I found more examples of selflessness after completing my next section of reading in Coming Back Stronger, by Drew Brees. In chapter eleven, Brees describes his first season with the New Orleans Saints following their 3-0 start. Overall, the team had a magnificent season, feeding off their enthusiastic fans. They had their struggles at times, but made the playoffs with a number two seed following a 10-6 regular season. Brees recognized many struggles the team had to overcome to achieve their success. He also mentioned many contributors to the team, including veteran running back for the Saints, Deuce McAllister. They followed up their regular season success with a playoff win at home versus the Philadelphia Eagles. As a result, the Saints made it to their first ever championship game for the NFC conference. They ended up losing to the Chicago Bears, but Brees writes about how thankful Saints fans were to him and the entire team for their magical season.
In chapter twelve, Brees explains the history behind one of the Saint's fans most often used quotes, "Who Dat?" He explains how the expression has been used all over the country describing various football teams. Brees tells about how the expression surfaced and stuck with Saints fans. Brees also describes his team's correlation to the people of New Orleans. He describes the Saints as a team with some castaways and also people who have had to go through a great deal of adversity. He relates the team to the people of New Orleans, especially referring to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Brees writes on to describe how adversity in his life has shaped him. He even believes that the adversity in his life with his injuries and other problems may very well have led to some of his best opportunities, like meeting his wife, Brittany. Brees also describes the values and requirements to be a leader. He states that a leader must be able to do all of the things he asks for from his teammates. He states that being a great leader is key to a team's attitude and Brees, as the quarterback of the Saints, believes he has a duty to be a fine leader. Next, Brees tells the reader about walking the walk in the Christian faith. He tells about how you must not only label yourself a Christian, but also act as one should as God's disciple. He describes to the reader the importance of his personal faith and his personal beliefs as a Christian and follower of God.
Furthermore, in chapter thirteen, Brees gives details concerning his charity work. He states that to whom much is given, much is expected. He believes that he must use his financial and other gifts in this world to serve other people. He describes his foundation serving kids who do not have a much longer time to live on earth. Brees describes the immense pleasure he has received both spiritually and emotionally through serving the community. He describes his foundation he founded in Purdue as well. This foundation helps to bring happiness to young kids through sports and other leisure activities. Finally, at the end of the chapter, Brees describes his belief that many kids who face incredible adversity are actually his heroes. Many people believe the superstar quarterback would be the hero for these kids. However, Brees sees kids who do not have a long time to spend on earth and sees them as courageous heroes. Brees describes how inspired he feels when he spends time with these courageous, optimistic young kids.
Overall, I found several different parts of this reading rather interesting. Specifically, I agreed with Brees when he described how important the enthusiastic fans of New Orleans were to the success of the Saints. I know from my experiences that the more and more enthusiastic fans are present supporting a person or team, the more likely it is for that person or group to perform well. I have always fed off of the support of other people for my competitions. I feel I am dependent sometimes on support to truly excel in any competition or game. In addition, I agreed again with Brees when he described his personal faith. I believe you not only have to label yourself a person of a certain belief, but also become the person you need to be according to that faith. Many people struggle with walking the walk in faith. I personally struggle as well, but I find it very important to strive to be the best person God intends me to be. Finally, I found Brees's emotions about struggling kids rather interesting. I understand how he feels the rewarding experience of doing good in the community. Charity work is almost always a feel good experience. However, I was truly impressed when Brees recognized many kids whom are projected to have short lives as his heroes. He knew that the kids must have incredible courage to deal with their adversity. Personally, I cannot comprehend how kids such as the people Brees mentioned deal with their particular situations. I have been given an incredible abundance of gifts by God, and I cannot imagine certain people's situations on earth. Overall, I would have to recognize those kids as some of my heroes as well.
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