One Dad gets an interesting perspective of parenting from his favorite sport.
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Football is the only professional sport I follow consistently throughout the regular season. It’s easily the most exciting and watchable spectator sport — especially with your thumb on the DVR skip button — and I truly get in touch with my inner grid warrior around Super Bowl time.
A few years ago around this time, I blogged about football terms that apply to parenthood. This was back when my kids were little, and my posts were legally required to be cloyingly cute.
Now, as my children enter the fourth quarter of their public school lives — my son is finishing his sophomore year in high school while his twin sisters close out seventh grade — I’m struck by classic football scenarios that can be re-imagined as wise and motivating (not deflating) takeaways.
(Hey, if Brian Holloway can do it, why can’t I?)
So consider these end zone words of wisdom:
“In the Red Zone”
Takeaway: “Realize when you’re in a prime position to succeed, and make the most of it.”
“Running North-South”
Takeaway: “Stay focused on moving forward and not getting sidetracked.”
“Read Option”
Takeaway: “Before acting, survey your situation and trust your intuition.”
“Extra Point”
Takeaway: “Don’t blow off opportunities to make small accomplishments. They may be of great consequence later.”
“Hail Mary”
Takeaway: “Try to avoid all-or-nothing situations unless you have to. And if you have to, put your strongest friends in a position to help.”
“Two-Minute Warning”
Takeaway: “Crunch time may be stressful, but the rewards for succeeding make it worth it.”
“Going for It on 4th Down”
Takeaway: “Don’t settle for what you can get; strive for what you want”
“The Calvin Johnson/Dez Bryant Rule”
Takeaway: “Finish what you start, and follow through.”
“4th Quarter Comeback (Seahawks version)”
Takeaway: “Know there’s often a way to undo the mess you’ve made.”
“4th Quarter Comeback (Colts version)”
Takeaway: “… But don’t always count on Luck to get you there.”
“Deep Safety”
Takeaway: “Always cover yourself with a Plan B”
“Throw it Away”
Takeaway: “If you find yourself under extreme pressure, find a way to restart before you get steamrolled.”
“Running a Good Route”
Takeaway: “Don’t just wander into situations. Plot your course to put yourself in opportunity’s way.”
“No-Huddle Offense”
Takeaway: “Recognize when it’s time to stop talking, and start doing.”
“The Wildcat”
Takeaway: “There’s no guarantee that what worked when you were younger will succeed now.”
“The Richard Sherman Rule (1)”
Takeaway: “A strong reputation can serve you as well as the actions you took to create it.”
“The Richard Sherman Rule (2)”
Takeaway: “Let your actions speak for your ability more so than your mouth.”
“The Gronkowski Rule”
Takeaway: “Assert yourself strongly, and things will come your way.”
“Holding Penalty”
Takeaway: “You’ll never get ahead by holding others back.”
“Fair Catch”
Takeaway: “Sometimes the only way to give yourself room is to ask for it.”
“Ball Control”
Takeaway: “Be mindful of your responsibilities, or someone will take them away from you.”
“Clock Management (The Anti- McCarthy Rule)”
Takeaway: “Manage your time wisely, but don’t let the clock dictate your decision-making.”
“High Snap”
Takeaway: “You may need to stretch yourself to get what’s coming to you.”
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Photo: Flickr/Tom Carmony
Best play in Super Bowl history followed by the worst one.
Here’s another adage: Don’t call him the Beast if you’re afraid of unleashing him.