Failure can be a chance to display character and set a good example for men of any age.
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Although it was decades ago, when I was a young child, I still remember that pass — the merciless Hail Mary Pass that Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, Roger Staubach, threw against my beloved Minnesota Vikings. Receiver Drew Pearson pushed off Vikings’ defender, Nate Wright (at least from my biased perspective) scoring the winning touchdown in the last minute. The Vikings’ season and Super Bowl run ended in this heartbreaking, inexplicable way, propelling yours truly to a non-stop cry fest that even Mom could not assuage.
I’m now embracing Blair Walsh as my hero and the perfect role model for dealing with adversity.
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Now there have been many lamentable moments that I have endured as a lifelong, die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. Recently, another one surfaced when Vikings’ kicker, Blair Walsh, missed what should have been an easy 27-yard field goal against the Seattle Seahawks, prematurely ending this season. His chip shot blunder literally sent me into a tailspin of “Woe is me,” believing that I’ll never witness a Vikings’ Super Bowl championship in my lifetime.
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Initially, I was beyond disappointed with Walsh, almost believing that his miss was tantamount to a personal assault. But after several hours, logic prevailed and I realized that he did not mean to cause any emotional distress — to me, my Vikings’ brotherhood, or to himself. This is simply an outcome of how the ball bounces, or in this case, how the ball is kicked.
Blair’s kick may have gone errant, but the heated criticism and acerbity that he has received is even more wayward.
He overlooked his counterparts’ errors, and simply accepted that his one mistake was the difference between winning and losing.
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Several days later, I see the issue with even more clarity and understanding. In fact, I’m now embracing Blair Walsh as my hero and the perfect role model for dealing with adversity. Vikings nation should not only forgive Blair, but praise him. He has demonstrated the best character education values — a hard feat during trying times.
Here are several reasons why Blair Walsh deserves our accolades: (No Seahawks fans, I’m not listing his miss as a reason to put him on a pedestal.)
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#1. Blair Walsh took full responsibility
So many folks have difficulty acknowledging their mistakes. It’s always the ‘other guy’s fault,’ or some circumstance or event that is beyond our control.
Blair did not blame the elements (e.g., the ground was frozen due to the frigid temperature, and the wind was blowing, too). He did not suggest the snap was a little high, throwing his mechanics off. And he did not find the holder culpable because the laces were facing in the wrong direction.
Rather, he accepted complete culpability for the Vikings loss. Of course, there were many other mistakes committed by his Vikings teammates that day (e.g., Adrian Peterson’s fumble), but again, he assumed all the blame.
He overlooked his counterparts’ errors, and simply accepted that his one mistake was the difference between winning and losing.
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#2. Blair Walsh did not offer excuses
A continuation on point #1, Blair did not serve up excuses. When my youngest son misbehaves and he thinks that punishment may ensue, he always tells me, “But Dad, I was good all the other times of the day.”
Despite the fact that he was churning with emotion and may have felt like hiding under the proverbial covers, he remained front and center — and accountable.
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Blair could have said the same thing. As his girlfriend, Sarah Chaffee, correctly points out, Blair scored all the Vikings’ points that day on three field goals, some of which were very challenging. He also booted the ball out of the end zone on kickoffs several times, keeping the Seahawks from enjoying more advantageous field position.
He performed very well that day … up until that last kick. He focused attention on that error and did not try to deflect criticism by mentioning all his contributions.
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#3. Blair Walsh did not hide in shame
I can’t count the number of times a professional athlete commits an egregious error, and slips out the back, refusing to speak with the press.
After the game, Blair did not run from the locker room, he patiently and honestly answered all questions posed to him. Despite the fact that he was churning with emotion and may have felt like hiding under the proverbial covers, he remained front and center — and accountable.
You could visibly see his inner turmoil and pain, but he conducted himself with poise and professionalism.
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#4. Blair Walsh showed his humanity
We’re indoctrinated to believe that men, especially tough guys, like athletes, should not cry. Now Blair was able to keep his composure during interviews, but eventually, his emotions became too intense to bear. He sobbed about the unfortunate series of events.
He needed to expel this toxic energy, but fans should embrace him for having the courage to show his frailties. He may not have been able to control his tears, but again, he did not run and try to hide them.
You don’t have to let past failures interfere with future endeavors. In fact, failure can serve as a teachable moment.
