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

Bryant Young: We Continue to Speak His Name

At the conclusion of his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech, Forty Niners legend Bryant Young used his platform to offer a few life lessons. A gentle man off the field, he was anything but that on the gridiron. His posture is remarkable, and his presence is noteworthy. When BY speaks, people listen. From Canton, Ohio he said,

• From my pain, I’ve found purpose.
• Letting someone grab my hand is as important as reaching for theirs.
• In an isolated world, personal connections matter more than ever.
• I keep my gaze on Christ and pour myself into good works.
• I’ve learned to trust God’s timing and not mine.

While these lessons relate to his experience as an athlete, the most meaningful one came not from a teammate or coach, owner, fan or from football. This lesson was born from a profound loss, a personal tragedy. It is heart wrenching, and it is Hall of Fame worthy. I need to hear that and remember it. It is just this: “we continue to speak his name.” 

Bryant Colby Young, Sr. was a defensive tackle who played 14 years in the NFL with the same team: the San Francisco 49ers. A consensus All-American at the University of Notre Dame, they drafted Young seventh overall in the 1994 draft. He was a four time pro bowler and the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 1999. He is the 29th 49er to earn the gold jacket.

At Notre Dame, Young graduated with a degree in marketing and met his wife, Kristin. They have been together for 31 years and have six children.

Standing 6’3" tall and weighing in at 305 lbs, the most obvious word to describe BY is “strong.” As noted by the former owner Eddie DeBartolo, “Young was always double teamed, if not triple teamed!” However, Young’s physical strength pales compared to something else. The man has an inner strength that allowed him to admit his vulnerability, share the adversity he has withstood and cry several times on stage. 

As mentioned in his speech, on August 11, 2016, Bryant Colby Young, Jr.—Kristin and Bryant’s eldest son—went home to heaven. Their words, not mine. After the first headache in 2014, Colby died of a brain tumor that returned and spread “too far, too fast.”

BY said “He didn’t fear death, as much as the process of dying. He wondered, Would it be painful? Would he be remembered? We assured Colby we’d keep his memory alive and continue speaking his name.” 

BY said the name Colby fourteen times in his speech. He honored him with the words, “Colby, you live in our hearts. We will always speak your name.” He has. He did. He will. 

I believe one of the most important ways to remember a person is to know, say, and share their name. For some, it might be too painful, but to speak a person’s name affirms their humanity. It honors their story and preserves their personhood. Colby was a son, brother, athlete, cook and friend. He may no longer be with his parents and siblings but by continuing to say his name, BY was right: he lives.

Professional football players are eligible for the Hall of Fame five years after their retirement. During this tenth year of eligibility, Canton, Ohio, gave the nod to #97, Bryant Young. Many believe that BY deserved to be a first year ballot inductee. But as noted by BY, he has learned to trust God’s timing.

Bryant Young is a proud member of the Class of 2022. Upon congratulating his classmates, he said, “Colby’s favorite number was #22.” 

Once again, BY continued to say his name....and we—his fans and followers — make the connection.

I am grateful to have followed and shared in Bryant Young’s Hall of Fame journey. From school in South Bend to his time in the Bay Area, I have always held great respect and admiration for one of the game’s greatest. I have shared his testimony about Colby’s own journey with my students. I would like the Young family to know I too will continue to say his name; I hope that others do the same.

This might be on the most important things we as Christians can do. Those we love and have lost live in our hearts. To say one’s name is to offer the same prayer as one we pray at Mass: 

Christ has died. Christ IS risen. Christ will come again.

So too it is with Bryant Colby Young, Jr. Congratulations and thank you to Bryant Colby Young, Sr. 

Photo Credits
Young Family
HOF Congrats
BY Wave
Colby

Colin Kapernick: Questions and Considerations

I'm not really interesting in clogging the airwaves on a story that has gotten tremendous local—and to my surprise national—media attention. But, I suppose most writers feel that way. We believe we have a thought—or two—to offer. But opinions are like belly buttons: everyone has one. And Colin Kapernick's decision to sit during the national anthem has elicited a firestorm of them. The spectrum of  reactions, responses, questions and stories it has spawned is as diverse as our nation. However, what's been interesting to me about this particular story is not my opinion, but my reaction. When I heard about it via SportsCenter, I thought to myself, I'm surprised no one did what he did at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Do you agree? Have you held that same thought? In 2012 I heard Dr. John Carlos speak at the school where I teach about the decision that he and Tommie Smith made at the 1968 games in Mexico City. Given the social and racial climate in our country, I figured the time was right. Also, I know there is a black national anthem; I have wondered when or if an African-American athlete will request that song to be played in lieu of Francis Scott Key's masterpiece.

