Formula for a Winning Speech: Thank You, Josh Allen

Whether or not you think thank you notes have gone out of style, extending gratitude hasn't. It cannot, nor should it. For those who find writing a thank you note to be a burden—it is. But, taking a larger look at this responsibility allows one to see that the task exists because another person has given you their time, talent or treasure. Whether it's an act of care or generosity that another has extended to you, gifts deserves recognition. The world is a better place because we give and we say "thank you." But the burden need not be a heavy one. How? why? There's a formula—all of five steps—for writing penning such prose. Following a format for a thank you note need not make it insincere. You still have to personalize and put a stamp on it/hit send, but I hope this hack is helpful.

I wish he were playing in today's Super Bowl match up, but this past week Josh Allen was awarded the AP Most Valuable Player award for the first time. Allen was in attendance at NFL Honors in New Orleans to accept the award. He was joined by his fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, his parents as well as his coach, Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills' GM Brandon Beane. With 27 first place votes and 383 total points, this prestigious award is well deserved. The Bill's quarterback gave one of the best speeches I have heard from an honoree. 

I don't know that any reader of the blog or I will ever have to give an acceptance speech of this nature, but many of us are put in public places and spaces when and where we must address an award, accomplishment or honor. Should you find yourself in such a sphere, look to Allen's example. Let #17 words serve as your formula for further success. I hope this format helps!

First, watch for yourself. It is but two minutes and 20+ seconds long

• After a moment of awe and appreciation, he acknowledges there are a lot people to thank— and he apologizes in advance if anyone is left out. 
• God—thank the good Lord for allowing one to be in that place (short and sweet)
• Other nominees—he acknowledges the other MVP candidates by name.
• The powers that be—Allen then start at the top, as related to the team: "I'd like to think the Bills organization, Terry and Kim Pegula, Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott, thank you guys for drafting me seven and a half years ago. 
• The team.—Allen says, "I know this is an individual award and it says Most Valuable Player on it, but I think it's derived from team success, and I love my team," I don't know that we can say "I love you" enough. 
• All those who make one's work possible—A wise person knows that great success only happens because as Allen said: “We got such a great locker room in Buffalo, and it takes everybody.” Who doesn't love the shout out to Slick Rick in the mail room.... many hands make light work: literally and metaphorically. Shine on Josh!
• Family—in what was my favorite part of this speech, Allen named his parents and each of his three siblings—who are his favorite, original teammates. They aren't the only ones brought to tears at this point. He added, "I know you take a lot of pride in this as well." He's right. I have a feeling his entire hometown of Firebaugh, just off of Highway 5 in the Central Valley of California does too.
• Fiancée—no doubt, behind every great man is a "rock" and best friend. Beautiful.
• Conclusion—Allen lands his speech with a personal plea—one that is easy to remember, and hard to forget: "Be good, do good. God bless, and Go Bills."

I don't wear gear from other teams or schools. I have a personal policy against wearing a jersey of a player that does not play for my own squad. That being said, Josh Allen has certainly given my own mandate a good run for the money.

The athletic director at school immediately asked me if I was going to blog about this. How could I not? I won't go so far as to say what my classmate and friend, Jim said, "I love him like a son." But, I am a fan. I hope he gets to a future Super Bowl and hoists the Lombardi trophy in the near future. AND I hope this words help many people put in positions of privilege like this one. Congrats 17. Can't wait to yell "MVP!" in Tahoe.

Photo Credits
Quotes from the article
Tahoe
MVP (quotes from here too)

Super Bowl LIX Offers Something For Everyone: Six Insights into this Spirited Sunday

Football fan or not, Super Bowl Sunday offers something for everyone. And teaching about it in Sports and Spirituality through the assignment: Faith and Football, I was reminded of its significance to American culture. We are an interesting, inspiring, complicated, spirited and spiritual nation. We love sport and we love athletes, coaches, and yes, a football game between two divisional rivals gives us insight into who we are and what we value. 

