“Football doesn’t build character. It reveals it.”

Today, I want to talk about the theme that adversity does not build character; it reveals it. And what better way to illustrate this than through the game of football?

Imagine a football game. The scoreboard is against you, the crowd is roaring, and the opposing team is relentless. It's in these moments, when the pressure is on and the odds are stacked high, that the true character of a player is revealed. It’s easy to play well when you’re winning, but it’s when you’re down, facing a fourth-and-long, that we see who has the heart of a champion.

In life, just like on the football field, adversity is inevitable. Injuries, losses, setbacks—these are all part of the game. But it's how you respond to these challenges that shows your true character. A player who keeps fighting, who digs deep and finds the strength to keep pushing forward, reveals their resilience and determination.

Think of the quarterback, sacked multiple times but still getting back up, ready to lead the next play. Think of the underdog team, fighting back from a deficit, driven by belief and grit. These moments don’t build character; they reveal it. They show us who is willing to face the pressure, embrace the struggle, and keep moving forward.

Off the field, adversity in our own lives reveals our character in the same way. It shows whether we can stay focused under pressure, whether we can support our teammates, and whether we can maintain our integrity and determination in the face of obstacles.

So, when life hits you with a blitz, remember the game of football. Embrace the challenge, trust in your training, and let your true character shine through. Just like on the field, it’s not the easy victories that define us, but how we rise when we’re knocked down.