What a "Deep Cut" Reveals

As we waited for the next session of the retreat to begin, I glanced at a sophomore I didn’t know. He was wearing a "God, Country, Notre Dame" Under Armour t-shirt.

“It’s Henry, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Did your mom or dad go to Notre Dame?”

“No.”

“Oh, the reason I ask is because of the shirt you’re wearing. That one seems legit. Where did you get it?”

“I ordered it online from the bookstore,” he said.

“Huh. Well, it’s not unusual to see people wearing a Notre Dame sweatshirt or tee—look at Mark, for example. That shirt could’ve come from any store. But yours? To me, that’s sort of an insider’s pick.”

Another teacher nearby chimed in, “Ah yes, a deep cut.”

“Deep cut?” I asked.

He explained, “Deep cuts are usually early songs by an artist—tracks that might be less popular or well-known than others on the same album.”

“I love that,” I said. “Springsteen fans know a legion of deep cuts—the B-sides, the songs he let other artists record that became hits. His 1999–2000 reunion tour even centered around many of them, blending Tracks with the classics. And as Boss fans know, Tracks 2 is set to drop on June 27. Deep cut city!”

Whether it's a song, a reference to a book or movie or an article of clothing, deep cuts (which has its own entry in the Merriam-Webster dictionary) offer two insights into our humanity: authenticity and identity.

Identity
What someone believes, where they grew up, who they root for, and what they value—these all shape our sense of identity. We come to understand ourselves and others through these frameworks.

Phrases like “born and raised Catholic,” “Bills Mafia member,” “C & E Christian,” or “I bleed blue and gold” are common in both spiritual and sports communities. People aren’t shy about waving their flag, singing Hallelujah, or spending Sundays with their faith community or favorite franchise. Many of us want to be known by our tribes and traditions. It connects us. Sometimes it divides us. But it always reveals something fundamental.

Whether it’s a rare alumni sweatshirt or the belief that “lifelong Cubs fan” should be etched on a tombstone—identity matters.

Of course, our lens of identity can shift over time—as it should. Life isn’t static. A recent Notre Dame Magazine article titled "Out of Practice" Ken Woodward (a Notre Dame alum and former Newseek religion editor and Christian Smith—a sociologist on campus. 

KW: Readers like me, who came of age in the 1950s, will surely argue that there are other, stronger reasons for being religious. One would be group identity. “This is my crowd. These are my people.” Does traditional religion no longer provide group identity?

CS: For some people, it clearly does, but I think it’s more challenging now to get an identity from religion than it used to be. The boundaries are more porous. People are involved in many other communities. The internet has opened up people to the entire world. So, it’s still there, but it’s just less effective and clear.

KW: Would you say that other identities have superseded this? “I’m female.” “I’m LGBTQ.”

CS: Yes, exactly. The rise of identity politics. If you look at what people think matters for being a good American or for having a strong personal identity, very few younger generations are going to say, “I’m Catholic” or “I’m Jewish” or something like that. It’ll be much more around sex, gender, political affiliation. 

While not true for all Irish fans, wearing a Notre Dame deep cut usually signifies that "Catholic" is or was part of one's identity. I would argue that it might serve as an invitation for a conversation about that and so much more: midwest roots? working class/first generation student? Irish or Polish heritage? football fan?! etc.

When my student wore this particular IRISH sweatshirt, I had to ask her about it. I can't tell you how many of my classmates and I owned this specific sweatshirt (or its sibling which was grey with navy lettering). It's screams of 90's ND in the same way these baseball caps are now the poster child for the decade. That deep cut brought back memories for me of shopping at the former Hammes Bookstore. Turns out, her dad was two years ahead of me. "He lived in Grace Hall." (another identity marker). 

Authenticity

While not true for all Irish fans, wearing a Notre Dame deep cut often signals that “Catholic” is—or was—part of one’s identity. But it can also open the door to broader conversations: Midwest roots? Working class? First-gen college student? Irish or Polish heritage? Football fan?

For example, when I saw a student wearing a particular IRISH sweatshirt, I had to ask her about it. That sweatshirt (and its gray-with-navy-lettering sibling) was practically a uniform for my classmates and me in the ’90s. A deep cut like that brought back memories—shopping at the old Hammes Bookstore, bumping into dorm mates. Turns out, her dad was two years ahead of me. “He lived in Grace Hall,” she said. Another identity marker.

I haven’t studied identity politics or sociology in depth, but I do know this: once we begin to understand identity, we start asking questions about authenticity.

We want to know what’s real. We crave it. We want to be known—truly known—for our passions, our loyalties, our roots. Some people hold 30-year season tickets. Others reminisce about the old ballparks, long gone. We stake our pride on those loves. And we should.

That’s also why we’ve developed language for what isn’t authentic—terms like bandwagon fan or fair-weather follower. And this is where deep cuts come in.

Owning or recognizing a deep cut implies history, loyalty, and pride. It’s the T-shirt version of “I was here before it was cool.” It’s literal—people wear it on their sleeves. And it’s encoded. Not everyone gets it. That’s the point. I’m not usually a fan of the acronym IYKYK, but in this case? It fits.

For example, I once saw George Kittle and other 49ers wear a specific shirt in press conferences. I found it online and wore it to the gym. My friend Greg, a San Francisco native, saw it and said, “I love those. They used to be practice shirts. We had so many they became rags.” I told him those “rags” now sell for $199 to $299 on eBay.

For some, that’s a small price to pay to be seen as an authentic Niners fan. And given the team’s last-place finish in the NFC West this year (6–11), that shirt may speak louder now than it did after Super Bowl LVIII. IYKYK.

In conclusion, one of my favorite sweaters is a navy cardigan with the university logo on the patch. They gave them to us at graduation. I kept mine—and I wonder how many of my classmates did the same. When people compliment it, I get to tell the story.

