumbles and interceptions.
Don’t bad-mouth your team. Don’t yell at them. Don’t throw your hands up and quit.
Keep practicing. Seize every opportunity to build confidence in those around you. Respond well to the early losses. Learn the game and bond with your teammates.
You may or may not be a world class quarterback. Give yourself a little time to find out.
One Response to “Be like Peyton”
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Bravo TJ……. Kudos to Peyton and the Broncs, but more so **** PERFECT for what our student leaders needed to hear going into the new school year!!!