Article September 3, 2012 Issue

Brotherly love and courage in football

Rick Lipsey

In addressing her students prior to a meeting in 1888, the founder of this magazine, Mary Baker Eddy, said in part, “Abiding in Love, … doing unto others as ye would they should do unto you, conquers all opposition, surmounts all obstacles, and secures success” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 135).

It may seem a bit of a stretch to apply this to the American professional football (NFL) season just getting under way, but I’ve been doing it anyway. I readily agree that NFL football is often intensely violent and macho. It’s a game men play not just to win, but also, in some cases, to inflict injury. But not everybody in football is motivated that way. Some of the game’s most respected figures thrive because they’re inspired by the ideals of love and brotherhood.

Yes, brotherly love and football can be a potently successful combination. Last January, Tom Coughlin, coach of the New York Giants, spoke in measured tones to his players in his Super Bowl pregame talk while telling them that championship teams are composed of players who genuinely love each other. The following day, the Giants became Super Bowl champions.

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