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Keyword: Andrew Luck

1.  

   How Sports Inspires: Colts’ Coach Chuck Pagano on “Living in a Vision and Not Living in Circumstances”

   by Wesley Mallette 11-11-2012 03:54 PM Guest Contributors | Motivation

   
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   This is a guest article from Danyelle Sargent, who is an anchor at the NFL Network.

   Inspiration. 

   It is a word that holds incredible meaning and has the ability to motivate and inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

    

   By now we are all aware of Indianapolis Colts’ Head Coach Chuck Pagano’s battle with leukemia. As the Colts prepared to take on the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, November 4, 2012, Coach Pagano visited his team for the first time since having to leave the team in early October, and as he started to undergo his second round of treatment for leukemia, Pagano spoke to and inspired his team.

    

   His words and presence were powerful. The result? First-year quarterback, Andrew Luck, threw for an NFL rookie-record 433 yards and helped lead his team to victory. The players’ comments were equally impressive. Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne said, “As a team, we know that probably his best medicine is for us to continue to win.” And defensive stalwart, Dwight Freeney, simply stated, “Forget the game, it was just good to see him on his feet.”

    

   In his post-game speech, Coach Pagano told his team that “living in a vision and not living in circumstances” was critical to the success it experienced on the field and bringing home another victory, the team’s third consecutive win after starting 2-3. He emphatically stated to his now 5-3 Colts, “You refused to live in circumstances and you decided consciously as a team and as a family to live in a vision…and that’s why you’re already champions and well on your way.”

    

   The ability to inspire is a two-way street. As Coach Pagano faces a battle like none other, his courageous fight against (as he puts it) “his circumstances” is not only inspiring to his team but motivating to so many across the nation and around the world.

    

   The importance and significance of being #Chuckstrong transcends sports. Coach Pagano’s approach is applicable to each of us in how we pursue our goals and in how we live our lives. There are going to be many detractors and naysayers along the journey and there will be obstacles in your path. But possessing the ability to live in the vision you have and not in the circumstances of what you are faced with is what will ultimately enable you to achieve the success you desire.

    

   Let’s all start living in the vision and not in the circumstances we are facing.

    

   Editor’s Note:

   According to a USA Today (Monday, November 5, 2012) article, we have learned that Coach Pagano’s doctors have said he has passed the standard test administered to leukemia patients with flying colors. His oncologist and associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University Health Simon Cancer Center, Larry Cripe, said Pagano is now considered to be in remission. Although that doesn’t mean he’s cured, we know Coach Pagano will keep fighting.

    

   And we’ll be right there with him.

    

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   Published 11-11-2012 © 2024 Access Athletes, LLC

   Keywords: #Chuckstrong, Andrew Luck, Chuck Pagano, Danyelle Sargent, Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts, Inspiration, Leukemia, NFL Network, Reggie Wayne

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2. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Terrence Jones focused on taking next steps at Kentucky, with mo' money comes higher expectations for Chris Johnson & DeAngelo Williams & Jared Allen assists wounded veterans

   by Al-Hassan Sheriff 11-13-2011 09:39 PM Guest Contributors | Motivation

   
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   Athlete Development

   • It appears more often than not that each year the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft will be highly scrutinized. While Stanford QB Andrew Luck seems to be the favorite to be selected first on draft day, he has at least one tough critic: former Giants QB and Super Bowl XXI MVP Phil Simms. “I think the hype is a little too much,” Simms said. “I feel bad for him in that respect. I mean, [how's] he going to do to match what they say he can do? There's a lot to him…But the one thing I don't see, I just don't see big-time NFL throws. I don't care what anybody says. I've watched a lot of him. He never takes it and rips it in there…Hey, he can develop it but, even in the USC game, you know, he's very careful with it, guides it a lot. That's what I see.” [Phil Simms: Andrew Luck hype is ‘a little too much’]

   • It’s no secret that many of today’s pro athletes, including the star athletes, are talented. Yet, one factor that appears to fuel their success at sports, and elsewhere, is a motivating factor or a source of inspiration. For Kentucky Forward Terrence Jones, his inspiration came from the role his aunt Ava Mashia played in his life. ESPN writer Dana O’Neil takes a look at how that relationship has helped him currently, and perhaps will help the sophomore lead a Wildcat squad with a talented freshman class back to the NCAA Final Four. [O'Neil: Mature Jones Focused on Taking Next Step at Kentucky]

