Watching President Obama deliver the State of the Union a few days before the Super Bowl was a timely reminder of how great America is − because of its citizens – especially those in uniform, military and football.
The Broncos and Seahawks epitomize America and its comeback ability, especially the Broncos manager John Elway.
Former quarterback John Elway is a good example and a role model of persistence and perseverance. He was sacked 516 times, an NFL record. He lost three Super Bowls. His first was in 1987, when the Denver Broncos lost to the New York Giants. His second was in 1988, when the Broncos lost to Washington. His third was in 1990, when the Bronco’s lost to San Francisco.
Did Elway give up? Of course not. Not only did he return to games in which he was repeatedly knocked down, physically and otherwise, but he also became the winningest quarterback in NFL history, with a record of 148 victories, 82 losses and 1 tie, a .643 winning percentage.
“I may not always play my best,” he said after his third Super Bowl, and looking for some light at the end of the tunnel, “but I always play my hardest. I’m competing all the way until the scoreboard clock reads zero-zero-zero.”
No wonder he came back for a fourth time to the Super Bowl in 1998 and won it, at the tender age of 37, risking loin and limb, to scramble and dive for a crucial first down late in the 31-24 victory over the highly favored Green Bay Packers.
“You wonder if you’re going to run out of years,” Elway said. “But fortunately, I hung on.” Then Elway came back to lead Denver to a second straight Super Bowl championship over Atlanta in 1999.
Cal Ripken’s work ethic that allowed him to play 2,632 consecutive baseball games, get 3,107 hits and 421 home runs, making him one of only seven players to top both the 3,000 and 400 plateaus, is another American hero who exemplifies perseverance.
America is all about perseverance, creativity and innovation. That is why it is the Super Bowl champ of nations.