Yes, Notre Dame is a big part of my identity. And no one who knows me questions whether I’m an authentic fan—of the Irish, the Giants, the Niners, the Warriors—or an authentic follower of my faith. These aren’t just labels. They’re deep cuts. All have been called in to question for both discussion and defense. Each one matters to me.

Photo Credits

Criticism or Player Accountability? That is the Question

With all due respect to Kyle Shanahan, and I mean that, I have to wonder: If Deebo Samuel had played for John Wooden, would he have treated Jake Moody differently?

I ask this question because the Hall of Fame UCLA men's basketball coach, John Wooden had but three rules for his team. 

1. Be on time: being punctual showed respect for his players' time.
2. No profanity: to use foul language was to relinquish control. He believed it allowed your opponent to know they had gotten inside your head.
3. Never criticize a teammate: to do so doesn't build up a team but puts on member against another. 

Wooden's intention was to create an environment where respect and loyalty were given and received. The poignancy and simplicity of his three rules provided a foundation—a place for players to stand. His players knew what was expected and what would not be tolerated. Any coach knows that rules can and will be broken. And, still the question crossed my mind: Would things be different? 

For context, As written on the Ninerswire:

Tempers flared on the San Francisco 49ers’ sideline during the team’s 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

After kicker Jake Moody missed his third kick, wide receiver Deebo Samuel had some words for the 49ers’ second-year kicker. Long snapper Taybor Pepper wasn’t happy with whatever Samuel had to say, and got in the receiver’s face. Samuel responded by striking Pepper in the throat. 

There was more yelling between the two players, but no further physical escalation.

Though it's not clear precisely what Deebo said, one thing is: he criticized his teammate. Deebo let frustration get the best of him. Yes, football is an incredibly emotional game. No one will question Deebo's commitment to giving the very best and the most of himself to it. What he puts his body through week after week after week is tremendous. But, Deebo is just one a member of a 53-man roster. No single player can win the game alone. This same message is found in Scripture.

Saint Paul wasn't writing to a football team but in his letter to the people of Corinth speaks to One Body, Many Parts. He writes

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 

Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.”  Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary. May  there be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.

To criticize a teammate to dishonor them. There is no way that a professional athlete wants to NOT make the catch, play or kick. Rather than tearing a teammate down, it is important to build a teammate up.  John Wooden was a devout Christian. I have to wonder if his rule was inspired by this passage.

Full disclosure: I love Deebo Samuel. I do not hold this instance against him—though I do think there is a lot to learn from it and for sports fans to discuss. For example, one argument made in Samuel's favorite is the notion of player accountability.

This principle suggests that there is value in teammates holding each other accountable. I don't disagree. The question is How? When? Where? And what is an effective way for a teammate to hold another accountable? I think these are questions for coaches and players to ask and to answer.

Player accountability Fortunately, Moody made the 44-yard game-winner as time expired and helped the 49ers get home with a win. When asked about the incident, Deebo said, “Just frustrated in the heat of battle. It was a close game and I kinda got out of character a little bit. But I’ll talk to Moody and we’ll get past it.”

Moody responded,  “Like I said, it’s in the heat of the moment – it happens. I do have to make those kicks at the end of the day, so that’s all I’m focused on. I’m not worried on anything like that.”

If Moody had missed that kick however, how might we perceive the notion of player accountability differently. Would we?

In the post-game press conference, Shanahan said, “I don’t have much of a take because I didn’t see any of it.  I just got told about it – but probably an obvious one, guys frustrated and something probably happened and you know brothers scuffle a little bit. I didn’t see any of it, so I don’t know how bad it was, but something I’m not too worried about, we’ll fix it. If it hasn’t been fixed already, we’ll fix it on the plane and go back to loving each other tomorrow.” 

I have to wonder what are Coach Shanahan's rules? What are his non-negotiables? Not a criticism, just a question. 

Photo Credits
Wooden
Coach and Deebo

The Hiring and Firing of Robert Saleh: A Win and a Loss for Sports and Spirituality

At a presentation today, a colleague admitted he has always had a flair for the dramatic. I think the NFL is no different. Cowboys in Crisis! Is Nick Sirianni having a nervous breakdown?! The hirings and firings, tragic injuries, tough losses and big wins characterize the game for almost nine months of the year now. From the mandatory mini-camps that players like Aaron Rodgers miss due to travel to Egypt to the overtime that rocked the Chiefs and Niners world in February, American football at its highest level can't stay out of the spotlight. And— it doesn't want to. 

The latest example of dramedy is the firing of New York Jets head coach, Robert Saleh after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 of the season. The game, played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was to be his last in the green and white. Though I highly doubt Saleh was dismissed over Greenland and some have conjectured, there is no shortage of hearsay about when and how the axe came down. The stories continue to swirl: he was escorted out of the building. The owner got to him before he fired Nathaniel Hackett, the offensive coordinator (who has since been let go). Did Rodgers call the owner Woody Johnson first? It's none of our business, but  the fans sure want to know. Many think it is. At the end of the day, one truth remains: Saleh's firing is a loss for Sports and Spirituality. Here are four reasons why.

1. What is Spirituality
I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on Robert Saleh. As the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, it was hard not to notice him. He is fit, fierce and totally locked in. More than once I was convinced he would get in the game if he could. He admitted that he owed his players the passion and intensity we saw on the sidelines. He knew that his posture and energy fired THEM up. Defense is a tough job and it's a critical one. They say it wins game. Here here.