1. Guess who will be in attendance?
Kendall Baker of Yahoo sports reports that "Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl. Three Vice Presidents have attended: Al Gore (1994), George H.W. Bush (1982) and Spiro Agnew (1971)." Will he wear the #47 jersey given to him by the NHL champion Florida Panthers, who visited the White House this week ahead of their game tonight against the first-place Capitals. 

I was surprised to read that DJT is the first to take a seat in what will be the SuperDome's presidential suite. I told my students "if I were POTUS, I would go every year." Then I realized, I might have obligations that are more pressing. Maybe not.

2. Super Bowl Party Time
In the event you're not sure what to bring to a Super Bowl gathering, I have a party pleaser. I first got the recipe from my friend's sister-in-law. I made them and brought them to class on presentation day. My students liked them so much that one boy actually picked up the entire container and placed it on his desk  He and his friends offered unsolicited praise of these pretzels. I don't even have a name for them, but they are magical.

Use a 16 oz. bag of pretzels, 2/3 cup oil, I pkg. ranch mix, 1 tsp. cayenne and 1 tsp. garlic powder.  

Mix everything except the pretzels and then add the mixture right into the bag of pretzels. I shake them gently to evenly distribute the wet mixture and then put on a cookie sheet or roasting pan. 

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Given that the recipe was given to me, it is only right to give it away to others I'd love to know if you have thoughts on variations of this savory snack. Regardless, enjoy!

3. Pre-game Prayer
Rather than examine the public praise of Christ in the post-game presser, I am ever eager to learn the ways that athletes pray before games. Many athletes engage personally and publicly in prayer as a way to center themselves—and they do so in different ways.

For example, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a ritual. Two hours before every single game Mahomes, an evangelical Christian, walks the field, takes a knee and bows his head at the goal post. Since high school he has made time before the contest to "thank God for those opportunities." He prays,  "In the warmth of your love, will you deport, keep me safe, safe and sound."

Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts offers his prayer in private. In a GQ Sports video where Hurts lists 10 things he can’t live without, his daily devotional and his journal were included. In his pregame ritual, he makes time for both. His pregame ritual makes

“It’s really important to me because I’m a man of God. Waking up every morning and having a routine where I can gain some wisdom and learn his Word and just walk by the Spirit. I strive to do that daily, and I challenge myself to spread that Word organically.”

What other ways do the players promote and/or practice their faith? Maybe you will see A.J. Brown wearing his bracelet that says, "I AM SECOND"—meaning that God is first. I appreciate that these three men, like many of their teammates ‘Walk by the Spirit.’ 

4. Spiritual Hero
While it's amusing that Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni once worked for the Chiefs, and the Chiefs head Coach Andy Reid worked for the Birds, what's more interesting  stood out to me is the personal profile of their assistant running backs coach, Porter Ellet. 

From my students' presentation I learned that the Chiefs "left hand man" was introduced to Coach Reid by his son-in law. Reid was impressed by Ellett’s determination and invited him into the organization in 2017 as a personal assistant, then promoted him in 2020 where he served as an offensive quality control coach (2020-2022). He was promoted to his current position in 2023. 

Ellet Lost use of right arm  in an accident where he fell out of the bed of a moving pickup truck when he was four years old. He fractured his skull and damaged nerves  in his right arm which left it immobile. After 12 years of injuries and struggles living with an immobile arm, Ellet asked his parents if he could get his arm amputated. Although he did not did not play football, he played both baseball and basketball in high school

In 2022 NFL Films, Mahomes said “I know one day he’s going to be a head coach in this league.” That is the right thing to see.

5. Charitable Cause Worth Consideration
As we know sports and the Super Bowl in particular offer a great platform whereby athletes and teams can raise awareness about a cause or charitable organization. For the first time, my students actually showed the video that features one of the competitor's team initiatives.

The Eagles Autism Foundation provides funding for Autism research and awareness. So far the Birds have contributed $8.1 million dollars to fund 53 research and community projects. The video captures who benefits and how with joy and alacrity. See for yourself.

