Only One Team Wins

I remember growing up as child my parents teaching me the importance of telling the truth and never giving anything but my best. Many times as a child I had to struggle just to show I was worthy of being in a regular class, let alone the football field. As I flashed back and recalled memories of staying up late at night for exams in college, I used to think to myself, what if I were to really give my best by applying myself, I would be inferior to no one. I remember not always knowing what it meant to be mature. I thought when I arrived in San Francisco, it was all about me, and little did I know I would be humbled by the presence of Bryant Young and Larry Allen, two potential Hall of Famers. I had to work hard in college to redeem myself from all the excuses I had used my freshmen year. In order for me to have a chance at redemption first in the classroom, and on the field it came at a price. The price of studying and maturing taught me a lot. And as I am still in the process of maturing today, I have realized that after arguably one of my best seasons in the NFL, I would trade in my personal success any day just so my team would have a crack at success. One of the loneliest feelings a player can have is sitting at home watching the NFL's elite teams battle for the ultimate crown. No matter how much money you have in the bank, or cars in the garage, and diamonds around your neck, you still can't buy your way into the playoffs, nobody's watching what you're driving or wearing because you're not playing. Herman Edwards said it so passionately "We Play to Win the Game" nothing less. Nobody respects those teams that don't make it to the playoffs. For those teams that came up short, they will be drastically changed next year. There will be some team later on this year who will make that change. Some team will close the gap, some group of men will band together and learn that it is not about personal goals, it is all about their team. I could never feel at peace with myself after my team finished at 5-11. Eleven Sundays we as a team did not get it done. I remember when there was a time where I was just happy to be in the NFL, wanting to just make a team and have a good start on in life. Now I want to become the best player that my team needs on game day. Whether that is stoping the run or getting pressure on the quaterback, I am at that point where I have learned that the NFL is no place for indivduals; it's all about the team. Yes, many people will go to the Pro Bowl and rightfully so, but only one team will win in Arizona. Who cares how many tackles or sacks you had if your team looses. There is no doubt in my mind I know the guys in Santa Clara (49ers) want to win, and I hope I'm there to show them I want to win also.