We aren’t a big sports family. We aren’t huge on watching sports. However, at the Rod house, all evening activity comes to a halt during both the Summer and Winter Olympics and during March Madness. And maybe the MLB playoffs, if the Cardinals are involved. Not looking too good this year. Ah well.
There is something else you should know about us crazy Rods and sports…we usually root for the underdog. We love the Cinderella teams in the NCAA tournament. We love the sappy stories of triumph that NBC loves to exploit every Olympiad.
David vs Goliath? David and the slingshot!!
Duke vs Butler? Butler Bulldogs!
USA vs Everyone else? Sorry (not sorry) world. We bleed red, white, and blue. USA USA USA!!!
The G.O.A.T.
That being said, I often find myself rooting for whomever is playing against the New England Patriots and their uberly successful quarterback. The Greatest (QB) Of All Time (debatable)…Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, Jr.
Possibly the most hated QB in the history of the NFL.
Why? Because he is one of the most successful dudes ever. From his super model wife, Gisele Bundchen, to his fistful of Super Bowl Championship rings, to the records that will carry him into the NFL Hall of Fame soon. He sweats success and oozes excellence from every pore of his finely tuned athletic frame. (Did I fail to mention Tom and Gisele are worth a cool half billion in US $$?)
The envy of many, no doubt.
I recently read an article about a conversation that Tom and Gisele had concerning his career. Here are a few points from the post:
- Tom Brady said his wife, Gisele Bundchen, has asked him “what more” he wants out of his NFL career.
- Brady said he still enjoys playing football and plans to continue playing as long as he is still having fun.
- There is some evidence that Gisele has pressured Brady to stop playing, and Brady has frequently spoken of the sacrifices his family makes for him and his desire to spend more time with them.
“What more?” is a good question. His legacy is concrete. The mark he has made on the sporting world is indelible. He has accomplished the dreams of many and is pretty much worshiped for those accomplishments.
I do have [three] kids that I love…
Something caught my eye toward the end of the article:
Brady said. “I do have [three] kids that I love, and I don’t want to be a dad that’s not there driving my kids to their games. I think my kids have brought a great perspective in my life because kids just want the attention. You better be there and be available to them, or else they’re going to look back on their life and go, ‘Dad didn’t really care that much.'”
Hmmm. His kids are 10, 8, and 5. Tom is 40. And by the most recent new reports, he plans to play football until he reaches 45. That will make them, 15, 13, and 10 at his retirement.
I have no idea what kind of dad, Mr. Brady is. I am not being judgmental at all. But, quite obviously, his kids figure into his decision whether or not to retire or he wouldn’t have brought them up in the conversation. Like many dads, he is probably constantly thinking about his shortcomings as a parent and wants to become better. Or maybe not, I could be way off base and he actually doesn’t care at all about his kids. I doubt it, though.
My life has taught me a thing or two about kids. One lesson has been 18 years is not a long time.
It will zip right by (WHOOOSH!!!), mercilessly slapping you across your dumbfounded face (POW!!!!) while wickedly cackling at your surprise.
My precious Sami…
My precious Sami graduated from high school last month and this week she turned 18. Wow. I have no idea how it happened so quickly. I remember bringing her home to our already full tiny three bedroom apartment in sunny California. She was born June 17th and was the best Father’s Day gift ever given.
Last month, I heard a WHOOOSH!!! and then POW!!!! right across the face (maniacal laugh…maniacal laugh)
And there she is, so beautiful and grown up in her white cap and gown. Stepping down the aisle to Pomp and Circumstance. Making me fight back the flood works, desperately trying to swallow the swiftly growing lump in my throat. So proud of my little girl, yet realizing, she isn’t little anymore and not really a girl. A young lady with a bright future and a heart to serve her Savior.
How did this happen so quickly?
WHOOOSH!!! and then POW!!!! That’s how…
Mr GOAT…THE ADVICE
Tom. Or maybe I should call you Mr. Brady. Or Mr GOAT.
Dude, give it up. Hang up the cleats. Let the Patriots retire Number 12. Wave your final goodbye to the astroturf at Gillette Stadium.
Your are beyond successful. A legacy that is solid. You have a beautiful family. You have made an ridiculous amount of money and can buy whatever your heart desires.
Except years lost with your kids. No amount of money will make your little one 5 years old again. (5 is an awesome age) There is no going back to the preteen years. Once they become teenagers, the game totally changes. I will let you discover the details on your own.
Tom, you have had it all. Now make sure they have you without reservation. Your little ones have shared you with the entire world their whole lives. Its time to turn out the lights on all of us and make sure you don’t miss one more minute of their precious lives.
Because very soon…WHOOSH!…POW!!…MANIACAL LAUGH!!
It’s inevitable. And it stings…