What I learned over the course of the final weeks of playoff football and winning the Super Bowl:
Haters gonna hate. The repurcussions of Richard Sherman's immediate postgame (the NFC Championship) comments to reporter Erin Andrews, after attempting to shake WR Michael Crabtree's hand and getting a push in the facemask for his efforts, drew out racists and judgmental individuals, football fans, and sportscasters. Some of the reactions to Sherman were instantaneous and without mercy, merit, or investigation as to who the whole person of Richard Sherman is. There was unrelenting ugliness even after his apology.
The sports media overvalues itself just as the mainstream media does. Its demands for the players' time and commentary on NFL Media Tuesday the week before the Super Bowl should not dictate the quantity of time donated by players. Some individuals don't enjoy the limelight nor the direct attention. In fact, one of them is "all about the action, Boss." End of story. Or it should've been. But a few of the sports media fumed and fussed because this player didn't choose to spend a lot of time with them answering questions which had been asked a multitude of times. This particular player had previously been insulted and attacked by members of the media and figured it was better not to speak with them any longer than was required. Good for him. His few words pleased a lot of us fans.
Most of the media expected astounding, spectacular, outlandish quotes from Richard Sherman at Media Day and throughout the week but received none. He answered questions with his usual articulate, straightforward, and thoughtful demeanor. The media decided to mince and edit a complete quote from Richard about Peyton Manning in order to inflame the contest, but it backfired. In spite of all the attempts to make Richard Sherman a villain, the true and classy Richard prevailed.
Winning the Super Bowl is an extremely emotional experience as were the games leading up to it. Somehow there is a deep connection between our fans and this team, especially those of us who've faithfully rooted for the Seahawks from day one in 1976.
Nearly 750,000 people can gather and line the streets in downtown Seattle, cheer their team, and manage to maintain order while they celebrate. Fantastic.
I love Seahawks football. This was a special team, an amazing season.
God, I pray you would watch over these players in the off-season. Keep them safe from all harm and help them to do all the necessary things to come back sound and committed to playing their best. Help them to be grateful and realize the huge blessings you provide in their lives. Encourage them as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.