I offer this image—this example— because I think it helps me (and my students) make sense of what Ron Rolheiser has written about spirituality. In The Holy Longing: The Search for Christian Spirituality, the Canadian priest writes     

(There) is a tragic misunderstanding. Spirituality is not something on the fringes, an option for those with a particular bent. None of us has a choice. Everyone has to have a spirituality and everyone docs have one, either a life-giving one or a destructiveness. No one has the luxury of choosing here We do not wake up in this world calm and Serena, having the luxury of choosing to act or act. We wake up crying, in fire with desire, with madness. What we do with that madness: is our spirituality

Hence, spirituality is not about serenely picking or rationally choosing certain spiritual activities like going to church, praying or meditating, reading spiritual books, or setting off on some explicit spiritual quest. It is far more basic than that. Long before we do anything explicitly religious at all, we have to do some thing about that burns within us. What we do with that fire, how we channel it, is our spirituality.

This approach and understanding of spirituality does much more than offer a justification for why my students have learned about Saleh in the past. This new approach helps them understand that what they love, where they channel their desires and demonstrate their passion, can be a spiritual endeavor. It can help them to know and grow in their own spirituality. It is lived, expressed, active and alive. No question, Robert Saleh is a spiritual person. 

2. How and Why Saleh got into coaching 
How anyone comes to coaching, let alone coaching at the highest level is always interesting. However, one could argue Saleh's story is as surprising as it is spiritual.

His older brother David worked in finance and was sent to New York in September 2001 for a one week training seminar. It happened to take place in World Trade Center 2. When the plane hit the tower, he immediately descended over 60 flights of stairs to safety, forgoing a voice on the intercom that told people to remain calm and stay seated. Robert admitted "I didn't know he was alive and safe until about 4:00 p.m. that day."

Robert, who had been working as a credit analyst for at Comerica Bank headquarters in downtown Detroit said that 9/11 served as a wake-up call for him and how he was living his life. He said, "I spent my days in a cubicle, crunching numbers." and the dream of his father was one he shared. 

Saleh's father, Sam, played at Eastern Michigan University. He said "My father had a try out with the (Chicago) Bears. He always regretted not coaching football. He lives, eats and breathes football." It goes without saying, the same is true for Robert. After September 11, he asked himself "Am I doing what I want to do?" This is a question we ought to be asking ourselves on a regular basis. His answer led Robert to make a major career change: he started coaching football at Fordson High School, his alma mater.

I think it takes tremendous courage to make a career change such as this one. Given his passion and the life lessons from his father, one could argue it would take more courage not to change. However, Robert let the events surrounding 9/11 serve as a catalyst for living with purpose and living out his passion. I love it.

3. That alma mater
In 2012, a colleague who teaches World Religion handed me a great gift: the DVD of Fordson—Faith, Fasting and Football. She thought it would compliment my Sports and Spirituality course quite well. I still thank her for this resource.

As written on IMDB

'Fordson' follows a high school football team from Dearborn, Michigan as it prepares for its big cross-town rivalry game during the last ten days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The story is set at Fordson High School, a public school, which was once all white, but now boasts a 98% Arab-American population. As we follow the team on the road to victory, 'Fordson' unearths the story of a community desperately holding onto its Islamic faith while struggling to gain acceptance in post 9-11 America. 'Fordson' is an unprecedented glimpse inside the lives of a community that is home to the largest concentration of Arabs in any city outside of the Middle East, and their determination to hold on to the American Dream. 

Robert Saleh is not featured in the film because by the time it was made, he had been coaching for ten years; it was released in 2011. However, he is a renown alum and contributed to the success of the Tractors as both a player and a coach. 

I love the film because it brings great insight into both a religious and ethnic culture that I know far too little about. I appreciated getting better insight into how community and family support makes the demands of fasting during Ramadan possible. I loved hearing why they do it in the first place. I gained an understanding of some of the complexities the Arab community in Dearborn holds as it seeks to balance old world traditions against modern day values in a new country. Make no mistake about it, family is incredibly important...and so is football. This is from where Robert Saleh has come!

4. Coaches ¡Caliente! Calendar
Though it's hard to say this is spiritual, I'll give it a try. Robert Saleh is the reason I have the Coaches ¡Caliente! Caleder. Read my post Passion Project: Coaches' Calendar ~ Caliente on and perhaps you make a concession for the case.

I ran this calendar again for the 2024-2025 season and once again, Robert Saleh got the most votes for a Coach Caliente. Given that Week 1 in the NFL takes place in early September, the start of the new year is no different. Saleh was the leading man in the 2023-2024 edition and this year, I saved that handsome face for the end of the year. Perhaps he will be leading another team in August of 2025. The story of the NFL is always unfolding.

Conclusion
It is a joy and a privilege to teach my students about Robert Saleh. As the first Muslim head coach in the NFL , Saleh brings a different voice to the conversation around diversity. Furthermore, Saleh, who is of Lebanese descent speaks both Arabic and English at home with his wife and seven children. No doubt he speaks football too. 

Robert Saleh will find another coaching position in the NFL. However, I do wonder if he is best suited to be coordinating a defensive unit (ideally the Niners again?!!). After all, his motto is "all gas, no breaks." Seems fitting for the drama that is the NFL, replete with highs and lows, ups and downs—this one being a loss...for Sports and Spirituality...at least for now. God bless “الله يبارك فيك” (pronounced: Allah yubarik feek).

Photo Credits
Bob Saleh
Headset
Fordson prayer
Fordson Coaching Staff
Family
With Shanahan

The Juice Box: Featuring Fred Warner

A colleague recently told me about a new podcast. I like it so much I almost feel like I have a new friend. I want the people I care about to "meet" my new show. So for you, Sports and Spirituality readers, I'm excited to make the introduction. Meet Pod Quad. 

