Everybody Just Do Your Job

On January 1, 1979, Alabama and Penn State met in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to crown the 1978 National Champion. Most fans in our area, if not across the country, remember this game for its fourth quarter “Goal Line Stand.” Penn State ran the ball twice from the 1 yard line and the Alabama defense denied them both times. Alabama won 14-7.

Alabama-Penn State Goal Line Stand (courtesy The Crimson White)

Alabama Linebacker Barry Krauss is heralded for making the tackle on the 4th down play that kept Penn State out of the end zone. Earlier this Fall, when Alabama played at Penn State, Barry was interviewed about that play. When asked to describe what happened, he simply said, “Everyone just did their job.”

He then explained the difference between that play and the third down play when fellow linebacker Rich Wingo made the tackle. On third down, Krauss was assigned to defend the lead blocker, thus freeing up Wingo to tackle the ball carrier. On fourth down, the assignments were swapped. Wingo absorbed the blocker, while Krauss leaped to stop the Penn State running back.

We as the Lord’s church can learn a lot about teamwork from the sports world. Those linebackers did what they were assigned to do. But everyone else on the field–the defensive line, outside linebackers, and defensive backs–also did what they were assigned to do. In the moment, they were concerned about doing their jobs. They didn’t care who would be featured on the best-selling Daniel A. Moore painting.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Peter says each one is to use his or her gift in serving one another. Doing so is how we show we are good stewards, or caretakers, of the gifts God gives us. Living for ourselves is not only a detriment to the church, but it is irresponsible and disrespectful toward God and what he’s given us.

Our goal should always be, “…that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Search your heart for what you do best (not necessarily what you want to do best). Commit to using it for God’s glory in the lives of others. The church is already victorious. But we can “win” everyday if we all just do our jobs.

SEC Helmets: White Editions

There are two “hard-to-look-bad” elements for football helmets: 1) a gray facemask and 2) a white shell. With the flexibility and crispness of white in mind, here are the helmets of the SEC…in white:

Georgia

 

Classy look for UGA. Their standard red is one of the best in the conference, so it’s no surprise it looks great in white. Too bad they choke when they attempt uniform gimmicks.

Florida

Not a bad look for the Gators. Not sure it helps the current lid, though. That font needs to go.

Vanderbilt

Vandy looks sophisticated in the white. Maybe even in a admiral-dress-uniform way. It doesn’t top the classic look of the gold, but it’s still slick.

Ole Miss

Not a fan of Ole Miss in the white. And it wouldn’t look good with their standard gray pants.

Mississippi State

Not a foreign look for State in the white, as they’ve done it before. The maroon helmet helps them look a little more intimidating on the field.

Arkansas

Arky may have the most to gain with switching to white. I’d at least like to see it at home with their red jerseys. And maybe it’d encourage someone to drop black from their unis.

Alabama

Again, not a totally foreign-idea, as Coach Perkins went white during his tenure in the ’80s. Clean and classic. But not near as iconic as the crimson lid.

Which is your favorite white edition?

(South Carolina, Tennessee always wear white, while Kentucky introduced a white alternate this season; Auburn wears white each week and LSU will wear a white version of their helmet on October 22nd–but with old gold–as part of their Pro Combat set.)

Much credit to Fraser Davidson for his PSD templates. His site has a wealth of inspirational sports design inspiration.

*The marks and identities represented belong to the respective schools. I in no way claim ownership and in no way stand to profit from the depictions here.*