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I was so happy to hear that his teammates, one by one, went to him during his time of need, and gave him words of support. People who show compassion and understanding to those who are down deserve special recognition, too. As such, I tip my hat to former Vikings’ wide receiver, Nate Burleson.
In his public Instagram message regarding Blair’s mishap, Nate comments:
“We have to be a little bit more sensitive to one another in the moments in which we fail. If we can’t lean on each other to encourage us through the dark times than we are lost as a society. Trust me there is nobody that feels worse than Blair Walsh right now so let’s try to build him up instead of destroy. Much brighter days ahead BW!”
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#5. Blair Walsh was even more upset for his teammates
Yes, Blair would have reveled in the glory if he made that field goal. But that success would not have been just an individual achievement. Blair recognizes that this is a team game, and he would have credited his teammates for the victory.
In defeat, he simply said that he let his teammates down. He also carried the burden of letting the fans down.
I’ve seen enough interviews with Blair to sense that he is not a “Me first” player. This is just one of the reasons why he is very popular in the locker room. His teammates appreciate his collegiality, loyalty, and team spirit.
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#6. Blair Walsh showed his mental toughness
Aside from enduring the incessant flashing camera shots, the ubiquitous microphones, and the hot spotlight, Blair Walsh declared that this is not the end of his career.
Too often, we allow failure to steal any confidence we’re able to muster, and simply give up trying to attain our goals.
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Despite failing on this attempt, he asserted that he would come back stronger than ever and that he would learn from the experience. What better message is there to send to kids? You don’t have to let past failures interfere with future endeavors. In fact, failure can serve as a teachable moment. (Even Adrian Peterson said that he will work on his fumbling tendencies in the off season.)
Field goal kickers, in general, have to be mentally tough. They place themselves in pressure situations for the whole world to judge their merit. And when failure inevitably occurs, as all field goal kickers experience, they have to manifest a short term memory and bounce back.
Blair Walsh has already proven his resiliency. He had a lackluster preseason where he missed more field goals than he made, but he still compiled some impressive kicking stats this year, leading the league with 34 field goals made with a high conversion rate of 87.2 percent.
Those who have stated that “Walsh is done,” have underestimated him and his passion for the game, determination, persistence, optimism, and mental toughness.
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#7. Blair Walsh’s confidence and positive expectation is unwavering
So many of us don’t believe in our abilities, and consequently, we resist going past our comfort zone. Too often, we allow failure to steal any confidence we’re able to muster, and simply give up trying to attain our goals.
Blair Walsh will not let one misstep take away his belief in himself and his abilities. He adds, “I’ll be more confident going into next year. I know that sounds crazy, but this will drive me to work even harder.”
Here, failure will not lead to a failure to thrive. Blair already envisions a better tomorrow, and by exhibiting a strong work ethic, I’m sure he will realize his objectives.
The lesson is that we cannot allow failure to debilitate us and derail us from going forward, and moving closer to achieving our dreams.
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Blair Walsh has only proven that he is a fallible human being – just like the rest of us. But it’s the way and manner he handled this trial and tribulation that has earned my eternal respect.
Other Vikings fans lament that Blair Walsh could have been a hero. What these other fans don’t realize is that he already is one – just not in the way we expected.
When I was younger, I always told my parents that I wanted to be a Minnesota Vikings field goal kicker when I grew up. That position is now more than capably filled by Blair Walsh – hero, role model, and darn good kicking specialist.
Source: 30dB.com – Blair Walsh
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Photo: Getty Images
This is a fabulous article. Honestly, I have little interest in football because it creates anger, hostility and war among its fans. This article demonstrates the heroism of a football player. His leadership had nothing to do with his athletic ability. Instead, he has taught a lesson to humanity and this tutelage far surpasses winning a game. It speaks about courage, perseverance and confidence to express his true feelings even after being ostracized from his fans who loved him 2 hours prior. I congratulate the author who initially was so upset by his team’s failure and then realized learning from… Read more »
Hi Vanaja, Thanks so much for validating my point of view. Through sports and other forms of competition, there are important lessons that can be learned (e.g., sportsmanship, compassion, understanding, humility, etc.). Yes, Blair Walsh was very popular and supported by fans, even moments before that kick. One mistake later and he is considered a worthless albatross. I’m a staunch Minnesota Vikings fan and this loss is so disappointing. But I’m not going to react with anger and bitterness, and direct it towards a player who simply did his best. (Let’s not forget that he also contributed greatly to the… Read more »