TUNNEY-SIDE-OF-THE-STREET

#37 September 12 2005

Welcome to this week's message from the Tunney-Side-Of-The-Street. You are encouraged to share this with fellow workers, family and friends.

What a privilege it was for me to be on the NFL field with #80 Jerry Rice. His career statistics lead all receivers in the league and may never be exceeded. Never? Yes, never. How many NFL players playing a wide receiver position can last 20 years? His record setting statistics, however, don't really tell the Jerry Rice story.
The real story is in the man himself. From a little known town in Crawford (Mississippi, not Texas) to a lesser-known school - Mississippi Valley State - comes a true role model. Many of today's NFL "Superstar" (NBA, NHL and MLB as well) players shun the responsibilities of "role model" - not Rice. Just like the touchdown passes thrown to him by Joe Montana and Steve Young, Jerry caught the designation of "role model" and ran with it.
Speaking of "running with it", did you know that every pass Jerry caught in practice, against his own teammates, no crowd, no cheering, etc., he ran to the goal line, sometimes 30-40 yards. No reason, except he was rehearsing exactly what he would do in a game situation. Jerry's work ethic was second-to-none. He always "took it to the next level". Those extended workouts kept him competitive throughout his 20-year career. It's safe to say that no other NFL receiver will match his accomplishments.
What has impressed me even more is Jerry's efforts in giving back. For some seven years he has had a golf tournament to raise several hundred thousand dollars for youth programs. His "127 Foundation" (a 501c3 non-profit) was established as a fund raising entity to accomplish this. "127" was the number of career touchdown passes that he caught to set the record. His total is now complete at 197. I was privileged to MC those golf tournaments which were highlighted with sport celebrities who donated their time and talent to help the foundation. Further, Jerry was our celebrity guest at a York School Fund Raiser a decade ago. He is the epitome of "giving back".
Of all the stories about Jerry, I like this one best: August 19, 1985 Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers at "the Stick". Jerry's first NFL game! Third quarter. #16 Joe Montana back to pass. #80 Rice - WR - makes a great move off the line; outdistances the Broncos defenders. Jerry now waiting in the end zone (north end of the stadium), Montana throws the pass perfectly to Rice - and Jerry drops the ball! The 49er fans were outraged. "It was right in his hands how could he drop it?" They booed, called him names, it was vicious. When Jerry, head down in disgust with himself, came back to the huddle, I was standing right behind Montana and Joe reached over, patted Jerry on the backside and said, "Shake it off, Jerry, you'll catch the next one!"
Will you take your talents to the next level, even in the face of setbacks?
Look for my new book
It's the Will, Not the Skill
Principles and philosophies of success

For more information about Jim Tunney, go to www.jimtunney.com

 

ARTICLE TAGLINE FOR JIM TUNNEY, Ed.D., CSP, CPAE

Copyright © 2003 Jim Tunney. All rights reserved.
You can visit Jim's website at http://www.jimtunney.com

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