   • This LA Times article takes an in-depth look at why NFL rookie receivers are having so much success this season. The interesting part in particular is the input from a couple of Hall of Famers at the position. [For Rookies, It's So Much Better To Receive]

   • Looking to enhance your overall strength and explosiveness? This article covers several exercises aimed at building the core, a key area for today’s athlete. [Build Core Strength With These 3 Exercises]

   Business

   • Imagine having to go to work with the feeling that your employers have little regard for your physical well-being. Well, that’s the scenario Bears RB Matt Forte paints with his comments regarding his current stalemate in contract negotiations: “The running back position is the most physically demanding on the field. Everyone acknowledges that. So to continue to give me the touches I've had since my rookie year but not award me a long-term contract sends the message that you're OK grinding me into a pulp.” [Matt Forte: Bears Are Grinding Me Into A Pulp]

   • New York Times columnist William C. Rhoden feels that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is “in the top two” at his position. And he may have a valid point: the signal caller has more Super Bowl wins and appearances than every starting QB in the NFL not named Tom Brady. Yet, Big Ben’s off-the-field issues have critics overlooking his success on the gridiron. A classic case of how your personal life can interfere with your work life. [Video: Credit Where It’s Due]

    

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3. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Larry Johnson's last opportunity, Matt Leinart's advice to Andrew Luck & high school football phenom Dorial Green-Beckham overcomes adversity

   by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-31-2011 12:54 AM Guest Contributors | Motivation

   
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   Athlete Development

   • As many athletes—professional and amateur alike—are constantly searching for new ways to train, they must be careful not to injure themselves in the process. 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Gatlin arrived at the World Championships with frostbite on his feet as a result of his personal training methods. [Justin Gatlin Dealing with Frostbite]

   • Former Chiefs and Penn State running back Larry Johnson, who signed with the Miami Dolphins, must now prove he can both contribute and stay out of trouble. The following quote sums it up: “It's kind of hard to convince anybody with my colorful background that, yeah, I've changed. But you change with every situation you go through. You know that you can't get many more shots. You do the best you can with your opportunity and ride on out to the sunset." [Larry Johnson Signs with Dolphins]

    

   Business 

   • For those of you aspiring to be the face of a franchise, please take into consideration factors other than your physical tools and knowledge of your sport. For example, your physical appearance may also be a factor. Ask No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. [Cam Newton Told To Be Tattoo-Free]

   • NFL wide receiver Nate Hughes has found his true calling and a back-up plan for his post-athletic career: being a registered nurse. Yeah, you read that right! [Lions WR Nate Hughes doubles as registered nurse]
      

    

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4. Athlete Weekly Rundown: Amar'e & microfracture surgery, Len Elmore talks iHoops & Allen Iverson in Istanbul

   by Matthew Allinson 01-10-2011 05:21 PM Guest Contributors | Motivation

   
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   It's been a busy start to the New Year with a lot of things in the works here at Access Athletes. It was a big weekend in Maryland with the Baltimore Ravens advancing in the playoffs after they blasted the Chiefs in the first round. Next weekend, they will face their heated rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a showdown that will finally settle the debate about who is the best team in the AFC North and determine who will ultimately advance to the AFC Championship.

   Recently, we brought on another incredible contributor at Access Athletes. Master Certified Coach, Chrissy Carew, is the Founder of The Insightful Player™, a bold movement of hope committed to lifting the spirit of the human race by putting high integrity NFL players on the largest stage in the world to share their personal heartfelt stories to inspire all, especially kids. The NFL contains so many examples of these fine young men who happen to be sports heroes, but beyond their stats, live their lives in an exemplary fashion and devote themselves to helping individuals and society as a whole. Through this campaign, Chrissy has interviewed more than 30 NFL players and has assembled their stories in the "A Gift of Insights".  You can download a special PDF copy of all 30 Insightful Player™ stories for free and help Chrissy spread her powerful and uplifting message. 

    

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