How you play the "game"

This article by Rick Reilly on Peyton Manning really made me think. The theme of this article is about how Peyton was remarkable because of his grace and class. He held onto his "southern gentility." He said "yes, sir" and "no, sir." He tipped well and he took time with his fans. And in the end, when a decision was made that "would've gone down most guys' throats like a porcupine," he took it, smiled and ended it with grace.

As a player, Reilly notes that Manning watched more film and knew more about most defenses than the guys in them. He was the last one to go home at night and played bruised and sick even though his paycheck didn't change if he played or not. And the biggest story I didn't know:

"That Super Bowl win was classic you. Every day that whole week, you made your center, Jeff Saturday, spend an extra 15 minutes snapping you balls you'd soaked in a bucket of water. "It might rain," you said. So when it did, and Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman looked like he was throwing greased watermelons, you looked like you were throwing rocks."

So what can I apply from this article? My attitude is noticed. Being a good sport counts for something -- it counts for a lot! And preparation is vital. If my team of two is prepared, we can do anything. Right now, I could do a better job on both fronts.