For the Gipper
Everyone has heard the phrase "win one for the Gipper" at some point. It began as a motivational ploy by Knute Rockne to his Notre Dame team against Army in 1928, and has since been used in speeches, in movies, and even in political campaigns. Any time a team, or person, is in need of a big win, the expression comes immediately to mind. So, this past Sunday, while I sat watching some of the NFL's week five matchups, one game in particular caught my attention and the classic line came to mind.
As was sadly announced recently, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia, and the treatments he will be undergoing will likely result in him missing the remainder of the season. The loss of a head coach for any reason can have devastating effects on a team, and such a tragic illness can drastically alter the emotions of the players on a team. This emotional frenzy, coupled with a high profile team, the Green Bay Packers, coming into town combined to create a moment in time that will not be forgotten soon.
The Packers jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead, and looked to be headed to an easy victory against the young Colts team. Then, something happened, and the Colts came out for the second half as seemingly a different team. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and company rallied, taking a 22-21 lead early in the 4th quarter. Aaron Rodgers answered, putting the Packers back up with four minutes to go, and that's where the magic began. The Colts drive started at their 20-yard line after the kickoff. The Packers forced them into 3rd and long, but Luck found Reggie Wayne for 15 yards and a 1st down. The Colts then went to the no-huddle, moving the ball past midfield quickly, and the atmosphere at the stadium, and in my living room became electric. I found myself on my feet as Luck again found Wayne for a completion down to the Packers 32-yard line. I knew I was watching something special as Luck broke a tackle that would have been a sack to convert on another 3rd down, then scrambled up the middle, running over defenders to set up 1st and goal at the Packers 4-yard line. It was almost a foregone conclusion at this point that he was going to score. It was destiny. On the very next play, Luck found, of course, Wayne, who broke a tackle and lunged for the goalline, barely getting the ball past the line for the game-winning score.
The crowd, understandably, went crazy. In front of my own television, I stood there, mouth agape and with goosebumps in full effect, realizing that I had just seen something amazing. The Colts had overcame the odds, a deficit, and a roller coaster of emotions to win a tremendous game. I can only imagine how the players must have felt, knowing they had pulled off such an amazing win, one their absent head coach could be proud of. After the game, there were tears shed and I can't fathom how they must have felt, having indeed, won one for the Gipper. The game ball went to Pagano, and the players expressed that they wanted to win for Chuck. Luck and Wayne were stars, and Luck showed that he might not be a future star, he's already a star. On that day, he transcended football. On that day, he was larger than life. On that day, he, and the rest of the Colts, were #Chuckstrong.
As was sadly announced recently, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia, and the treatments he will be undergoing will likely result in him missing the remainder of the season. The loss of a head coach for any reason can have devastating effects on a team, and such a tragic illness can drastically alter the emotions of the players on a team. This emotional frenzy, coupled with a high profile team, the Green Bay Packers, coming into town combined to create a moment in time that will not be forgotten soon.
The Packers jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead, and looked to be headed to an easy victory against the young Colts team. Then, something happened, and the Colts came out for the second half as seemingly a different team. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and company rallied, taking a 22-21 lead early in the 4th quarter. Aaron Rodgers answered, putting the Packers back up with four minutes to go, and that's where the magic began. The Colts drive started at their 20-yard line after the kickoff. The Packers forced them into 3rd and long, but Luck found Reggie Wayne for 15 yards and a 1st down. The Colts then went to the no-huddle, moving the ball past midfield quickly, and the atmosphere at the stadium, and in my living room became electric. I found myself on my feet as Luck again found Wayne for a completion down to the Packers 32-yard line. I knew I was watching something special as Luck broke a tackle that would have been a sack to convert on another 3rd down, then scrambled up the middle, running over defenders to set up 1st and goal at the Packers 4-yard line. It was almost a foregone conclusion at this point that he was going to score. It was destiny. On the very next play, Luck found, of course, Wayne, who broke a tackle and lunged for the goalline, barely getting the ball past the line for the game-winning score.
The crowd, understandably, went crazy. In front of my own television, I stood there, mouth agape and with goosebumps in full effect, realizing that I had just seen something amazing. The Colts had overcame the odds, a deficit, and a roller coaster of emotions to win a tremendous game. I can only imagine how the players must have felt, knowing they had pulled off such an amazing win, one their absent head coach could be proud of. After the game, there were tears shed and I can't fathom how they must have felt, having indeed, won one for the Gipper. The game ball went to Pagano, and the players expressed that they wanted to win for Chuck. Luck and Wayne were stars, and Luck showed that he might not be a future star, he's already a star. On that day, he transcended football. On that day, he was larger than life. On that day, he, and the rest of the Colts, were #Chuckstrong.
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