I am reading a book called Athletes Wanted a book I am reading for my son on Athletic Scholarships. There is a great an inspiring story about Don Beebe - Many of us will remember this play but I don't think many of us know the impact it had:
In January 1993 During Superbowl XXVII the Cowboys were stomping the Bills 52-17 in the fourth quarter. This game was over. There was nothing left to play for. The Bills have the ball on the Cowboy 31 yard line; 4th down and 6.
The Bills Fumble and Leon Lett gets the fumble and is on his way to a 60 yard return for a touchdown. There does not appear anyone can stop him. Fans start cheering - Cowboy Fans too - and I assume Lett things they are Cheering for him. Lett starts to slow down. He un tucks the ball and is holding it at his side as he approaches the end-zone.
But people were not cheering for Leon Lett. Coming down the field at top speed was wide receiver Don Beede. I don't know how far Beede was away when the fumble was recovered. He was a wide receiver and he was probably quite aways down field. In the video he shows up on the Dallas 45 yard line about 10 -15 yards behind Lett.
Beede was not giving up - even with the game over and apparently nothing left to play for. Lett is over 100 pounds bigger and 7" taller than Beede, but Beede hits him right in front of the goal line and the ball pops out and rolls out of bounds in the end zone. The play is ruled a fumble going out in the end zone. It is a touchback and the Bills get the Ball First Down on the Cowboys 20 yard line - no score of the Cowboys.
The moment is recorded as one of the greatest moments in Superbowl History. Fifteen years later Beebe would describe it as the moment that defined him as a player, as a man, as a husband, as a business person, as a coach, and as a father. Beebe is often told how that moment inspired other kids to become athletes of character. But for young people those values will carry far beyond sports.
How often do we feel like giving up? How often does it seem hopeless. I have felt that way at times. Overwhelmed with the burdens of being a good husband and father, running a business and trying to support a family of 6 kids. Even when we think we are loosing it is important to keep fighting and never give up.
I think this is one of the most important values we can give to our kids.
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