As the big game gets close to kickoff time on this Super Bowl Sunday, I can’t help but think about the New Orleans Saints. Were it not for a missed pass interference call in their semi-final game against the Los Angeles Rams, it would be the Saints, and not the Rams, playing the Patriots today. I know that a game never comes down to just one play or one call and the Saints had other chances to win the game. But there is little doubt that had that easy and obvious call been made, the Saints would be in the Super Bowl.

While I am happy for the Rams, and especially Pitt grad Aaron Donald, I feel for Drew Brees, the Saints quarterback, who seems like a really good person. Brees is the guy who earlier this season broke the NFL’s career passing yardage record. After this feat, he sent 174 commemorative footballs to all the pass catchers, offensive linemen, coaches, and others who helped him set this record.

And after the loss to the Rams, one of the toughest losses of his life, Drew Brees did what he does after every home game; he took his kids down to the field to play. Why? “Because that’s what we do every game. So why should this be any different? It’s kind of the thrill of their week to have the chance to do that. Just threw balls to my kids on the Superdome turf, was their holder as they kicked extra points. I was dad,” said Brees.

Although Brees won’t be playing today, we can learn some important lessons from him. First, we are all helped, supported, and lifted up by many people as we go through life. Let’s not forget those who help us and make sure, especially, that we recognize them when we have success. Success, after all, is seldom accomplished alone. Second, we are all going to suffer defeats and have our share of setbacks; great champions keep these in perspective and move on with life. They learn from them, but they are not defeated by them. They focus on their goals and their values and they work harder to overcome their setbacks and move forward positively.

It was a tough loss for the Saints and Drew Brees. But like with most challenges, there are wonderful lessons to be learned. We can take the examples set by Drew Brees and use these lessons to help us become more effective leaders.

Thanks for reading,

Jim

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