With Super Bowl XLIII (that’s 43 for reference) happening on Sunday, it made me think about how differently things can turn out from what you expected.
Turn back the clock to the 2006 NFL draft. There was Matt Leinart, considered to be one of the top players in the draft, waiting for his name to be called. A few drops of sweat and some fake smiles later, Leinart was selected 10th by the Arizona Cardinals.
The hopes of the Cardinals immediately fell on the left arm of Leinart. Fast forward to that fateful game in October 2007 against the St. Louis Rams where Leinart is tackled by Will Witherspoon of the Rams, fracturing his collarbone. Out for the season. Ouch.
Enter Kurt warner. I mean, GRAND ENTRANCE Kurt Warner. After becoming the starting QB, Warner hasn’t looked back. His resiliency and veteran awareness has endeared him to his teammates and has made Larry Fitzgerald into a star. But that’s not the point.
Poor Matt Leinart. We definitely didn’t expect it to be this way. It was supposed to be YOU leading the Cardinals to the Promised Land. Warner was only supposed to guide you there. Like Cap Rooney to Steamin’ Willie Beamen (thank you to those who understood the Any Given Sunday reference).
But instead, here we are. What a difference a rough rookie season, broken collarbone, and an unexpected Warner revival make, huh?
Don’t worry, Matt, there is still so much to be fortunate about. After all, you are an NFL quarterback on a team playing for the Super Bowl. And soon enough, you’ll be the starting QB again. You just have to keep Warner away from the Fountain of Youth.
And avoid the hot tubs.
Check the strip.
Photo credits:
deadlinehollywooddaily.com
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