So it is with those questions in mind that I aim to address other ideas and questions Colin Kapernick's decision has invited me to consider. Let me be clear, the intention of this posting is not to take a stand on or share my view, but rather to add to the airwaves a humble thought...or two.

First, I think it's important to know that the Thursday night contest against the Packers is not the first time that Kapernick has refused to stand during the national anthem. I am not sure why it became newsworthy now, and not the first, second or third time he made that choice.

Second, the choice he made in the past and on August 26, isn't one that has gone unnoticed by his teammates. Alex Boone, now with the Minnesota Vikings said, 

“It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” Boone told USA TODAY Sports. “That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.

With all due respect to Mr. Boone, his words make me cringe. He is not the only person who has shared that sentiment...or euphemism. 

Freedom does not mean that one can do whatever they want. As a society and a culture, we set limits and we evaluate and reevaluate the lines that we draw. When one breaks the rules, dishonors the law or pushes the limits they must be held accountable. And, there is a price to pay when we disagree. It's a cliche for a reason. Freedom isn't free.

To me, Kapernick was well aware of his right—given by the First Amendment—toward freedom of speech. He exercised his right and from what I have gathered, he knew there would be consequences. 

Historically, Kapernick has been terse with the media. Local fans have wondered if he studied at the public speaking school of Marshawn Lynch But in this instance, Kapernick welcomed the microphone and the opportunity to address the reason behind his decision. he said,

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Kapernick's decision has prompted Americans to consider how else they express their national pride or disappointment. I had talked to a friend earlier this summer about the time in the late '80s or was it the early '90s when a number of Americans burned flags at Major League baseball games. That gesture ushered in a desire (by some) to add  a constitutional amendment, outlawing the burning of a the Star and Stripes. I started to question: Is the flag as a symbol more or equally sacred as our national anthem? 

CK kneels during the Niner vs Charger game on 9/1/16

As much as I feel frustrated by the shelf life that certain stories hold in the American news cycle and within popular media, I have grown to learn each one invites me to respond—ever new, ever challenging. I've been surprised by many of my reactions in the past. I have learned more about myself than I would if these stories never came to be. 

Kapernick's decision forgo an important pregame ritual has prompted—is it safe to say—the best and worst of us? I've listened to the spectrum of viewpoints and all that I truly have to offer are questions. Having taught ethics for 12 years, I conclude with a poignant thought from an introductory article we use each year.

Questions, you know, are not only the problems or paragraphs or multiple-choices on mid-terms and finals.  Questions can be teachers.  Questions can be like enigmatic but enduring friends; like someone whom you know so well yet still do not know but are thankful for. —Coleman Brown

What has Kapernick's decision prompted you to consider? What has been uncomfortable to talk about?  How could things be different?.......

Photo Credits
Kneeling
Teammates
Media
X

A Nugget in the Gold Rush: The Niner Museum

Tonight, thousands of Grateful Dead fans will descend upon Levi's Stadium for the "Fare Thee Well" Tour. If you know anything about the band or the venue, you can't help but find it strange. Perhaps that's fitting. What a long strange trip it has been for the San Francisco 49ers who now call that $1.3 billion dollar complex home.

Brian Murphy of KNBR's Murph and Mac show said it well when he admitted, "it's popular to hate on Levi's Stadium." I'm a nominal fan and his words resonated more deeply with me than they should have. As someone who has lived and worked in the City by the Bay for 15 years now (I can't believe that!), it's unfortunate that our team now plays in a venue 40 miles south. Miles! minutes might be another...?... For Niner fans, the (hate) list is long. But I would like to offer a nugget in the gold rush that has hit Silicon Valley and San Francisco for the Forty-Niner Faithful: The 49er Museum.

I don't know why, but I entered with little to no expectations. I am a sports enthusiast and American Studies major, so I should have held high hopes. I guess Murph's words have removed the rose in my colored glasses. But that rose, or Niner red is back and with this posting, I would like to offer three insights I gained that will stay me with!

1. The Forty-Niners are the first professional sports team born and bred in San Francisco.
The Giants came to town in 1958, but that was by way of the Polo Grounds in New York. So when the Morabito brothers bought the franchise—a dream that allegedly began over many lunch breaks at the Saint Francis Creamery—what is now also the oldest professional sports team from the West Coast became a reality.

