There’s a college hidden in the hills of some unheralded state that offers only one degree: Experience Architecture. All the Leagues and legends go there. I didn’t realize this until I walked through the gates of the NFL experience with my boys. Though we didn’t bother with all-access passes (worth the price if you’re into meeting famous people), it was clear from the check in that this was going to be a good time. I watched the boys go through several drills, each time vying to beat the others time. I watched my five year old snatching punts out of the air that were fired from a jugs machine, far exceeding what I thought him capable of.
I was in the moment, surrounded by fans and professional athletes and watching my little guys take it all in. We were even fortunate enough to catch the U15 flag football championship game. The Tucson Turf took the win in OT. What I noticed about the team was how fast and crisp and practiced everything was–which is amazing for a group that only trains once a week.
Here’s what I learned: Its not about the skills they have when they come into a thing. It is about the effort and the attitude they bring to the table. It is about being willing to push yourself beyond what you think you can do and evolving to the next level of success. That’s what good coaching and even good parenting does. That’s what I haven’t yet done for the boys and girls under my watch and what I intend to do moving forward.
The NFL experience was a great experience and a kick in the butt to boot.