What We Learned From The Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday to win Super Bowl 56. If the NFL isn’t your thing (and no one could blame you for that), two big sports teams got in the way of a concert performed by Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. The ads were pretty good, too.

The Rams went all-in throughout the season on their bid to win the Super Bowl. Their unusual, aggressive strategy was met with mixed reviews from the pundits. There was no other possible outcome for this team. They were either going to win the big game or go down in history as one of the most reckless assemblages in sports history. They even pulled an old safety out of retirement, just to be certain of their success.

Luckily, it paid off.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford spent his entire career languishing with the Detroit Lions-a franchise that hasn’t seen success in decades. He did so without complaint or scandal. Even the opposition described him as someone who was difficult to dislike. Facing yet another rebuild, the Detroit Lions allowed Matthew Stafford to “go chase a ring.” One year later, he got it.

Odell Beckham Jr. is arguably one of the best receivers of this generation, but his temper and immaturity have always held him back. He could be seen arguing with coaches and players on the sidelines during his stint with the New York Giants. When they moved him to the Cleveland Browns (people like me freaked out)he never established a connection with his quarterback. It was whispered that maybe his best years were behind him. Yesterday, he won the Super Bowl-injured and all.

It took Matthew Stafford twelve years to reach the mountaintop. It took Odell Beckham Jr. eight years, three teams, and a lot of doubters before he won the big one.

Not a lot of people believed the Rams could do it. They’re celebrating right now.

There is not, nor has their ever been, such thing as an overnight success. Success in any endeavor often takes years-decades-of backbreaking work, crushing failure and countless rebuilds. Not everyone has the stomach for it.

That’s why so few actually reach the mountaintop.

Thanks for reading.

Originally published at http://averyktingle.art.blog on February 14, 2022.