You’ve probably heard of guys like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, John Elway, Terry Bradshaw, and Peyton Manning. These are some of the best quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. But none of them – or anyone else for that matter – has ever done what Ryan Fitzpatrick has accomplished through the first 3 weeks of the NFL season. Ryan Fitzpatrick (“FitzMagic” as he is known) has thrown for more than 400 yards in all three games. No NFL quarterback has ever thrown for 400 yards in three straight games. Ever!
This is made more remarkable because he is a career backup. In fact, he was supposed to be a backup again this year, but the starting quarterback was suspended for the first three games. This isn’t the first time, though, that he has ever come off the bench and been thrust into a starting role. In fact, he has started games for a total of 7 teams in his career. Other players may have more talent, but he has hung around for a long time because he is a team player and is always prepared for his opportunity.
Joe Montana used to say, “Don’t complain about not getting a chance and then be unprepared when you do.” We’ve seen this in so many athletes, as well as co-workers. Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t that person. Instead, of being a guy that complains that he has to be a career backup, he is known as a reliable, positive, encouraging, and prepared teammate. When his opportunity comes, he is ready. He has been a member of 7 teams where he was expected to be a reserve, a substitute, a backup, but has been called upon to lead the team.
What about us? Are we in the role that we want to be in? Are we getting the credit that we think we deserve? Are we ready for our opportunity when it comes? Abraham Lincoln liked to say, “I will prepare and someday my chance will come.”
I have seen people pout, complain, or be passive aggressive because they don’t like their situation. I have also seen people stay positive, lend a helping hand, and take their preparation seriously even when they didn’t like their situation. Which person do you think is more valuable to an organization or a team? Which person do you think is more fun to be around?
Because of his past as a career backup, I doubt that the magic of Fitzpatrick will continue for very long. However, because of his past as a career backup, I am confident that he will continue to be a good teammate and prepare for his next opportunity whenever that will come.
How about us? Remember that success is a choice. What choice will we make today?