Imagine this, the back bays and river open for striped bass in 20 days. There are events that happen over the winter which we check off as we await spring and the warmer weather. The holidays and the New Year, the fly fishing shows, and the Super Bowl. Last night 127.7 million people came together in person or on the TV or airwaves to tune into the big game which ends the 2025-26 season. For many it's the last party of winter before the big thaw out.
We went over to my parents house to watch the game. It was walk in the door, eat and drink too much in the first thirty minutes, and then wait the hour before the game started. With 2 minutes left in the second quarter I was warming up Theresa's car to make the drive back home. Needless to say I split before I got caught up the drama and division the two halftime shows that people had to chose from. I didn't care and still don't care. All of that has nothing to do with my life.
I like to watch a good football game but I'm not really a sports fan. I didn't have a team to route for but in the end I wind up rooting for a player. It was Sam Darnold. He was a rookie for the New York Jets for three seasons before he was cut in 2020. He was written off as a bust. Now he's a Super Bowl Champion.
What impresses me about Arnold, and others like him, is his perseverence to keep going and fight. The game of football is a just a game, entertainment if you will, and of course really big business. It amazing that he survived the NewYork fans and media and kept his head in the game after leaving the Jets. He had stints with the 49'ers and Vikings before joining the Seahawks in 2025. I'm sure at any point he could have just rolled over and quit but he kept at it.
I'm not sure it would be fair to say he re-invented himself but so many people do over the course of their lives. Life ain't easy and change is difficult. But people do that when the chips are down and bad things come their way. I commend those who continue to fight the fight and come out better or on top. I see this a lot at work, and celebrate it, when I first meet people during their worst days and later when they've come out still standing.
I like to root for the underdogs. Currently I see nursing students in that light. Working hard through all that is nursing school and life to get to their Super Bowl, which is graduation and their pinning in May. While 127 million people won't watch them onstage I'll be there, at Essex County College and Capital Health, watching them stand they're proud of their accomplishment as they prepare for a career helping others. Kudos to all of the people out there who fight or re-invent themselves and keep their eye on the prize. It's really inspiring and fun to watch or be a part of.
This week is the big thaw across the United States. Enjoy it and get ready for those busted pipes.