As noted by my student who presented this slide, "I find it inspiring how the organization utilizes its platform to provide awareness, funding, and resources to marginalized communities.I admire their efforts to make an impact and setting an example for many professional teams." Here. Here.

6. Give back!
The word holiday comes from the Old English and meant holy day. While the term was originally used to refer to religious days, today it has a much broader meaning, and refers to secular celebrations as well.  And a great way to gather for any holiday is with traditional foods and a feast like no other. In this way, Super Bowl Sunday does not disappoint. 

In fact, next to Thanksgiving Day, Americans eat more on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year.Over the last few years, about 12.5 million pizza pies have been consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. Chicken wings are another fan favorite. The National Chicken Council estimates that Americans will eat 1.47 billion wings on February 9. This is enough to circle the Earth three times!

A colleague told me "people consume enough avocados to fill a football field three inches high. No idea if that's true or not..." Who doesn't love a good avocado.

While people will double their calorie intake on Sunday, too many Americans will go hungry. Therefore, I ask students to bring in a canned food item for the SF-Marin Food Bank. We can all do our part to end hunger. Maybe you want to make your Super Bowl squares into a 50/50 raffle with proceeds to a local food pantry or soup kitchen. There are so many ways to give to others.

In Conclusion
Whether or not you will be cheering for the reigning champs or against them. It doesn't matter if you are watching for the half time show or the commercials. Super Bowl Sunday is a day for us to come together for snacks, service, to celebrate spiritual heroes, raise questions, express concerns, dream differently and have fun. Enjoy the game.

Photos
Super Bowl LIX
47
Left Hand

    

Let Us Remember....Actions Have Consequences

We begin every prayer with the words "Let us remember." We respond, "That we are in the holy presence of God." I shouldn't need this reminder but I do. And I love it. Taking a moment to remember frames what we do, how we stand and and who we are. And reading MLB bans Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts in 2024 World Series from all ballparks indefinitely reminded me that a second call and response might be helpful for all of us.

"Let us remember: actions have consequences."

They can and they should. 

The two New York Yankees fans who became infamous figures for interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts in Game 4 were told “Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior," said a letter written by MLB to the fans, via The Athletic.

"Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball ('MLB') is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities," the letter continued. "You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass."

To only send a message about the severity of this event is not enough. The stark consequence it sets a standard. MLB has spoken: we stand behind the integrity of the game and ensuring the well-being of our players. Even fans have a responsibility and that is to respect the rules. 

Most likely, the public will not know if Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen adhere to this ban. But, we do know further actions and consequences will follow. Unfortunately, this is not entirely a deterrent for all. 

I was shocked to read that the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards has been fined five times this season by the league—which has now docked him $285,000 for the infractions. The article reports that the AntMan flashed a middle finger at a game official during an inbounds play in the T-wolves' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In November he was fined $35,000 for flashing a middle finger at a fan in Sacramento. In December he drew three fines - of $25,000 for swearing during a media interview, of $75,000 for using profane language and criticizing game officials, and of $100,000 for swearing during a post-game television interview.

Yes, emotions run hot and high for players and coaches, but they must be kept in check. A zero tolerance policy for how the players treat the officials is essential (in all professional sports). Young people mimic what they see. Clearly the consequences that impact his financial status are not working. Perhaps the league and the players association (NBPA) ought to convene.

Actions and consequences in no way preclude forgiveness—a core Christian value. From time to time however people interpret forgiveness to mean that no matter what we do—how we may have hurt or harmed another—all is okay. I hear quite often "As Catholics, aren't we called to forgive and love everyone?" To me this question is short sighted. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are asked to forgive seven times 70. Yes AND that doesn't mean that justice bears no responsibility. Reconciliation is never without price. Actions have consequences. This builds the common good. We need this reminder. (The post Ricky Pearsall and Marcus Freeman Choose Hard is about forgiveness).

