On Monday January 2, 2023 the day after many Americans were making resolutions about getting in shape in the coming year, taking inspiration from athletes who have achieved great things Damar Hamlin was playing on a nationally televised game of Monday Night football. Given to the fact that it is the only football game on Monday night, the institution of Monday night football became a spectacle of a once a week mini superbowl.
In the first quarter of the January 2nd game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety, tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin stood up after the tackle and took two steps but then collapsed to the turf. It was incredibly frightening to watch as they played it over and over again in instant replay. Within ten minutes he was in an ambulance on his way to the hospital after having suffered cardiac arrest and was revived on the field. Nine days later Damar Hamlin walked out of the hospital.
While he lay there though the world was swirling around. Prayers, cards, vigil and donations to the cause he had highlighted bringing toys to underprivileged children. In the nine days donations went from $2,000 to $8 million dollars. A force for good for healing had been unleashed and fans and nonfans leaned into this moment of recovery and inspiration. Stories in the papers, news outlets about his character and his perseverance increased as so many watched his day to day progress.
But the movement and the aftermath were not without controversy. Pundits spoke of the plight of the black athlete in sports and how black athletes disproportionally get injured. They wrote about the inequity in the distribution of healthcare to the privileged because another person in the same circumstance who was not in proximity to such great care might have died in the street. Other conversations centered on how long it took for them to call off the game. And while all of that would have been a great opportunity to address some of the real challenges of race and privilege in America it was buried beneath what lies at the core of American social discourse.
There was a pause, while Hamlin was laying on the turf. Players gathered around knelt and prayed. The stadium fell silent. The play by play announcers filled the silence with descriptions of what they thought was going on on the field. Networks scrambled to find players who had career ending or at least significant injuries who could speak about what was going on for them at the moment they went down. Damar’s mother rushed to his side. And Roger Goodell and the NFL Commissioners were deciding whether to finish the game.
“Play Ball” is the way baseball games get started. Other sports begin with whistle or a drop of the puck or a jump ball. Some, on that evening, wondered whether or not they would “Play Ball.” Would they start the game again or “throw in the towel.” In the days after, this is what the big controversy was. “The show must go” was met by “this goes beyond the sport.” So many knew that at the root was the lost revenue. Sports is big money and sports extends well beyond the field of play. The lessons of sport extend well beyond the arena.
Sports have always been a fundamental part of human culture, serving as a source of entertainment, physical activity, and personal growth. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have gathered to watch and participate in various sporting events, whether it be a game of soccer in a local park or a championship boxing match in a sold-out arena. In this book, we will explore the rich history and diversity of sports, as well as the ways in which they have impacted and been influenced by society. We will examine the stories of legendary athletes and iconic moments that have shaped the landscape of sports, and delve into the strategies, techniques, and mentalities that drive peak performance. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a casual fan, there is something in these pages for everyone who loves sports.
Sports can be a spiritual experience because they allow us to connect with something larger than ourselves. When we engage in physical activity, whether as an individual or part of a team, we enter a state of flow where we are fully immersed in the present moment. This can be a meditative and rejuvenating experience, as we let go of our everyday worries and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, the sense of community and camaraderie that often develops among athletes and fans can be deeply meaningful and uplifting. Whether we are competing against others or simply striving to improve ourselves, sports can provide a sense of purpose and connection to something bigger than ourselves. For some, this can be a source of inspiration and spiritual growth.