Unselfishness

One thing that seems non-existent in big-time sports anymore is taking one for the team. What I mean is, it is rare to see someone who is not only about themselves. Most players on TV are doing some sort of celebratory dance to draw attention to themselves.

That’s one of the reasons I am a huge fan of Todd Boeckman.

Boeckman, Ohio State’s senior quarterback was first team All Big Ten last year (his first as a starter). He led the Buckeyes to a birth in the BCS national championship game against LSU. He played very well most of last season but his performance slipped a little in the last couple of games.

Much was expected of him this season. He was supposed to lead the Buckeyes to their third straight national championship game. However, that was not to be.

An early season drubbing at the hands of USC changed all that. Boeckman did not have a stellar performance and the following week was replaced by Freshman Terelle Pryor.

Expectations would be that Boeckman would complain and throw a fit because he was being benched. Boeckman, one of the team’s captains didn’t do that however. He supported Pryor and said that he understood why Coach Tressel made such a move.

Was he upset on the inside? I’m sure he was. Did he want to be playing? You bet.

But, he put the well being of the team ahead of his own. Very classy.

And, he comes in at the end of Ohio State’s victory over Michigan to throw a picture-perfect touchdown pass. Great stuff! What a great way to end your career!

In my book, Todd Boeckman is MVT – Most Valuable Teammate.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3