Hosted by two Holy Cross priests, Fathers Pete McCormick, C.S.C. and Nate Wills, C.S.C. are real friends "having curiosity conversations with interesting people. Talking about life.” The title is a nod to where that happens at a place like Notre Dame: on the Quad. I want the creators and any new listeners to know, although I am over 2000 miles from campus and live amidst the urban sprawl of San Francisco, their message resonates with me. In other words, the quad is not required. Furthermore, I'm so invested in their show, I have  found myself answering the final question for myself. I would like the hosts to know I get a whole lot of juice from Sports and Spirituality.. And juice this week has come from the Niners win over the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 29. I'll give the squeeze in a bit. 

The format works. Although Pod Quad is but a few episodes in, it is a delight to listen to and learn from their guests. They conclude each interview with the question “What's one piece of wisdom that you've received that you think would be awesome just to share with Pod Quad Nation?” While those nuggets are always meaningful, what leaves me hanging is their final question. 

Father Nate says,

And so now this segment, we close out the Pod Quad here with a little segment we like to call the Juice Box, which is where we talk about what gave us juice from that conversation.

Pete, how would you define juice?

Man, juice is, you can look this up in the dictionary. Juice ultimately is a vigor for life, a passion, a new insight, perspective that just gets amped up. And so what we're doing is honoring that in this way with some very tasty apple juice.

But at the same time, to be able to remind us all, like, yo, what are the things in your conversations, in your lives that are ultimately bringing you juice and how can you bring that into your world more broadly?”

I've never been partial to juice.I don't start my day with an OJ in hand. I don't own a juicer. A day without coffee is criminal, but a day without juice? No problem...and yet, I love this metaphor. This question gets me fired up—What gives you juice? 

Juice has flavor—lots of it! Juice makes things sweeter. The Juice Box has given me a way to understand and appreciate events, ideas, insights and sharing that fits their description.

Sitting in the Boston airport, I relished watching the Niners in enemy territory. In what appeared to be a beautiful day at Levi's Stadium, I couldn't help but cheer when I saw that once again Niners linebacker Fred Warner was the main squeeze. He was outstanding in Game two against the Vikings (some fans said he was the only Niner who played well that day) and his pick-six in the second quarter of this game made me wonder: Do I need to get a jersey with #54 on it?! But what made this play so memorable was not only his feat, but the reaction from the fans. Kendall Baker of Yahoo Sports, featured Warner's interception for a TD in his Baker's Dozen as one of the "Top Plays of the Weekend." Watch his clip here.

I love his defensive genius. I love Warner's vision, speed and his heart. But I also love what the camera reveals: the viewer gets confirmation of the TD and then a panorama of the response from fans in the stands. In this sea of gold are two men in their turbans next to others in a baseball caps. Women, men and even children are standing and clapping. Football is flawed, but it's also one of the greatest games. It's emotional, it's heart, it's thrilling.  There's just so much juice to squeeze. Even thinking about it now gets the juices flowing.

So give to others what Father Pete and Father Nick have given us—a place and a space for a curiosity conversation. Talk to someone you admire or respect. Ask them for their best piece of advice. Reflect upon what you have learn. You might walk away with a juice box in hand. 

Photo Credits
Fist bump
Pod Quad convo
Icon
Pick-Six

The robbery and shooting of 49er WR Ricky Pearsall: Five reasons it is worth discussing

I begin each Sports and Spirituality class with prayer and a sports thought of the day. As much as I wanted to discuss the Irish win over the Aggies in College Station (Notre Dame 23 — Texas A&M 13) or the record set by Joey Chestnut who ate 86 hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes, (Unfinished Beef), I deferred to a topic very close to home that made national headlines: the shooting of the Forty Niners rookie wide receiver, Ricky Pearsall.

There are more pressing headlines to unpack, no doubt. But here are five reasons why my seniors and I believe this was an important matter to consider, reflect upon, pray over and learn more about. 

1. The national narrative.
The profile pic of San Francisco is the very first reason a number of my students thought this story was worth a class discussion. It's not easy to give this one a thumbs up either. 

I have resided in San Francisco for the past twenty years. My mother grew up in the City and my Grandparents lived and died here. It is home. Growing up nearly 30 miles east, I didn't plan to live here this long, but the City of St. Francis has a hold on me. Like every city in the world, SF has changed. In many ways it has grown and changed for the better...but you will never hear that on television.

The story that is being told about the City by the Bay is that it is incredibly dangerous and utterly filthy. San Francisco is lawless and crime is everywhere. Unhoused people rule the roost and there are no consequences for breaking the law. 

From time to time, it's not hard to believe that might be true. But, for those of us who live and work in San Francisco and love its 49 square miles, what we hear other people say and what the media prefers to show is the worst of the worst. Remember, this is our home. It is not a tourist trap. It is is not a suburb. Urban life is always demanding. 

Nevertheless, narratives aren't easy to control, but San Franciscans want the current one to change. We have struggles. We need reform. And, we are not alone. I have yet to find a place that is perfect. I won't paint a Pollyanna picture, AND this story is a set-back.

2. Questioning coverage of the case.
People have taken issue the fact that this story is getting extensive local and national coverage because it involves a high profile professional athlete. Noted. However, case like this one reminds all of us that violent crime can and does happen to anyone, at any time in the day, any where.

On Nextdoor.com I happened to run across the report of an attempted armed robbery at Alta Vista Park—one block from where I live—at 2:45 in the afternoon. The assault occurred in a very public area, in a well populated place—the Pacific Heights neighborhood for what purpose? A purse. My roommates and neighbors had not heard about this event.

The Pearsall shooting serves as a sad but important reminder that everyone must all be careful and pay attention to keep safe in public. We shouldn't need a reminder but we do. Pearsall's experience brought this to light.

3. Theodicy
Erin Pearsall posted a heartfelt update about her son via X on social media. A devout Christian, she offered a beautiful testimony of God's grace. I appreciate her words of gratitude, humility and belief. And her message points to an important question we might ask in considering what happened.

