I know that my articles have come a week or so after the incidents or events that have taken place, and I sincerely apologize for that, however, it’s only because I really want to drive home my points, giving my audience a broader and more in-depth perspective. If you paid close attention to this article’s title, it should have reached out and grabbed you; it is indeed a tribute to the late James Anthony Thomas “Jim” Valvano.
Just eight weeks before he died of cancer, Coach Valvano delivered an incredible and inspirational speech at the 1993 Espy Awards. At the conclusion of his powerful message, Valvano left the viewers of the world with the now famous words, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!” Under normal circumstances, I would never compare sports with the importance of human life, however, Coach Valvano’s words weren’t only for the millions of individuals suffering from debilitating diseases, but also for those that fight the odds of everyday life.
Courtesy: Otto Greule/Getty Images
With that being said, it is imperative that I chime in on two weeks ago game when the Seahawks took on the Cardinals. Seattle dominated Arizona in every phase of the game and won in impressive fashion with the final score being 58-0! Later that evening, I heard analysts, coaches, and players berate Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Their gripes weren’t about dirty play, lethargic attitudes, badly-called plays, or turnovers; instead, everyone was upset because they felt that the Seahawks were running-up the score against their opponent. Excuse me, but where in the rule book is it documented that once a team has a 35-point lead over their opponent, that they are to sit on the football and run out the clock? There is no such rule, and if there were it would be simply ridiculous!
One week later on that Sunday night, the perfect example of continuing to play at a high level was on display when the momentum was still going strong into the third quarter; future hall of famer Tom Brady came alive to the tune of a 28-point turnaround to knot the game at 31. What would’ve happened if the 49ers had simply sat on the ball or tried to run out the clock? I am more than willing to answer that question for you; the Patriots would still own that incredible December home record, and San Francisco would’ve had a long cross-country flight home. But let’s reverse the scenario for just a minute; what would’ve been the outcome had Bill Belichick made his team concede and pack-it-up? I believe that the Monday morning water cooler talk wouldn’t have been as exciting with the discussion of a potential Patriots blowout loss.
I believe that writers, commentators, analysts, and fans are missing a very important point here. By saying that the Seahawks should’ve folded just because they held a tremendous lead is ludicrous. What message is being sent to the millions of kids who play the game and dream of playing in the NFL one day?; especially when parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, and athletes are constantly telling the children to never give up under any circumstances.
Isn’t that being contradictive? On one hand, we’re saying, “Don’t ever give up and play your absolute hardest until the final whistle.” Then, in the same breath, we’re telling the children to have mercy on their opponents. We can’t have it both ways. The old cliche is, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.” It’s either one way or the other!
The Cardinals were awful in all aspects of the game when they played the Seahawks; the offense couldn’t move the ball on the ground or through the air, their special teams fumbled a few times during returns, and the defense looked like they couldn’t stop a Pop Warner team. There was no excuse for a professional football team to come into a game so unprepared. The Cardinals were an embarrassment to their organization, their fans, and the league. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks were virtually flawless in their execution, but ridiculed for their play. They were even called “classless” by some, which is baffling to me.
Courtesy: SB Nation Boston
Two weeks ago against the Texans, the Patriots led 21-0 at the half and eventually won the game by a score of 42-14. Tom Brady didn’t sit on the ball during the third quarter as he continued to take shots down the field. However, no one criticized Brady or head coach Bill Belichick for running-up the score. Were they not criticized because the Patriots, as well as Brady, are darlings of the NFL? Is it because the league created so much hype that was built towards this explosive match-up? I know the answers to these questions, but I will leave it up to the readers to ponder.
R.I.P. Jimmy V. Your words have continued to inspire and give hope to millions.
