Well, right about the time when you think that most athletes are just money driven 'hams' who 'do the boogie' in the end zone after they make the touch down--- here comes a class act-- a real hero, like Arron Rodgers! This is a good read for sure. That's my opinion any way. And a man who reads the Bible every day: "
His favorite book is The Bible and he tries to read it every day not just
when life's challenges and struggles surface." [--has got to be a good man of Faith!"]
This is written by a sports anchor from Fox 6 in Milwaukee . It doesn't get
any better than this.
"Save Me a Spot"
This job affords me some incredible opportunities. Being a member of the FOX
6 Sports team means I've been able to witness and report on events and
people
that many can only admire from a distance. I never take these situations for
granted and sincerely appreciate being involved in whatever capacity each
permits.
Monday marked just the most recent case as I had the unparalleled privilege
to be a part of Aaron Rodgers charity event to benefit the MACC Fund, a
charity towards eradicating childhood cancer and blood disorders.
Scattered throughout the crowd of rabid Packers aficionados, were the people
who I consider the event's real MVPs. They are the families who've been
forced to deal with one of life's toughest sentences - the loss of a child.
Those who sprung for the tickets were not disappointed. In a world where
many
athletes regurgitate canned and rehearsed responses, the Packers quarterback
was refreshingly candid. Aaron addressed a number of topics with in-depth,
honest reaction - even some that if reprinted and mass distributed might
raise some eyebrows.
Aaron stressed the importance of availability and accountability. In his
opinion, it is a player's responsibility to attend all of the team
activities
as they are all intended to better the team as a whole. And then, similarly,
he addressed the importance of taking the heat/criticism when one falls
short
of expectations and duties.
He is never nervous to take the field. Aaron is supremely confident in the
preparation he's put in during the week leading up to Sunday's match up. The
way the 2009 season ended was disappointing but his self-confidence was not
affected by the outcome. One of the toughest realizations was that that
combination of players would never take the field together again. He likened
the team to a family and admitted that conflict can and does occasionally
exist but they try to handle such situations with maturity and civility.
He talked music and his love for tunes at a young age revealing that his mom
used to sing and play lullabies and country music when he was a child.
Aaron's record label Suspended Sunrise is a product of this passion but also
a contingency plan for life after football. His favorite song is Ben
Harper's
'Forever' and he's envious of John Mayer's guitar skills though not his
tabloid reputation. He appreciated my affinity for Keith Urban but gave the
audience a thumbs-down when I mentioned fellow country crooner Kenny
Chesney.
His favorite book is The Bible and he tries to read it every day not just
when life's challenges and struggles surface.
His favorite movie is The Princess Bride which he admits he's caught flack
for but says he and his childhood friends can recite every line from the
film
and it is simply a great story.
Rodgers' answers to questions on this night were certainly admirable. And I
honestly didn't think I could respect Aaron more. But I was wrong.
My friend, the father of that young girl who passed, was there that night.
He
was one of several attendees brought up on stage where he caught a football
thrown by the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.
He asked Aaron to sign the football he'd caught. He wondered if he'd make it
out to his daughter. It isn't shocking that Rodgers obliged. What caught me
off guard was the dedication he made. It wasn't until after Aaron left that
I
first saw the autograph... and the simple yet sweet message that brought
tears to this father's eyes:
"To Cheri the angel. Save me a spot. - Aaron Rodgers"
I hope that Packers fans realize how lucky they are to have such an
upstanding young man leading their team on the field every weekend. I hope
they appreciate the challenges that were thrust upon him and acknowledge the
maturity with which he handled them. I hope they stand behind the kid and
respect him not only for his incredible talent but for his intelligence and
honesty, poise and compassion.
My job has afforded me the chance to watch Aaron Rodgers play football for
the last few seasons. But I am truly thankful for the opportunity to see the
other side of this impressive young man. And pass on some of what I
witnessed
to you.
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