Peyton Manning’s emotional words during a retirement press conference still resonate almost a week after he walked away from professional football following 18 seasons. Especially ones concerning what will be missed most about playing football at all levels: youth, high school, college and the NFL.
The certain Hall-of-Fame quarterback did not mention any particular game, play or pass when speaking of the most difficult adjustment to life after the gridiron grind: “I will miss relationships forged in the locker room, weight room, film room and training room.” Relationships. For most of us, easy to initiate but challenging to sustain. Because of life-altering situations, like ocean tides, they seem to rise and recede.
Manning was a gifted quarterback. However, the Louisiana native’s greatest skill is the spirit he brought to football and brings to life. Success, money and fame born from #18‘s ability to dissect defenses pales in comparison to an ability to relate with others in a genuine and caring way. The 39-year-old talked about a “reverence” for football. He has it for relationships too.
My younger brother Matt possesses similar skills. Your knucklehead scribe had the pleasure of being reminded of this recently during a visit to south Florida to play in a tournament with the nine-handicap golf enthusiast. The father of two, grandpa to one and his lovely wife own a winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My darling bride and I spent four wonderful days with them in the warm tropics playing golf and hanging out. Two brothers channeled the spirit of our late golf-loving father in winning our flight of the Coral Ridge Country Club’s annual member/guest tournament. We had a blast.
What’s it take to forge healthy and productive relationships? What is it about Manning, a sibling, his wife, my wife and others who, like magnets, seem to draw adoration and respect? It’s just one simple dude from Missouri’s opinion but it starts with their devotion to adoring and respecting others. The law of circulation rearing its beautiful head.
What’s the old adage? Treat others the way we’d like to be treated? I can only speak for myself, yet suspect it’s true of everyone referenced in this Pep Talk, but during formative years treating others with respect and dignity was emphasized and expected by parents and other mentors. All children need and deserve such wise counsel.
It’s a foundational principle to Victory’s A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement. It does not matter where we live, color of our skin or nature of how we become involved with one another. We’re flawed and as we like to joke, “One step from stupid.” However, ASC’s a program designed to encourage all to become more fit, connected and giving. Healthier. It starts with how we treat one another.
Desire dignity and respect? Start with reverently delivering those traits to others. I know, simple, not easy. Venues differ but the strategy’s the same. Never grow weary of it because we’ll win often. In football, golf, business and life!
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