While driving I sometimes listen to sports radio. A show aired recently that was discussing pro football and the pending playoff match-ups. Not being a football fan I was about to change the station when an interesting statement caught my attention. A scout for one of the teams heading to the playoffs was describing the priorities, discipline and focus of all-star quarterback Peyton Manning, who has had an outstanding career with the Indianapolis Colts. The scout noted that when Manning graduated from college the Colts had narrowed their draft options to Manning and another outstanding, highly-rated collegiate quarterback.
To figure out who might be the best selection for their team, Colts executives set up interviews with both young men. Both prospects discussed their desire to win and their positive feelings about the Colts. The turning point in the Colts’ decision was the answer they received to one particular question: If chosen by the Colts, what is the first thing you will do? Young Manning’s reply, supposedly offered without hesitation, was “Study the playbook.” His competitor’s response? “I’m booking the next flight to Vegas so I can celebrate with my buddies.”
Who demonstrated the mind and heart of the leader the Colts needed?
January 10, 2010
Mr. Barna – I am 92years of age and have been following your work for years. After many years of bible study I have reached a conclusion about “end time” matters. My question to you, “If I should forward it to you, would you study it and email me your comments?” Your in the Lord, jt
January 10, 2010
And a question for all of us to ask ourselves, are we studying the RIGHT playbook?
January 11, 2010
This is a good story about Peyton Manning, it teaches a good lesson about responsibility and being prepared — instead of putting entertainment first on your priority list.
January 11, 2010
Thanks for sharing this inspiring example of leadership, preparation and wisdom. Good lesson for job searchers facing job interviews too!
Glad to see you blogging. It was great meeting you at EPA last May, and I’ve always appreciated your research and insights. Blogging is tough work (I’ve been at it 10 months with “Forward to the Kingdom”), but I think the benefits will be many. All the best!
January 12, 2010
Thanks for the encouragement, Mike. I just had surgery yesterday, the day the blog launched, and woke up today to see several dozen comments. I felt like I needed more anesthesia! Seriously, I know it’s a real challenge to keep up with it, but it should be a good way to stay in touch with people now that I’m not traveling as much.
January 11, 2010
Dear Mr. Barna and readers,
It was indicative of a player of Manning’s rise to the top to be one who knew the value of studying. It is a message that all Christians should heed. Not only should we be studying God’s playbook, The Bible. We should also be reminded of how much devotion and time it takes to me a good teammate and player.
I do not know all of Manning’s history, but I do know he suffered many failures along the road to succeeding. His Tennessee experience was not a nationaly title and it was not always winning. He persevered and fell forward by practicing and becoming proficient in his desire to be a pro.
Studying, practicing, and praying are tools all Christians should live with and use. Peyton Manning and other successful athletes and business folks are that because they practiced, studied, and hopefully prayed for God to everyday.
Thanks and May the Triune God grant you His grace and peace always, Steve Kehrer
January 11, 2010
This is why Peyton Manning is a winner on and off the field. Ryan Leaf was the other quarterback who unfortunately just missed the real question being asked.
As a minister, my son (age 11) discuss heroes and people to look up to with respect. Peyton Manning is a hero of his, and I approve.
January 14, 2010
Not knowing much about the NFL these days, but intrigued by the story, I am curious: did Ryan Leaf become a significant player?
January 25, 2010
I consider myself a moderate (not rabid) fan of the NFL, so you may want to take this with a grain of salt; but Ryan Leaf was one of top ‘busts’ in NFL history, if not the the very top (or should that be ‘very bottom’?). The San Diego Chargers spent years recovering from their choice of him in the draft (they traded away lower draft picks to be able to select him). He certainly had great physical skills but character issues sabatoged his potential, even when given second chances in the league.