MAKE THE CALL—MAKE THE PLAY

My son, Brad Johnson, is the Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. He is beginning his 15th season in the NFL, starting for the Vikings against the Washington Redskins, on the first Monday Night Telecast this season, Sept. 11th.

He has been playing competitive football since 1976 when he was in the youth football leagues. He enters this season as the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL, when he turns 38 years old two days after the first game.

He has been involved in countless plays in his career, and some were in the biggest game that can be played in Pro Football. He and his team at the time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, won Super Bowl XXXVII. He threw a couple of TD passes in that game, and afterwards, was selected to represent his team in the victory parade at Disney World.

As big as those plays were, in my opinion, his biggest play in his career thus far, was made last year, and it was not even made on the field. It was the choice he made not to attend a party on a cruise ship during the team’s off week that several other players decided to do. All of the players obviously knew that some crazy things could happen, but I doubt any of them thought they could get caught and it would damage their reputation. Most of the players didn’t really do anything other than socialize, but unfortunately for them, they found themselves in an out of control situation. Not only did bad things happen, the whole episode turned into embarrassment for them and their families, as well. To make things worse, the situation became a national story, and a few players lost their jobs.

I am not so naive to think that Brad would never get caught up in such a thing. I would, however, be surprised and disappointed if he allowed himself to be in those kinds of circumstances. I am aware of several times in high school, college and other times in the pros, where he turned down opportunities that could have led to him injuring himself or damaging his reputation. However, things happen, and as long as parents are parents, they worry. I am no different.

Finally, here is my point. All of us need to adopt sound principles for the way we are going to live our lives.

When we consider our personal desires, it would be wise to also consider the One, The only One, who can supply our every need.

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Jesus Christ”

And before we commit to going somewhere with friends, consider 1st Corinthians 15:33.
“Do not be deceived, evil company corrupts good habits.”