I'll also remember Crabtree's rather rude shove on Sherman and then, Sherman's unorthodox rant on national TV at the end of the game. Most of the rest of America will remember the latter but not the former.
After those videos play through my head for the umpteenth time, it will take just a little less time to start smiling with every passing replay, as I realize all over again that this is the real thing. The Hawks are headed to New York (o.k..... New Jersey then) for the forty eighth Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. While much of America is in love with Peyton Manning, the entire Pacific Northwest is instead swooning over the Seattle Seahawks. And, Barry and I are proud members of the latter bunch rather than the former majority. Much to Barry's chagrin, I have become as crazy a football fan as any of the 12th man fans in Seattle, Washington.
Much as I enjoy the competitive high of my home team being the best in the NFC and in line for the best in the league, I am even more touched by the story this team from the so-often obscured Pacific Northwest has crafted during the 2013 season. Start with Pete Carroll, once ridiculed but now extensively studied for the culture of positivity he has cultivated among the Seahawks alongside the process of taking the best out of each player and in so doing, making it the best team in the NFC, and possibly in the NFL. Imagine making millions of dollars a year and going to work every day only to be beaten over the head with a truckload of positive energy and a celebration of the individual. Some of us can't help but dub Pete Carroll "Petie the Sweetie", a nickname which I am sure he would likely not appreciate as much as I appreciate using it.
The attention paid to Richard Sherman's remarks at the end of the NFC championship game often overshadows the remarks of his quieter, more humble teammates on this well crafted and re-engineered team. Also at the end of the NFC championship game, Seahawk Michael Robinson, after being cut from the team last August after illness and then re-instated upon his recovery, said -- "I've got no more tears. I didn't think I was going to cry. But I've had a long year. God wanted me to be here."
When asked about what was brewing in his mind at the end of the game, Seahawk Clinton McDonald, another player who had been cut and re-enlisted during the 2013 season, had our God in mind too: “Romans 8:28,” That’s what came to my mind. I’ll take the extra step to read it for you.” It says: And we know that all things work together for the good to those that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose .... Bad things happen every day, more serious things than getting cut,” he said. “People die. People get robbed. You lose loved ones. But all things work for the good of those who love the Lord." And THAT was far more important on the mind of a Seahawk than what came out of Sherman's mouth.
And what I hope can be on your mind for a moment or two or more ... is a reminder that even professional sports, as rough, tumble, greedy, or ruthless as they may often seem, are not immune to the hand of God.
Of course, what a wonderful day it would be if on February 2, 2014, in front of at least 110 million viewers, God could be glorified AND the Seahawks could win all on the same day...
Of course if I had to choose, I would choose the former. But, I can't help but pray for the latter too!
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
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