Even if they tried, Hollywood couldn't write a better script. The inconsistent underdog comes to town to face the squad that has been talked about all season long as the "greatest team ever assembled." Their record surely showed it, a flawless 18-0, except they don't play 18 games in a season and it doesn't matter how well you play the first 42 minutes if you collapse in the last 3.The beauty of this story is that Tom Brady is the quintessential 2 minute warning killer. It's expected that if he gets the ball with a couple minutes left, he's going to seize the moment like a pure veteran. But not this time, not this night. This was Eli's moment to shine.
And damn, did he ever.
Down 14-10, 1:15 left in the 4th quarter, 3rd and 5, and on their own 44 yard line, everyone counted them out. Especially after the protection broke down and Eli had 3 behemoth lineman up in his grill. But Eli somehow escaped their pursuit and tossed up a prayer to David Tyree, a back-up wide receiver (who actually had more tackles than receptions this season). Do you see the irony here? The "guy who couldn't get it done in the playoffs" completes the biggest play of his career to a guy who didn't start all year long against the best team in football, statistically speaking. Hey non-football fans, stay with me...
When the Giants scored, everyone at our super bowl party went crazy. Maybe it was the beer, maybe it was the liquor, or maybe it was just the longing we all have deep within us to cheer for the scrawny kid who everyone overlooks, excludes, underestimates. Whatever it was, it was legit.
Eli protrayed what a leader does when the storm hits, when victory seems improbable, when most people throw in the white towel. After the game Eli said, "You want to have the ball in your hands. you have to score a touchdown. That's where you want to be, a chance to win the game. Everybody stepped up and made huge plays."
Not only did he lead his team like a champ, but like any class act, he unselfishly praised the team. It was also really cool to see Peyton cheering with such passion, intensity, and genuine excitement, especially knowing that he was in the spotlight last year. Cheers to the Manning brothers, to fiesty underdogs, and to those who aren't afraid of taking a chance. So, what's the point?
Don't allow people to limit your capabilities, potential, progression, legitimacy, adequacy, self-worth, etc. Visionaries believe in themselves long before anyone else ever truly does. We all have moments in our lives when 3 defensive lineman are chasing us, but its in that moment when we are engulfed by pressure, catastrophe, and adversity from all sides, than and only than, are we able to see reality, character, and authenticity.
Anyone can throw a touchdown with no defensive rush or defensive back. Anyone can be thankful for the sunshine, the hammock, the cake walk. Who doesn't enjoy the silver platter? Here's the question: What do you do when you're down 14-10, 1:15 left, 3rd and 5, and you're almost sacked?
Toss up a prayer. KL.
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