Her son Ricky was shielded and spared; he survived. Thanks be to God. And yet, a question this prompts is one I cannot answer.  Does God not shield or spare all people? Why do some survive? How is it that others go unprotected? The truth of tragedy of our takes on events present spiritual quagmires. One of them has a name: Theodicy.

Theodicy, (from Greek theos, “god”; dikē, “justice”), is the explanation of why a perfectly good, almighty, and all-knowing God permits evil and suffering. 

In many cases, there are no answers. Humanity has wrestled with this "problem" forever and people of all faith traditions have turned to religion for insight and understanding. I recommend reading the Book of Job. This book of the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament speaks to the problem of evil and the attempt for human beings to understand God's ways. It's pure mastery...and frustration. We all live and move and have our being somehow, somewhere in between...

4. The importance of being good at what you do
San Francisco police officer Sgt. Joelle Harrell ought to be commended for not only getting to the right place at the right time, but also for doing everything right. Though she said she wishes she could have been at the scene of the crime to prevent what had happened—"I happened to be at the other end of the street at that time, I got here as fast as I could. I got others here as fast as we could and everybody responded the way they should have. I couldn't be more grateful for that."

Tactically, she knew what to do. As written by NBC Bay Area News Coverage, 

She spotted Pearsall and noticed that he was bleeding from his head and his chest. He was losing a lot of blood and sh

"I used my strong hand to cover it and used my other hand to cover the other wound," she said. "It was causing a lot of bleeding. I didn't want it to bother him. I wanted him to be calm." 

Within seconds, she began trying to calm Pearsall and ask him for a description of the attempted robber. She said she then called for backup and broadcast the suspect's description over police radio. 

They were able to catch the assailant. She was able to accompany Pearsall to the help he needed. Others in the area were made aware that SFPD, though short 500 officers does indeed have a positive and effective presence. 

We need women and men to work in law enforcement and we need them to be good at what they do. They need our support, far beyond financial compensation. We all need to recognize the importance that comes with this work: a strong sense of mission and purpose as well as the affirmation that law enforcement keeps us safe, saves lives, and reduces crime. They must  hold one another accountable and recognize how they can and do promote the flourishing of our cities, homes and neighborhoods. Again, this story serves as a reminder.

5. Life IS precious and precarious
It is never easy to read about crime, let alone violent crime—including armed robbery in a place so close to home. When I read that Pearsall asked Sgt. Harrell,  Am I gonna die? my eyes pooled with tears. His question speaks to the fear he must have felt. 

Sgt. Harrell offered remarkable counsel. She recalled this interaction by reporting, "He looked at me...I said 'No,'" Harrell added, "I take off my hat because I wanted to make eye contact with him. I wanted him to hear me. I said to him, 'Listen, look at me. I know you don't know me, but I want you to trust me, it's not your time.'You're going to be okay. Okay? God is with us!"

Harrell's response came from a place of conviction: belief and faith in a God who is with us. Her words brought comfort and assurance that it was not his time. Obviously we don't know when it is. But when we ask that question— it's a gift that someone else can speak to it.

In 2010 when I had a major cardiac event, I was aware that I was in peril. The conversation between the EMTs and me came to a halt. Each person on the scene became very focused on how to address my heart and make sure I would stay alive.

At no point did I think I was going to die. I did not ask if I was because I felt an inner strength and awarness that it wasn't. I prayed the Hail Mary, as I always do when I am frightened or scared. I take comfort and assurance in Our Lady; I call on her to look over me. She did (as did my Grandma. A story for another time).

I don't know if Pearsall offered a prayer of his own or not, but I do know Sgt. Harrell did by her very words and actions. Living our prayers might be the best way to pray them.

In Closing
This story raises a number of compelling questions. How will this event impact the mayoral election? How might each candidate speak to it differently? What is the proper punishment? Should the assailant be tried as an adult? How ought we best continue the conversation about guns? Why do we struggle to see the value of life? Does a person really have a sense of when it is their time? When it is not? How can help others to recognize God is always with us?

The author Matthew Kelly claims that we are not teaching young people how to think but what to think. I hope this example, among others is an exercise in thinking. This past week as we had a tragic school shooting in Georgia. This tragedy in addition to others certainl gets us thinking. That exercise ought to begin with raising the questions. They are worth asking and answering. 

Photo Credits
Pearsall
Bow
Presser
Niners Statement

Analytics Aside: Five Lessons from Super Bowl LVIII

I woke up Sunday morning with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I said to myself, "it's Super Bowl Sunday" and this one is special. Why? It's not every year, that your team is in the NFL Championship game. I loved hearing from friends throughout the country with text messages like "Thinking of you today!" and "Go Niners." I went to Mass in my Niners' gear and took note of how many others in the congregation did too. I found my way to the grocery store and was delighted to see extra staff on hand as people got the goods for the second biggest feast day in the US (Thanksgiving Day is #1). I put on my CMC jersey. I packed my Super Bowl snacks and arrived at a super spirited party, knowing the next four hours plus would not be easy. Sadly, that premonition proved to be true. But not all was lost at Super Bowl LVIII. I gained a few insights and life lessons. They are not about questionable calls. You won't find much by way of analytics. Regardless, I think these are a few worth sharing.  

"Super Bowl" is two words and a proper noun.
As a teacher, you have certain tools in your toolbox. The words of William O'Malley SJ, the author of "Building Your Own Conscience" have served as one of the better ones. He writes,  "The first step toward wisdom is to call a thing by its right name. Then you'll handle it as it deserves." I would like to add that writing and spelling it properly are important too.

