Years ago, when Bear Bryant was coaching the University of Alabama’s football team, the Crimson Tide were ahead by only six points in a game with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Bryant sent his quarterback into the game with instruction to play it safe and run out the clock. In the huddle, the quarterback said, “Coach says to play it safe, but that’s what they’re expecting. Let’s give them a surprise.” And with that, he called a pass play.
When the quarterback dropped back and threw the pass, the defending cornerback, who was a champion sprinter, intercepted the ball and headed toward the end zone, expecting to score a touchdown. The quarterback, who was not known as a good runner, took off after the cornerback and ran him down from behind, tackling him on the 5-yard line. His effort saved the game.
After the clock ran out, the opposing coach approached Bear Bryant and said, “What’s this business about your quarterback not being a runner? He ran down my speedster from behind!”
Bryant responded, “Your man was running for six points. My man was running for his life.”
Nothing can motivate a person like adversity.
(Thanks Coach Starkey)
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