Of additional interest might be the purported story behind the Niner's team colors. Victor and Tony, two graduates of St. Ignatius (where I teach) played football at Santa Clara University. They adopted the colors of their collegiate alma mater for their team. NB: today Santa Clara goes with a maroon and white and like many other schools—black. As I've said before "black is the new black." 

The greatest WR & QB in Niner history

2. It's all about chemistry.
Anyone who has ever been in a romantic relationship knows this is true, but chemistry is never limited to a love interest. A good team has great chemistry. Friends "click" or they don't. When my roommate and I asked a new priest why he chose to be a diocesan priest rather than one in a religious order, he admitted that he didn't find the right chemistry with the religious communities he visited. "I liken it to a relationship, I didn't find the right chemistry" he confessed. "Everyone understands it when I put it that way." Indeed.

Look up to the ceiling when you are inside the Niner museum and you will see footballs hanging midair—206 of them. This display plays tribute to the 206 passes that Jerry Rice caught for touchdowns, as a Niner. 19 of those pigskins were for TDs in the post-season. According to #80, the majority of those were made possible because of the great chemistry he shared with quarterback Joe Montana. In the introductory video, Rice says "I always told Joe, if you were a woman I would date you."  I have a feeling a lot of men might feel that same way.

As I heard that, I thought of all that great chemistry has made possible. Chemistry is a factor we cannot control, as much as we would like to. Give thanks to the Creator for those with whom you share great chemistry.

The image in the video is up close and hard to believe!

3. The role of the Superbowl Championship in 1981.
I love history and I love it that much more when it includes the context of sport.

I recommend that you take the 10 minutes to watch the introductory video inside the museum as it sets the tone for what you will see decade by decade. Many stories, profiles, facts and accomplishments have stayed with me, but a poignant one was the impact of the Niner's victory in their first Superbowl.

The Niners had struggled in the late '70s. They were the laughing stock of the NFL and even coaching Bill Walsh didn't make the switch overnight. The city itself had seen very dark days with the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk. Racism and crime were tearing neighborhoods apart.

But times began to change. Dwight Clark and "The Catch" led to a win over the hated Dallas Cowboys and an entry to Motown for Superbowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the 26-21 victory, the city had something to rally around and celebrate, as oppose to mourn. 

There is an image that captures the victory parade. Players, politicians and coaches wave from their respective cable cars to thousands upon thousands of adoring fans. The image looks like a cartoon it is so incredible...whimsical...supersize. It made me wish I had been there.

Forty-niner fans have much to be grateful for. I have only written but a few observations from my brief visit with a friend in town from Washington, DC. We both enjoyed interactive presentations as well—I tried my stint as a Niner cheerleader (a member of the Gold Rush) and he at the NFL combine.

Maybe it's appropriate that the Dead are playing at Levi's. A band that lived in the Haight and whose music has underscored the energy of the city by the bay has another chapter in its book. One worth learning and celebrating...even if it is 45 miles south of Shakedown Street.

3 Overtimes, 2 Truths, 1 Lucky Team: Life Lessons from Football

The road to a 9-0 season has been colored by four words—Luck of the Irish. The Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh game on Saturday, November 3 was no exception. The Fightin’ Irish overcame a 14 point deficit as they entered the fourth quarter to tie the game. Three overtimes later, the scoreboard confirmed a win, 29-26.  As the Irish prepared to respond to a field goal that put Pitt ahead by 3 points, I wanted to tell the team two simple things:

1. Keep Moving Forward
2. Total Ball Security

The more I repeated these mantras, the more I believed it.  And the more I said these words, the more I began to realize they don’t just apply to driving an offense into the end zone. 

Keep Moving Forward

In 2008, my application was accepted to run the Dipsea Race.  According to the race’s official website, “First run in 1905, the Dipsea is the oldest trail race in America. The scenic 7.4-mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The stairs and steep trails make it a grueling and treacherous race.”

On race day, the only advice my colleague, a former cross-country coach, and competitive runner gave me was to “keep moving forward.” It seemed like no advice whatsoever—that’s what a runner in a race naturally does.  But the challenges of Dipsea--the three flights of stairs as tall as a fifty-story building, the plunge down into Muir Woods across Redwood Creek, the tough grind up through the trees over trails named "Dynamite" and "Cardiac" and the discouragingly steep climb up "Insult Hill" close to the finish taught me his advice isn’t something to take for granted. 