Maybe I missed the memo, but it seems that proper nouns and the usage of paragraphs are out of fashion for writers under the age of 18. Though social media cares little for the rules of grammar, I cannot and do not let this bad habit slide in my classroom. I have told my students paragraphs are important because they help you, the writer organize ideas and the reader to understand them. Furthermore, proper nouns indicate importance and mark distinction. The Super Bowl is not "Any Given Sunday." It's the NFL championship game. Thus, its title requires differentiation and discipline.

We all watch in our own way
I attended the friend of a friend's annual Super Bowl party. The hostess happens to be an identical twin. I had no difficulty telling them apart because one twin only came down for the halftime show. A die-hard Niners fan, she couldn't watch the game with others for several reasons—she gets too nervous, the crowd's commentary can be off-putting, and she really wants to watch the game. I came to find out she is not an outlier—I know many people who do the same.

When it comes to watching a sporting event we care about, fans have their preferences. For example, good sound is incredibly important to me. I am an info hound and I want to hear the commentary. I need those around me to remain positive. I can't handle it when others rip on the players and critique with unbridled authority how and why they are messing up. I have a hard time staying calm. If you are telling me a story about something during a key play, I won't listen. Why? During a championship game—the World Series, the Super Bowl, etc. the stakes are just too high.

Over the years, I have come to terms with who I am in these environments. I hope I'm a fun and knowledgable companion—but I know I can be overly emotional, tense and on edge. While I can handle being with others, I live by the principle we all can and should watch in our own way. No apologies required.

Super Sick Monday
I went into work the day after the Super Bowl with my head hung low, licking my wounds and wishing things were different. But at least I went to work. According to the Morning Brew "16.1 million employees are expected to take off work the day after the Super Bowl, according to the UKG Workforce Institute. In all, 14% of US employees plan to miss at least some work on “Super Sick Monday,” 

Perhaps you have heard, but many believe we should observe a national holiday the day after the Super Bowl. I am down with that, and here is my suggestion / solution for how that can happen.

President's Day is observed in the United States on the third Monday in February. Why not move the holiday to the second Monday in the month? The rationale for the current date is because Lincoln was born on February 12 and Washington on February 19. While I understand the goal of honoring a day between the two birth dates, given the larger context of who and what President's Day honors, the distinction is nominal.

One third of the American people watched the Super Bowl—a number that is not decreasing. In short, a lot of spirited gatherings and house parties that involve overeating, drinking, gambling, yelling, jumping, screaming and more make for a work force that is not optimal come Monday. What do we lose by aligning President's Day with Super Bowl Sunday? Maintaining the status quo is a zero sum gain.

Tennyson had it right...
Whether you return to work on Monday or Tuesday after the Super Bowl, those of us on the losing side know it's not easy. As a Niners fan, losing Super Bowl LVIII was especially tough. Sports fans know the window of opportunity is so small. We have gotten close in recent years and this year we got that much closer.

I knew I would have to face my colleagues and recount the loss. One coworker said, "I would rather lose in the playoffs that get all the way to Super Bowl and fall short." I understood what she said. The two weeks between the AFC and NFC championship games are filled with hype. The amount of attention and energy given to your team is astounding. To lose in the playoffs means you are free of the distraction two, three or four weeks sooner.

I asked my students to weigh in on this matter: agree or disagree. They each said it is antithetical to the nature of the game to not go all the way. One student added, it's like that saying, "it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all." I responded "so Tennyson had it right. I have to agree."

What could be more American?
In Sports and Spirituality, I have a project centered around the Super Bowl called Faith and Football. A minor theme is "What could be more American?" We address what the Super Bowl—positively and negatively— reveals about our culture. Unfortunately the events surrounding the Chiefs' victory parade—an altercation that resulted in gun violence that killed one woman and injured two dozen others reflects one of the darkest truths of our society. Respect for human life is not a given. It is too precarious, and continually under threat. The fact that a public celebration ends in shooting, death and injury is beyond tragic. It is unacceptable. It's hard to say this, but given the number of shootings we have had this year one must conclude: it is American.

In Conclusion
The second that Mahomes connected with Hardman, I stood up, I thanked and hugged the host and I left. I would be lying if I told you I enjoyed the game. As much as I loved the morning and the two weeks building up to the game, once the clock started running, I was a nervous wreck. I did not enjoy the game. I was hoping for a parade on my 50th birthday. You read that right. The city of San Francisco announced—pending a Niners win— that it would host a victory parade on Thursday, February 15, 2024. School would have been canceled (maybe?!) and I could enjoy the milestone with the Gold Rush, etc. The Chiefs had their own plans.

I called my Dad to talk about the loss. He ended the conversation by telling me that he was already hopeful for next year. A number of our starters would return and we had that much more experience to draw from. In fact, the Niners are the betting favorites for next year already. Super Bowl LIX takes place on February 9, 2025. I'll still be 50... no need for a parade, I'll take the sixth Lombardi trophy for the Niners. Gladly. There's always more to learn, question, hope for and discover.

Thank you to the San Francisco Forty-Niners for a great season.

Photo Credits
Prayer Service
Super Bowl LVIII
Brock Hug
Pointed
Super Sick Monday

Timely Words, Timeless Message: Thank you, Nick Bosa

Nick and his brother Joey Bosa attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—one of the top ranked football high schools in the country. Had he gone to a Jesuit high school, I have to wonder: Would he have given his affective halftime speech in Latin?

How's that? As football fans know, the 49ers played a terrible first half against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game. Trailing 24-7 at the half, one has to wonder what was said to spark the change that led to 27 unanswered points and the biggest comeback in NFC Championship history. Turns out there were a few—and the 2019 defensive rookie of the year / 2022 defensive player of the year gets credit for the ones that stuck.

According to NBC Sports BayArea, Bosa told his teammates to “do your job.” He said, “That’s all we need to do. Just do your one-11. In that first half, there were break downs. One guy each time. Obviously it’s hard for me to know exactly what’s going on, but you just got to do you job.”

