Finding Your Hero

I've never been one to address a serious issue. I like having fun, or sharing laughs. I like tackling a more lighthearted subject.

But, this past week happened.

We hear about the accusations against LeSean McCoy, the DUI arrest of Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim and Marcell Dareus' sexual assault charge.

To say it has been a rough week for the NFL, would be an understatement. It's a dead period for them, and they cannot stay out of the headlines. Most of the time, you want to be the talk around the water cooler. Safe to say, this kind of talk is something the NFL would rather avoid.

The point I'm trying to make here is professional athletes are human. They are basically, just like you and me. They go to work, and get paid. They have a family. They mess up. Tiger Woods. Aaron Hernandez. Ray Rice. These are just three names who did various egregious acts that changed the public perception of them. Pick up a local newspaper, or turn on the local news. You'll likely hear a story of a crime being committed, or something being morally wrong.

I'm not condoning their actions, at all. I'm merely saying we put athletes on a pedestal, that we're almost shocked to see them tumble.

Why? Why do we get angry and flustered seeing someone essentially being human? Maybe it goes back to our childhood.

I remember as a kid, my hero was Michael Jordan. I had his jersey, wore his shoes and even sent a letter off to Nike asking for his autograph (I was six, and thought it would work). How many people, drank Gatorade because they wanted to "Be Like Mike"?

We grow up idolizing these players, but forget that they're not impervious to making mistakes, and being just like you and me.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone, to say it is wrong that we do this. It could be argued that it is a part of life. We grow up seeing superheroes like Batman and Superman. As a kid, the closest thing we see are men and women doing extraordinary things in a competitive setting.

Our parents might follow a team, and like a player. It might lead use to imitating them and finding a player, or hero. We want to find a connection with our parents, or they want to share something with their kids.

Those are the true heroes. The ones who make sure you're taken care of, and safe every night. It is someone who give a good example of what to, and not to, do. They are the ones who pick you up when you are down, and push you further than you thought you could go.

Take a few minutes out of your day, and think of the person (or people) who you've looked up to. Visit, or call them and let them know. Sometimes these people don't realize they are being watched and emulated. They set the example for what we want to do in our own lives. Be sure to share it with them.

It took me too long to realize my brother, Michael, is my hero. We're 11 years apart in age, and it took us awhile to grow close because of that. Just watching him live life everyday with his wife and three girls. Making sure they're safe and happy, and finding his own happiness, it puts a smile on your face.

It's something I definitely aim to emulate. It just took me awhile to recognize, not all heroes wear capes.

I do want to share this with you too. While I shine a negative light on professional athletes, check out what Maquise Goodwin of the San Francisco 49ers, did for his mom and sister.