Posts by Joan Courtney
Beneath It All, A Warm Heart
Sometimes, the stories coming from the NFL surprise me. Or inspire me. But this story touched my heart. Dick Le Beau is widely considered to be one of the greatest defensive backs in the history of the Detroit Lions. After graduating from the Ohio State University, Dick entered the NFL. He was cut by the…
Read MoreUnderappreciated?
Feel underappreciated? Frank Gore should. He is a star running back for the Indianapolis Colts and is in the top 5 all-time rushing players. As a claim to fame, he has twelve 1,000 plus yard rushing seasons. At 33 years old, Gore already has 1,000 yards this year and is bound to surpass his own…
Read MoreA Side Talent
Every year since 1999, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award has been given to the player who demonstrates outstanding balance in his life between civic and professional responsibility. This year, one of the nominees is Sam Acho, an outstanding offensive linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He actively supports Living Hope Christian Ministries. Founded…
Read MoreDepressed . . . The 8th Dwarf?
Does the approach of the holidays make you feel like the 8th dwarf—Depressed? You aren’t alone. Many people find that the gala preparations bring back painful memories of guilt, regret and grief. With so much to do, how can you overcome intense emotional pain and find the energy to go once again around the holiday…
Read MoreIn a Slump?
Ever been in a slump? Depression creeps in. The world is grey. Nothing seems to go right. 6 feet, 5 inches tall, 240 pound Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, felt this hurt about a month ago. Passes intercepted, sacked without mercy, games lost. Before this, he had been one of the most efficient…
Read MoreKeep On Rolling
Professional athletes of any stripe have to keep in shape. From ping-pong aficionados to football players, from track stars to skiers, they all practice and work out, honing their skills for their best performance. Some are natural athletes, performing with ease. (Think Shaun White, snowboarding champ). While others work at it and endlessly rehearse until…
Read MoreDance to Your Own Music
When a player makes a touchdown, he can celebrate. In the “old days,” the player simply spiked the ball into the ground. Or no festivity at all: he would toss the ball to the closest official. But 23-year-old Alex Collins, running back for the Baltimore Ravens, took this to new heights. When he made a…
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