Is
Life a Race Or Marathon?
Athletes are often the
subject of criticism but not all deserve
it. Being proud and ambitious, many skip
education to turn professional. Some do
so because they feel that they cannot prove
anything else in college. Others do so for
financial reasons.
Peyton Manning – the Indianapolis
Colts signal caller, former Tennessee Volunteers
quarterback and son of former New Orleans
Saints quarterback Archie Manning –
is an exception. After his junior season
running the University of Tennessee offense,
many thought that Peyton Manning would declare
his availability for the amateur draft.
Most assumed that he would be the first
pick. But Peyton decided to forego the National
Football League (NFL) and stay to complete
his education. There were other reasons
though.
First, Manning wanted to
win a National Championship. Second, there
was a financial reason. As the son of former
National Football League (NFL) quarterback
Archie Manning, money was not an immediate
concern. Third, his father had toiled for
the New Orleans Saints, a mediocre team
where his talent was wasted. What could
have been a stellar filled career was a
frustrating one. Manning wanted his son
to go to the best team possible. Peyton
wanted to complete his degree and understood
that time was on his side, so he returned
for his Senior year.
In the last game of his
collegiate career, Tennessee lost to Nebraska
42-17 in the Orange Bowl. But Manning stood
tall and basked in the moment.
Manning went on to get
drafted first overall by the Indianapolis
Colts. He played quite well in his rookie
season. The second pick that year went to
the San Diego Chargers who drafted Washington
State quarterback Ryan Leaf. Leaf went into
the draft very well regarded but flamed
in his first few years in the league.
You may not be a star athlete
with a famous former quarterback as a father.
It is also not probable that General Electric
or for that matter, General Motors, will
come knocking on your door if you skip on
your final year. So what do you do?
Just what Peyton Manning
did. You should remain patient, consider
your financial situation and examine the
job market.
On draft day, Peyton stated
that he was glad to know where he was going.
"Draft day is really just the beginning,
just the start of a career. New league for
a new team. I'm ready to go to work. I want
to start right now."
You might not be fortunate
enough to have the Colts knocking on your
door... as you get set to launch your career,
ask yourself what is the best
call for you. |
