He’s got it all… or does he?
by J.C. "Cory" Kuhn
November 7, 2005
Ask any NFL player who the poster child of success is in the League and
they’d be quick to answer, “Tom Brady.”
He’s got the trophies. His talent and smarts emerged him as a victor in what
may be the most fiercely competitive occupation on earth. No other current
quarterback can hold a candle to his record—he’s won three Super Bowls and
has never lost in the playoffs or overtime. Even his bitterest rivals respect
him.
He’s got money. His current 60 million dollar contract could’ve been fatter,
but he never held out for more cash. He decided not to so his paycheck
wouldn’t hamstring his team’s payroll. Teammates, coaches, and his team
owner love him.
He’s got the look. His 6’4 muscular frame, dashingly handsome features, and
flashing smile have caused him to be called “America’s most eligible bachelor.”
Women agree. The 28 year-old athlete receives flowers and love notes from
movie stars giddy to get a date with him.
He’s got fame. He’s hung out with the President of the United States, had an audience with the Pope, and hosted Saturday Night Live. His achievements have
made him a near lock for the NFL Hall of Fame and he’s only now hitting his
prime.
He’s got family. His parents and sisters attend his games. They are the same continual source of moral support they’ve always been. They’re devoted to him and
he is to them.
Tom Brady’s got it all. Except one thing. He’s hasn't found true happiness.
During an interview with 60 Minutes that aired on Nov. 6, 2005, Brady became
reflective. “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me?” Brady questioned. “I reached my goal, my
dream, my life. I think, ‘God, it’s got to be more than this.’ I mean, this can’t be
what’s it’s all cracked up to be.”
During this moment of vulnerability his smile faded. His eyes seemed to search for
something to connect the dots of his life to form a deeper purpose—something more
meaningful than earthly accolades and indulgences.
“What’s the answer?” asked 60 Minutes journalist Steve Kroft, noticing Brady’s lack
of satisfaction with his American dream life. Brady answered semi-despondently, “I
wish I knew. I wish I knew.”
Trying to lighten the mood, Kroft brought up victories past by asking, “Which of your
[Super Bowl] rings do you like the best?
“My favorite ring?” Brady asked back, reflecting upon each of his three world championship seasons. Each diamond-laden ring represents the pinnacle of success in his
field—the holy grail of football. Each ring is something most players never come
close to touching even once, lest thrice. “You know… the next one,” Brady answered. “The next one is the best.”
Like Tom Brady, Solomon had it all. He experienced every earthly form of happiness
available to mankind. He found it all empty. “Self-indulgent pleasure… accomplishes
nothing” (Eccl. 2:2). He then adds, “Achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless—like chasing the wind”
(Eccl. 2:11).
It is easy for any of us to chase after earthly rewards. But coaches who
have been studying Ecclesiastes all semester long know Solomon is right.
Going undefeated or winless doesn’t change God’s love for us. We’re His
children (Eph. 2:) and that’s all that matters. The rest is gravy.
Tom Brady grew up Catholic and likely believes in God. Yet he still
searches for meaning in life because the peace and rest found in daily enjoying his journey with his Lord eludes him. Solomon tells us how to find
this rest, “There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and
to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find
enjoyment comes from God. For no one can eat and drink or experience
joy apart from him” (Eccl. 2:24-25). The answer Tom’s looking for is no
secret; it’s in Scripture for all to read. The secret to life is simply to
“Enjoy Your Journey with God” (the title to our Fall Bible study).
Enjoy: Don’t strive, stress, or strain—enjoy. Enjoy your morning coffee, drive to work, practice, players, a sunset, a
good night’s sleep, win, and loss. What happens, happens. React to it with joy (James 1:2).
Your: Enjoy your journey, not someone else’s. Coveting will drain away your peace. None of us are Tom Brady. I
don’t have his looks, but he doesn’t have my wife and kids. God gave each of us countless blessings for which to be
thankful and enjoy. Too often we take them for granted or miss the joy they contain.
Journey: Enjoy the journey, each success, failure, triumph and tear. Being
goal-driven is a recipe for disaster. You can’t enjoy your children once
they grow up; you need to enjoy them at each stage of their lives. Coaches
who don’t enjoy the season don’t know how to enjoy the season’s end
(regardless of outcome). Each moment of life—each conversation, experience, and person—is precious and fleeting. Savor them.
With God: This is the hard part for most people. God isn’t just the “Big
Guy” up in the sky—He’s our Creator who provides all our needs. Jesus isn’t fire insurance—He’s our Lord, Master, and Friend. Worship isn’t something done on Sunday mornings—it’s an attitude and way to live everyday
life (Rom. 12:1-2). God not only gives us the ability to enjoy life, but a
personal relationship with Him in Christ is what makes life worth enjoying.
Without God as the center of all we do, we’re just striving after the next ring. But, as Tom Brady can assure us, it
won’t make us happy.
J. C. Cory Kuhn
Director of Education, Coaches Outreach
©Coaches Outreach Inc. 2005. All rights reserved.
Read archived devotionals at: www.coachesoutreach.org
All Scripture taken from the New English Translation (NET Bible) www.bible.org, unless otherwise noted