If you are a college football fan, I am sure you have heard about this. Last year, in a bowl game, a running back came within 28 yards of breaking Barry Sanders's 1988 rushing record of 2,628 yards. But of course, those of us who are old enough to know, realized that Sanders's 1988 record did not include his performance in the Holiday Bowl that year, 222 yards, because back then bowl stats were not counted. Also last year, another running back gave his opponents bulletin board fodder by bragging that he was the best running back in the country and "no one can stop me." Well, his team lost.
Do you remember coaches like Bear Bryant, Vince Lombardi, and Paul Brown? All three are credited with saying, "When you go into the end zone, act like you've been there before." Lombardi said to it his kick returner Travis Williams when he danced in the end zone after a touchdown. Evidently, one or all three of those coaches thought it smacked of a celebration because you have been there seldom and might never again. An interesting way of looking at it, don't you think?
As for Barry Sanders, he was certainly atypical. He is known for his humility and gentlemanly behavior. He did not celebrate touchdowns. He simply helped his opponent to his feet, handed the ball to the referee, and walked back to the bench. "I wasn't necessarily looking for fame and fortune," he is quoted as saying. "I tried to make sure I upheld my end. I took care of business and then went home."
Look up Barry Sanders's stats someday and you will find one of the best, if not the best, running backs who ever played in the NFL. In this braggadocio world of ours, isn't he refreshing? I have read that he is also religious. Maybe that is the secret to his humility. He understands that his talent was not his, but came from God. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? (1Cor 4:7). And perhaps he in some way follows the one who IS the greatest ever, but who gave it all up for all of us.
People, how will our children ever learn humility in a world where "I am the greatest," and "Give me more money," are the two constant mantras? It is up to us not to let them see us idolize men who have nothing more to give the world than a little excitement and a touchdown dance in the end zone.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ” Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child — this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me (Matt 18:1-5)
Dene Ward
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