Today I handed out a detention to two freshman students who continued to talk throughout the Fine Arts Assembly. I gave them a warning and moved to sit next to them. They continued to chat. I couldn't ignore my responsibility to the performers, the other students and to them. I told them they would be meeting with the deans and going to detention. When the show ended, one girl reached out and said "should we wait here?" and then she introduced herself. She apologized. I said "I gave you a chance to change your behavior. It's okay to chat during the breaks but if everyone is talking during the performance as you did, none of us could hear it." They apologized. It was so civil and respectful. Action. Consequence. Lesson learned? Not sure but all parties know what's expected and trust we will be better for it. Let us remember that too...

Photo Credits
AntMan
Fan Duel
Quote

Content before Connection: Lesson from the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Walking the course at Spyglass Hill, one of two golf venues that host the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, I turned to my friend Charlie and asked him, "Do you always connect with people?" The man talks to every third volunteer and patron. At one point Charlie cracked a great joke with one of the players's wives. Everyone is fair game. He told me, "I just want to make people laugh. If I can get a chuckle from them, that's a good day." I said "I had a student who once told me his goal was to make another person smile. Everyday. Those are two great goals."

Whether is a laugh, snort or a smile, connecting with other people is not something I take for granted. The effort and attempt to reach out to others makes the world a better place...a warmer place...it's more interesting too. And attending the 2025 AT&T Pro-Am reminded me it's both an art and science. I think it's worth consideration and further reflection. Here's what came up for me.

For many people, reaching out to a stranger/someone new is a bit of a risk. Therefore, I think it's important to connect with others in a way that is comfortable for you—reflective of your personal style. For me, this means content before connection. Whether it's at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am or at my own club—I like to offer an observation, insight or information as my way of connecting. 

One might not need any content to connect when it's this beautiful out....

For example, when I stood near Jay Bilas on the 14th hole at the American Century Championship, I brought up an anecdote from his book "Toughness." A friend had given me the book to read and I finished it—not for the purpose of connecting with the Duke basketball star turner announcer, but because I wanted to learn if one can coach toughness. While I did not mention that question, I did say I couldn't believe the story about the game he played after having his wisdom teeth out. We both laughed. I met Charlie and my own goal in that space!

Other connections are born from observations about a person. For instance, walking off the 13th green, the crowd surrounded Stephen Curry hoping for an autograph or photo. He had to pause and wait for the ropes to clear so he could proceed to the next tee box. I said "Steph! What? no mouth guard?!" He looked at me out of the corner of his eye. He laughed and smiled. My student would have been proud. The Warriors great gave me a smile, but another NBA star, Chris Webber might have one of the most electric smiles I've seen. Rather than give a nod to his success at Michigan with yet another "Go Blue!" I told my friend to comment on his megawatt smile. He was so moved he gladly took a picture with her to show off those pearly whites.

Harrison Smith is known by his teammates at ND as "Hayseed."
Inside Irish is always a good point of connection

And one of my all time favorite connections was born from a conversation I did not even have with Aaron Rodgers. I chronicled that exchange in the post: Lessons in Leadership: The Importance of The Table, Thank you, Aaron Rodgers. Thanks to the Netflix series: Enigma, I already know what I want to say to him this year. 

Content before Connection isn't for everyone. You might have your own way of relating to others. And in no way is it a fail proof way of connecting. For example, although we followed the English golfer Justin Rose for 13 holes, I didn't have anything special to say. This was unfortunate as we had ample time and space to connect and I had seen the show "Full Swing!"  Furthermore, content before connection can be a challenge when what I know or am thinking about isn't exactly positive. I didn't want to bring up how astonishing it is to me that Alex Smith, the retired quarterback and first round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers, was 9-13 in his first three seasons with the team. In fact, he didn't play half of the games. No one wants to connect over that! I have to think this is where a smile is sufficient.

As a teacher in a Jesuit school, I have been formed to focus on connection before content. The Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm urges teachers to walk through the student's door. The program suggests that all learning is . . .

• Situated in a specific context 
• Rooted in previous experience and the result of new learning experiences.
  
  
  

Our job is to find out how that relates and connects to the lives of our students and go from there. I find this to be a valuable framework for teaching and for learning....but outside the classroom—this past weekend—I was reminded there might be other ways of proceeding. In the meantime, I would like to offer a few questions for your personal consideration.

