Ronnie and His Grit Page

[AUDIO LOGO] [MUSIC PLAYING] [CHEERING AND APPLAUSE] Ronnie and His Grit. Let me tell you a story about Ronnie Lott. When others gave up, Ronnie did not. Ronnie always did what he set his mind to, dedicated and tough, through and through. As a boy, he bought shoes that were red as fire. The commercial said they'd make him fly higher. So with all of his effort and all of his might, Ronnie prepared for his very first flight. But all his excitement and thrill didn't last. He jumped through the air but came crashing down fast. It was after his unfortunate plunk of a tumble that Ronnie felt something inside start to rumble. He sat there a bit, somewhat battered and bruised and brooded across from his new pair of shoes. Maybe these shoes won't make me jump high. Maybe it's me, and how hard I try. That rumble in Ronnie is what we call Grit, a voice that encouraged him, "Don't ever quit." Grit followed Ronnie as he grew and grew, every time that he played or tried something new. He was skilled at sports, and that helped him thrive. But Grit always urged him, "Continue to strive." Grit had a voice that was strong and impactful, but Ronnie still needed to learn to be tactful. Like when his coach said, "Throw as hard as you can," and he knocked someone over. That wasn't the plan. "Respect those around you," his dad would say. Ronnie listened, and learned along the way. In high school, Ronnie joined the football team, and suddenly knew that he had a dream. When he put on his helmet and all of his gear, he felt that same rumble. His purpose was clear. While he missed some tackles and dropped some balls, he never gave up or stopped giving his all. When he fell, Grit told him, "Get back up again." When he lost, Grit said, "I know we can win." His mistakes were chances to try a new way, and tomorrow was always a brilliant new day. Years passed, and he joined a professional team. Ronnie and his Grit were achieving their dreams. Sometimes he got hurt, and sometimes his team lost. He kept doing his best, no matter the cost. One fateful day on the football field, he was put to the test, and his Grit didn't yield. Ronnie got hurt. It was really a zinger! He arose from the play, losing part of his finger. But even that didn't stop him from reaching his dream and inspiring others, including his team. Today, Ronnie's football days are passed, but his Grit stay strong and always will last. He continues to give everything his all, whether teaching kids or playing ball. Every time he helps inspire someone, every time he cheers on his daughters or sons, Grit is helping him follow through. "Give this life all you've got. I believe in you." Have you listened closely to that voice deep inside? The one that's telling you never to hide? Next time you're down or feeling blue, remember that Grit lives within you too. It's the whisper that says, "Yes, you can. Yes, you can! It's the belief in yourself. It's your greatest fan. It's never too late to call up your Grit, your own tiny voice that rumbles, "Don't quit." [MUSIC PLAYING]