The life and times of J.

Before the super stardom, the super model wife, the multi-million dollar mansion, the Joe Montana comparisons, there was a tall, lanky quarterback from California leading Michigan to a Citrus Bowl victory. 

With that confidence going into training camp, Tom Brady shook owner Robert Krafts hand, looked him straight in the eye and said “My name is Tom Brady, and I am the best decision you ever made.”  Pretty confident for a kid drafted 199th in the 6th round of the NFL Draft. 

I have always admired his confidence. Without such strong belief in himself, there is no telling where he might be. 

“A lot of times I find that people who are blessed with the most talent don’t ever develop that attitude, and the ones who aren’t blessed in that way are the most competitive and have the biggest heart.” - Tom Brady.

When most people think of Walter Payton, what comes to mind can range from white headbands, towels with the name “Sweetness” on it, the super bowl shuffle, or his suicide dives over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown. What I remember most from reading, studying, and watching clips of “Sweetness” was his relentless spirit. He never gave up on a play, he never gave up on his team, and most of all he never gave up on himself. 

“If you ask me how I want to be remembered, it is as a winner. You know what a winner is? A winner is somebody who has given his best effort, who has tried the hardest they possibly can, who has utilized every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish something. It doesn’t mean that they accomplished it or failed, it means that they’ve given it their best. That’s a winner.” - Walter Payton. 

Just for the record, I remember you as a winner Mr. Payton. Always will.

Fear the Beard. Kevin Love > Blake Griffin. Believe that!

Kevin Love: 24 ppg. 14 rpg. 36% from the 3 point line, and 80% from the free throw line.

Blake Griffin: 21 ppg. 11 rpg. A mere 52% from the free throw line, and a few highlight dunks every now and then.

I would take Kevin Love over Blake Griffin, today, tomorrow, and the day after that.

Book it!

Tom Landry was not only a mastermind of a coach, but he was also a swagged out individual. Took a year off from school to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was always true to himself, a quite, religious man unfazed by the hype surrounding “America’s team.” He knew what his job was and he did it. 

“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

Pistol Pete was the man. 44.5 points a game without a three point line is just ridiculous. I just hope Ricky Rubio is half the player Pistol Pete is so I can get a taste of what it was like watching this man play, most likely amazing. 

The greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady and the weirdest quarterback of all time, Tim Tebow.

JFK and IKE. Two great presidents, two great thinkers. What I would give to have spoken with them both.

Don’t be afraid to dream. 

A fantastic illustration. Simple but powerful.