Superbowl 51 Magic

I've just watched one of the all time great games of American football in The 51st NFL Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots. It was to coin a phrase a "Game of Two Halves". The half time score was 21-3 to the Atlanta Falcons, while the final score was 34-28 to the Patriots. At one stage it was it was 28-3 to the Falcons.

Tom Brady: First Quarter Back to win 5 Super Bowls

The Patriots took their chances and took their half chances to see them through in the final quarter to a 28-28 tied game at full time. For the first time in history  a Super Bowl final went into overtime. Tom Brady led his team home in extra time. As with the All Blacks, the game in this case is played for the full 60 minutes and you have to be 70 minute team to be great. When the Falcons were tiring the Patriots were driving forward, it made all the difference.

So as an observer what do I take from this Fairy-tale ending.

1. The game is not over till it is over.
2. Well practiced skills and experience are vital assets.
3. Most things are team activities very few people win on their own.
4. We need to seize the opportunities and chances we are presented with.
5. Strong leadership matters.
6. It is as much about mental fitness as physical fitness and in any endeavour if we are going to make a long term difference, we need both.

These skills are as much needed in life as on a playing field.