• How do you connect with other people? What approach works for you?
• Do you have a goal to brighten another person's day? make them laugh? smile? 
• What do you know, think or see that might be meaningful, unique or fun for another person to hear? 

I think taking on an approach that works for you puts you on the path toward connection. Something we all need. 

Photo Credits
Celebs
IPP

Sign Value: As seen from Notre Dame and Penn State Football

When students walk into my classroom in a shirt and tie, or wearing their varsity jacket, I take notice. That simple gesture of coming to school in formal attire sends a message of its own: it's game day. I like that they make the effort to dress up and make it known that today isn't just another day. That tradition invites questions and sparks conversation. Who are you playing today? Where is the game? How are you feeling— nervous? Excited? How are the Lancers this year? Beat the Bells! 

Sign value goes a long way.

Earlier this week, I paused when I realized that one of my students—a varsity athlete— came to class sans tie. Fifteen minutes prior, I saw one of his teammates in game day gear. Somewhat surprised and slightly confused, I asked him, "Why aren't you wearing a tie?" He said "my coach doesn't care if we wear one or not." I don't know his coach well enough to find out if this is true. I replied "But you're a senior, and, you're a starter. Don't you care?" 

Sign value speaks for itself.

James Martin, SJ writes about sign value. "Sign value" refers to the meaning or significance a particular object, action, or event holds as a visible representation of a deeper spiritual truth or message. Sign value acts as a marker or indicator pointing towards more...something beyond. In a religious context, it's important for sign value enables people to connect with their faith through concrete symbols, tangible objects and more.

Fans loved who Charles Du included his name...

Catholic spirituality finds sign value in and outside of church—in the day to day as well as time and space which is sacred and holy. Sign value is important because we are always seeking to convene and connect, understand and make known who we are and what we value. Sign value allows us to anchor those truths. For an athlete to wear a tie or a varsity jacket might seem nominal, but it's a place to start—and that is not to be underestimated. 

Sign value can shape a community and define it. And good leaders recognize its import.

Every coach (and leader) needs examples to call out and credit. They need tried and tested ways that work. It helps to call on cases that demonstrate what they value and who they want to be. For instance, the Notre Dame football team does not put surnames of on the back of a player's jersey. The rationale for this tradition is that the team is important; the name of that team is what matters, and that can be found on the  front of the jersey only. 

Notice what the post-season brought...for one team.

To be honest, I don't like this practice. I don't want to look to a roster after every play. Sure, during the course of the season we learn the names and numbers of certain players— but there are so many athletes go unrecognized because of tradition. Sign value isn't always convenient or comfortable, but it speaks volumes. A coach can say that the team is what matters most, but what can they point to sends this message? What can they name that reveals this truth? Notre Dame football can include this simple gesture as one example. 

Notre Dame isn't the only program with this practice. The Nittany Lions of Penn State do the same. And during the Orange Bowl, I couldn't help notice, they kept this tradition whereas the Irish did not. (In both the Shamrock Series as well as post-season play, Notre Dame adds names to the jerseys. I have to wonder if the players love it. I know I do). I want to give credit where credit is due. Whether it's season or postseason—Penn State can say they hold sign value in the same way. To Coach Franklin, I would say: you—the team—know who you are and what you're about. I applaud you for that. This is not a criticism of Notre Dame; I appreciate both ways of holding sign value.

to their credit...

For Notre Dame, I can point to other examples that signify the importance of team over individual performance. In April 2017, the University installed its first major video display system in Notre Dame Stadium. What fans, players and coaches were privy to see changed dramatically. And yet, no one will see individual profiles our promos. The focus remains on the team. That's sign value of the digital kind. 

Whether is wearing a tie on game day or not wearing your name on your jersey, what we wear, carry, promote and portray has significance. It's not just something on the surface. It offers sign value, and sign value invites us to consider something more. This is the space the spiritual life is always inviting us into...

Photo Credits
Mix
Unrivaled
Du
No Names