My Ode To The Jacksonville Jaguars
Posted: January 15, 2008
Saturday
night’s loss by the Jacksonville, Jaguars to the New England Patriots
has been one of the hardest losses for me for many reasons. Those
close to me know my personal connection to the Jacksonville Jaguars and
for that reason, it hurt me to see him lose that game. They fought for
it, but it was simply not meant to be. I have been the one all season
long stating how amazing it would be to be alive to witness a perfect
season, but when my Jags met up with the undefeated Pats, I had to go
with the team in which I was personally connected to.
It was
indeed a great game. It was truly a valiant effort that the Jags put
forth. The loss hurt them more than I have seen them hurt in over a
year. It hurt because the league and the fans of the league have
snubbed them. They are like the league outcasts. Not one player was
voted into the Pro Bowl (Fred Taylor is going only because of Willie
Parker’s injury). Fans have rarely filled the stadium this season.
They do not have big name players such as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Peyton
Manning, T.O., L.T., etc. They have men who do their best to be
consistent.
Last year they lacked consistency, but this year
after all of their changes, they found their rhythm and keep in mind
that they found their rhythm in the absolute toughest division in the
league. They have proven themselves. In their eyes they see defeat,
but in my eyes, I see a group of men who have triumphed on and off of
the field all season. I witnessed some boys who grew into men this
season. I saw a fire that I am praying will not be put out because of
the Pats win Saturday night. I saw a group of men who played with a
passion that I had not seen them play with before.
I know how
difficult it is to come so very close to the realization of a dream and
to then watch it slip away. I know that the thing that most men who
play football from little league into the pros dream about is “THE
RING.” Many of the guys do not do it for the Hall of Fame at first,
they do it because they dream of making the winning touchdown, or
blocking that field goal to ensure a win, or some other monumental play
that will get them that one prized possession…”THE RING.” “THE RING”
is a symbol. It symbolizes hard work, preparation, broken bones,
missed meals with family, concussions, long hours of travel; in a word,
it symbolizes sacrifice.
Well, my Jags, your sacrifices were
not in vein. I believe that I speak for all of your fans, friends, and
family members when I say that we are proud of you. We are proud of
you as individuals, as a team, but most importantly, we are proud of
the way in which you conduct yourselves as men. This may not have been
the year for you all to wear the coveted RING, but know that when you
are all able to slide it on your finger, you can look back at that
night and know that it made you better as players, as a team and as
men. You have now seen the mountain top and know what it takes to get
closer to standing at the top. Good luck next season and get some much
needed rest. We love you Jags!