This week's Pep Talk: "Honor Be Our Clothing"

I was standing in the back of the jammed-packed auditorium the day the Denver Broncos announced Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway was returning to the team, 12 years after his playing days ended, as its director of football operations.

But my eyes were more transfixed on owner Pat Bowlen than Elway. The two of them, along with team president Joe Ellis, sat before the horde of media, organization personnel and others gathered. The press conference was to formally introduce the legendary icon as the guy in charge of turning around the once-proud franchise’s sad state of affairs when it comes to winning football games.

Bowlen, who had not spoken in public for more than a year ended his brief comments, in introducing Elway, with: “Many years ago, after the first Super Bowl win, I said, ‘This one’s for John.’ Maybe now with John in charge, someday he will say, ‘This one’s for Pat’.”

It was a powerful statement from the Broncos long-time owner who, at 67 years old, is battling health issues most believe result from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The Broncos have publicly stated Bowlen has “memory issues” but have not been more specific. As Elway walked toward Bowlen and gave him a warm embrace, it stirred my soul.

Something in that big hug from the most-famous player in franchise history to the owner who built one of the most respected organizations in professional sports, tugged at my heartstrings. It resonated with Elway’s “can do” spirit and seemed to say the 50-year-old father of four will do everything in his power to grant Bowlen’s wish of seeing another Broncos’ Super Bowl victory in his lifetime.

When we are inspired to achieve great things in a way that honors others and self. Man, does it get any better than that? To possess a burning desire, in every fabric of our being, to accomplish something, healthy and productive, that means so much to so many, that’s playing like a champion.

Ya know, that type of passion is not reserved solely for a former quarterback trying to resurrect a sagging football franchise and ensure the legacy of a fantastic owner. We can tap into that type of passion to become superior to our former selves at home, work or elsewhere. The venues change, but – my opinion here - the strategies for success are the same.

It starts with realizing the value of chasing dreams and goals that, while good for us, more important, honor others. This week, try and remember this: “If honor be your clothing, the suit will last a lifetime.”