Coming in to work on Monday morning, colleagues were relieved, exhausted but excited about the 34-31 win. At the lunch table, people kept talking about Bosa's message. Why? We get it. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in the American workforce—teachers and students included—did the same?!

When it came time to share his speech in Sports and Spirituality, the motto of Jesuit High in Portland, Oregon came to mind. These three Latin words are etched into their cornerstone. They serve as the name of their alumni magazine. I would like to know how often coaches and athletes, teachers and students reference it: Age Quod Agis. Translation: Do what you are doing. 

Age Quod Agis might be even more important in 2024 than when the school was founded in 1956. The world of distractions has increased while our attention spans have not. To do what you are doing is a discipline. I could argue it is a spiritual discipline, too. 

In its most practical form, Age Quod Agis also means "do your job." Every player on the team has a specific role. Every position has its own demands and requirements. The QB need not do what the center does. The safety should not do what the defensive end is doing. However, sometimes, we feel like we have to do it all. Other times, it's easy to put our tasks onto someone else. No. Do what you are doing. Do your job. 

According to the LA Times, "rousing half-time speeches make a difference in a game’s outcome is a myth." I get it, but you and I probably name one, two or three instances when the legend stands tall. And I believe 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa gets credit for his valuable contribution. His words stuck because they were on point. That reminder was necessary. Those timely words emerge timeless. From the Roman Empire on...

Photo Credits
Nick then and now
Pillar (I took this photo!)

Enter the Dragon—Christian McCaffrey and the wisdom of Bruce Lee

It's Saturday morning and the grind of the your weekday routine in on pause. Weekends... sleeping in... free time, it feels like a luxury. You wake up and ask yourself: Do I go to the gym? It's cold outside and warm in bed. Who wins the battle? Someone, somewhere has created a list of why you should put your shoes on, pound the pavement, and pump some iron and get going. Thanks to ESPN, I found another one.

Last Saturday, I almost lost that battle, but the day's forecast forced my decision. I made it the sixth floor and it was remarkably quiet. I'm someone who prefers a crowded, but not packed house. I like talking to acquaintances, watching how hard some people push it and reminding myself I can always do a little better. I had to look to the TV screen up above for that support.

To my utter delight, I saw within one minute two of my favorite people: Christian McCaffrey and Bruce Lee. I couldn't look away.

SportsCenter updated a story about the influence the martial artist Bruce Lee had on the mental and physical training of Broncos great Ed McCaffrey and his son Niners running back Christian. Their input, their realizations, connections and reflections are so good, I'll let them speak for themselves. Furthermore, this profile put CMC in a new light. While watching the NFC Championship game, I couldn't help but notice the stretching, bending, and harnessing of energy which Lee models. The master's influence lives on!

I began teaching about Bruce Lee in Sports and Spirituality when I learned about his philosophy vis a vi his daughter, Shannon—the author of Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee. In an interview on NPR, she said, "for those of you who are unfamiliar with this quote of my father's, it first came into understanding around the practice of martial arts, which we will use as a metaphor throughout this book for living one's most engaged life. But most important to me, the idea of being like water is to attempt to embody the qualities of fluidity and naturalness in one's life." Released during the lockdown of COVID, I found its message poignant to our times. CMC connects it to his style of play, his role on the team and approach to the game.

Several of Lee's teachings, as highlighted on the video are worth remembering, practicing and passing on.

• The meaning of life is that it is to be lived.
  
  
• Defeat is a state of mind
  
  
• If every man would help his neighbor, no man would be without help.
  
  
• Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.

• Water keeps moving!
  
  
• And of course, the best: Be formless, shapeless...like water. 
  You can read more, here.

If I meet an professional athlete, I try to offer a thoughtful or creative comment. I know I can always say "I'm a big fan" or "thank you for the 2014 World Series" but I try to make a connection. When and if I meet CMC, I know EXACTLY what I will say: Be water, my friend. Given the outcome of Super Bowl LVIII, I may add something else.

If I had not gone to the gym that morning, I would not have seen this video. In this year of the dragon, "Enter the dragon." 

Photo Credits
Yellow shirt
Niners

Lessons in Cultural Anthropology

My good friend claims to be a cultural anthropologist. She takes great pride in her identity. I don't blame her. To me, the study of "humans and their cultural, social, biological, and environmental aspects of life in the past and the present" is utterly fascinating. And the best part about being a cultural anthropologist is that it will allow you to meet a lot of people, attend innumerous events, travel to unsuspecting places and ask all kinds of questions—all in the name of this social science.

To the surprise of no one, Taylor Swift was named TIME's person of the year. No one, right? I imagine Karen will read the article for its cultural anthropology 101. In October, she asked me go with her to see the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour documentary. I was a little surprised she wanted to go. I shouldn't have been. 

I saw it opening weekend and she went later with her niece—expensing it in the name of cultural anthropology. While her husband questioned the need to do that, I loved it. It was a raging celebration of  love and friendship bringing together women, girls and even a few "girl-dads" all summer long. I need to ask Karen about the conclusions she came to after watching the show. No doubt they justify the price per ticket.

Looking through this world through the lens of cultural anthropology makes life infinitely more interesting. In a way, cultural anthropology is liberating. One can observe, take note, and enjoy it all in the name of curiosity. From time to time, I feel that I can only give my time to events or causes aligned with my passions or my values. However the field of cultural anthropology allows one to expand their horizons.

Following the second gathering of the SI bowling club on Monday night, the club leader and I sat down for a few moments to catch up and watch members of the bowling league compete against one another. Every single one of them had their own ball, their own bag and approach to the game. Their style and speed...and their scores were fascinating. Not a single game was under 200. 

