I am unashamedly a Philadelphia Eagles fan. I have been since 1976 when I went off to college. My freshman year, I dated a guy who loved football and I thought it would be prudent to learn about the game. A few months later, I ditched the guy, but continued my love affair with the boys in green on the gridiron.
Being an Eagles fan, obviously, I'm very happy about the outcome of this year's Super Bowl. (Sorry, Chiefs fans. I know how you feel.) One of the things that made this year so special was the unusual make up of the team. From an outsider's point of view, the Eagle's positions were filled by cast-offs from the Island of Misfit Toys. From the offensive line, to the defense, to special teams, there are players who've been referred to as too old, too overrated, too hyped, too immature, too selfish, too stupid, and even too much of a cancer in the locker room. Sounds like a winning combination to me!
So how does a team go from being misfits to thrashing one of the greatest teams in football? For me, it's all about leadership. And in this case, leadership in the form of Jalen Hurts.
You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate the standard this young man lives by. He is all about the work. No excuses. His belief that "Rent is due every day" means that every day he's doing all he can to achieve his goal of being the best football player he can be, and in turn, the best man he can be. As a result of his leadership, he's inspiring other men on the team to be their best selves as well . . . and even a writer who bleeds green.
He's known in the city and in the locker room for his sayings. For only being twenty-six years old, the man has some wisdom, some original, some borrowed from former coaches and mentors, and I'm sure some comes from his faith. I'd like to leave you with a few of my favorites, and hopefully, you'll be inspired too!
I had a purpose before everybody had an opinion.
Keep the main thing the main thing.
Ten percent of life is what happens to you, ninety percent is how you respond.
Be humble in everything you do.
You either win or you learn.
I didn't walk through all that fire just to smell the smoke. (Look for this quote in a future Eastport Series book.)
The most important thing is to be where your feet are.
Effort will never be questioned.
A perfect day is coming in, going to work, and making it home safely. Every day is a perfect day.
Be you. That's always enough.
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