On iamjonnyking, you may have noticed that we are prone to go sporting wide, as we detail any number of sporting pursuits. However, we also approximate times when the moment is right to – air it out – and go deep.
With the penultimate weekend in the National Football League finding its genesis in a matter of hours, I was reminded of an historic matter that, at the time, caught my attention. I noted the commentary at the time; some words that caught my attention, which I will record for you, this day.
The event is the regular season confrontation between the Washington Redskins and New England Patriots. This sporting moment has a focal point when Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots – at the time – Bill O’Brien, remonstrated with ferocity over the momentary decision-making of his quarterback, Tom Brady. The Patriots were in the red zone and Brady decided to throw in what O’Brien deemed was a no-go-zone – interception.
This lit a fuse in the being of O’Brien, as with much purpose, he made his way, berating Brady, with Tom, not taking it without a response. Players and coaching fraternity would cool the fire of the moment, but it was there for the world to watch.
Take a look.
Two things.
First, the response from Tom Brady in the Press Conference, who accepted responsibility and confessed that he deserved it. Yes, this is the party line, but there was a genuine demeanour that his actions deserved a response, even as he defended the open-ness of the receiver at the time. While not an “ideal” of expression, the impassioned pursuits of top-level sports means the limits are continually pushed and pursued.
Have a look:
Second, and most significant, were the comments on Sportscenter from ex-Quarterback and now commentator/analyst/expert, Trent Dilfer. When I heard him summarise the greater context for this sporting conflagration, my ears perked, for the greater significance of sports, even life.
Here is how he contextualised this coming together of O’Brien and Brady:
In competitive sports; in high level competitive sports, without conflict there is no growth between competitive people. And you’re gonna have conflict and through that conflict you’re gonna grow. Another thing too; this isn’t all rose petals and kisses. To those parents who get a little upset when their kids get coached hard; kid probably isn’t gonna be that good if you can’t get coached hard.
You gotta be willing to be coached hard. I think that’s what’s impressive about Tom Brady; that coaching staff over the years has brought out the greatness in Tom Brady; they’ve done it by coaching him hard and holding him accountable for the things he does and that’s all that happened there.
Conflict; a concept that knows much negativity in general conversation. Very rarely does one hear someone referencing a positive experience that is contextualised by conflict. Some talk a good game about their feats in conflict, but there is a distinctive difference between notches on a belt and the positive results toward personal and professional growth, which Dilfer is underscoring in the quotation. It is as rare as the scarce breed that quarterback the NFL.
Maybe that is the point? Maybe that also explains the scarcity of the reality for so many, as conflict is avoided like the plague?
Worth reflecting on.
Tomorrow is Championship Monday in New Zealand.
First up is the, AFC Championship Game – 9:00am-12:30pm – when the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady, with Bill O’Brien, take on the Baltimore Ravens, from Gillette Stadium, a house that Brady and Belichick have built.
Following, in the NFC Championship Game – 12:30pm-4:00pm – the San Francisco 49ers will look to return the glory days to Candlestick, as they seek to take down the unique, New York Giants.
The pressure-cooker is about to get started once again, where the intensity of the moment will encourage and drive certain players to extreme ends… even to the point of conflict… and to a positive end.
What Say You?
Until Next Time
iamjonnyking
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