The next day, I mentioned this to a colleague who I know likes to bowl. She said "oh yeah, Monday night leagues are usually a lot of football fans." I said, "that's exactly right. I saw tons of Niner gear." She added "I bet the game was on. That's a drinking crowd, too." Without being at Classic Bowling Lanes, my co-worker described perfectly who was in the house. I walked away from our conversation thinking two things: One: I'm sure every sports league in America has its own subculture. I have seen Dude Perfect capitalize on their groups and make them into humor "stereotype" videos. They're only funny because they are so accurate. Two: I honestly started thinking about how good of a bowler Niner running back Christian McCaffrey probably is.

Will cultural anthropologists study bowling leagues hundreds or thousands of years from now? Probably not—but they will consider how human beings take leisure find ways to play.

Ted Lasso popularized the quote written by Walt Whitman, "be curious, not judgmental." To become a cultural anthropologist—for work, pleasure or both is to live the spirit of this motto and more. 

Photo Credits
Niner Bowling
Bowling League
TIME

Inside an All-Pro Mindset: Thank you Talanoa Hufanga

In need of my second cup of coffee, I walked into the faculty room and my eyes feasted on one of my favorite sites: a pink box. Donuts! Half of a blueberry cake donut caught my eye. Please and thank you.

It was so good that I leaned in for another (why not, I only had a half!). I would have picked up the the rainbow sprinkle varietal except the words of the San Francisco 49ers safety, Talanoa Hufanga were ringing in my ears. I want to give credit where credit is due. Thank you, #29.

"Huf" as he is known by his teammates, spoke to the football program at St. Ignatius College Prep on Thursday, May 2, 2023. His message has stayed with me and taken root. This post will share much more than the way his commitment to personal discipline has inspired me. I hope it will offer you a chance to consider many of the life lessons he has to share about building an all pro-mindset (which includes and a healthy diet!)

The all-pro safety grew up on a farm in Corvallis, Oregon. That upbringing indelibly shaped his work ethic, one that he is proud to describe and pass on to young people today.

He said, "I did yard work and I was a janitor. I was raised to have a servant mentality. That means you always keep a humble heart. You show up on time, and always show respect for your family." 

The head coach SI football, Lenny Vandermade—also a graduate of USC,  said "I have to admit, I was expecting you to show up on Poly time and you were actually five minutes early. That is not typical of Poly culture."

Hufanga responded "I am always reminding myself to keep that servant mentality. It is so important to me to show that as a sign of my respect for my family. They have given me everything: love, support and in the hard times or when things are uncomfortable—they have been there. I honor that by giving my best. And yes, an easy way to show that is to be respectful of other people's time." 

I looked around to see if the other teachers and coaches in the room were as ecstatic about this message as I was. 

Hufanga did not develop nor deepen this mindset in a vacuum. He credited another All-Pro safety— Troy Polamalu for serving as a mentor. A 2o21 inductee into the NFL Hall of Fame, Polamalu told him, "If you want to be great, you have to start with your character, first. Do the small things right. Do service. Feed the homeless. Say "hi" to someone you've never talked to in class."

It might be a sad reflection on our society, but even just a simple greeting, a "Good Morning" isn't something we can take for granted. I always notice those kids who offer a smile or a hello. And I remind the others "it costs nothing. Free-99." 

Hufanga added "an all pro-mindset can even be applied to how your handle your friendships. This is where our character is tested and revealed. My friendships mean a lot to me."

Undoubtedly, Huf has taken Polamalu's message to heart. But the athletes in the room admitted that one of his choices were not small —it was big. In high school, Hufanga gave up social media." One of my students said "it's impressive, but I don't think it's something I could ever do.: 

Huf addressed this reaction. "I didn't go cold turkey. I had took what I think were strategic steps to give it up. For example, I had to be on social media for recruiting purposes, but every night I gave my phone to my Dad at 9:00 p.m. That was big. Eventually, I  came to a point where I went for about three years without it. Now, I have someone handle my accounts and what I need to know. It's an important way for me to block out the noise."

Every single student athlete I asked about Hufanga's speech commented on this choice. I asked them "To what degree is developing the best version of yourself contingent on blocking out the noise?" It was a good conversation. 

We came to learn that Hufanga's choice to renounce something enticing did not stand in isolation. He said "I gave up drinking Monster and Red Bull and eventually soda. I came to find out that success in one area leveraged the likelihood of success in another."

I underlined and highlighted those words in my notebook. I realized his commitment to personal and self discipline is tremendous...but I wondered "Was it too much?" Yes, Hufanga has the "Mamba Mentality." He is proud to say he is "very competitive." But for the typical 15 year old sophomore in the room, were his words something that got them going or going home?

For me, I need all the reminders I can get. Hufanga was proud to talk about his Alkaline diet, commitment to hydration and adequate sleep. He believes these are the keys to maintaining the energy level he needs. Watch him on the field, and you'll see what I can only describe as high octane. 

He warms up for at least an hour before practice. He said "I do this by practicing other sports—like jujitsu, basketball or volleyball. This allows my body is get loose and get going." This is a good thing given that Hufanga gets extremely nervous and super serious during practice. He said "it's funny because you would think I would feel that way on game day. But I'm actually very calm when I have to compete."

Hufanga, a devout Christian said, "I do pray after every play, but my prayers have changed over time." He added, "I truly believe the prayers I offer have led to my success on the field. And yet, my goal is not to have the most interceptions, tackles and sacks.  My goal is not to be the best teammate I can be... to make my family proud in all that I do....and to honor God the Father." 

Such is the stuff of an all-pro mindset—lessons learned in the chapel at SI, applied in the faculty lounge, in the classroom, in our hearts and in our homes. Thank you Talanoa!

Photo Credits
Thank you David Arnott!
All Pro Action