Those three words resonate with the game of football.  In the final overtime, the Irish needed to get the ball into the end zone.  Keep moving forward! First and ten yards….keep moving forward. Second and seven….third and three.  Touchdown!!! 

In life, it can be difficult to keep moving forward. Sometimes, we are stuck in the past; moving forward is too hard.  Moving forward may bring change or new challenges, but it’s necessary.  We are called to build the Kingdom here and now. So many of our brothers and sisters are in need. Natural disasters, personal loss, illness, and injury run their course.  When they do, keep moving forward. One step at a time.

Total Ball Security
I had the good fortune of touring the Maria P. DeBartolo Center, the office, and training facility of the San Francisco Forty-Niners (when Mike Singletary was head coach). In the theater where the team reviews game tape hangs a sign that reminds players to focus on five fundamentals. The one that stood out to me was “Total Ball Security.” This task isn’t as basic as “keep moving forward” but it’s certainly just as important. Cierre Wood fumbled the ball at the goal line. The final call was reviewed to determine that Golson even had possession.  

The role of the quarterback and his receivers is to maintain total ball security. Amen. A good player knows how to handle and hold the pigskin in a way that ensures total ball security. As players mature and improve, many master this task. 

In life there are but a few, precious gifts or responsibilities that demand “total ball security.” For me, it’s a reminder to hold on to what you value—your word, dignity, your heart. The longer I live, I have learned not just how to maintain total ball security but why it’s important. My heart helps me to love God, others and myself. My word reveals who I am; I never want my word to lose value. It’s fundamental to the relationships I value most. And dignity, although inherent is what I believe society is all too often seeking to compromise.   

The next time you watch a close game, take a moment to think about what you might tell the team. I wonder what life lessons it might provide.

Photo Credits
Luck of the Irish
Total ball security

Keep Moving FW

Blue Collar Mentality: Sandy, Sweaty & Muddy

I am hearing a lot about the “blue collar” mentality and work ethic these days. And the expression is manifesting itself in the form of some motivational gear. According to Steve DelVecchio of the San Jose Mercury News, 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh “has issued gas station work shirts with personalized name patches to each player on his roster. The message in handing out the blue-collar shirts is simple: Work hard. ‘It’s not real complicated what it stands for — a motivational symbol, if you will’.”

And at St. Ignatius College Prep, a select number of varsity athletes can be seen sporting a new long sleeve RED & BLUE COLLAR ATHLETE t-shirt. Why? The new leadership in the athletic department has implemented the “Red & Blue Collar Athlete Program.” Athletic director John Mulkerrins said “It’s an opportunity to honor a Varsity Wildcat Athlete whose ‘blue collar’ effort is recognized by his or her coach in practices, games, or during any strength and conditioning sessions over a period of two weeks.”

This athlete is recognized because when the tough get going, he or she is going. It’s almost paradoxical. As a coach, I recognize her because she demands little if any work on my behalf. This athlete does more than is required or expected and she does it well. Cutting corners is a foreign concept. When I say give me ten, she gives me twelve. When I’m not looking she is still working.

Just today the SI girls’ cross country most recent "Red & Blue Collar Athlete" got a massive headache during her workout (running hill reps and sand stairs at Fort Funston); we advised her to take a break. Some athletes might be relieved by the respite, but not this Blue & Red Collar Athlete. She was disappointed that she couldn’t complete the given task or share the challenge in full with her team. I have no doubt this athlete sleeps well at night; she gives her sport physically and mentally her very best. The success of our team hinges on her example more than she knows.

And across town, as the Niners prove they are for real, it should not be taken for granted that success emanates from talent and new leadership, and a hard work ethic. It is no surprise that a successful team, by any definition, is a hard working team.

After the September 11 win over Seattle, Jim Harbaugh described the offense as “blue collar,” and tight end Delanie Walker went right along with the company line, “If he says we’re a blue-collar team, we’re a blue-collar team. At the end of the day we’re going to be dirty, muddy and stinky. It may not be pretty and it’s going to be ugly. That’s basically what he means by blue collar. We’re not trying to look pretty.”

Sure a shirt can honor a blue (and red) collar athlete but we know them by their headaches and sand or their mud and dirt. It may not be pretty, but these athletes wouldn’t have it any other way—they’re working too hard not to! They push me to work hard and to succeed—no time for anything less.

Photo Credits
Blue Collar Niner Shirt
SF Sand Stairs
Coach Harbaugh