Breaking The Tackles of Life

The Story of an Athlete Who Overcame Hardships on His Way to Fulfilling His Dream.

Story: Malcolm Butler

Life had been hard

Malcolm Butler had been through some tough times in his life. He had played football and run track during high school. But, he was only given a scholarship to play football from a community college. Then, five games into his freshman season, he was thrown out for possession of drugs. However, Butler was eventually reinstated onto the team two years later. But Butler wanted more. . .

A new chance arises

Finally, Butler earned a scholarship to the University of West Alabama! He did well enough during his senior season to earn a spot in the 2014 Medal of Honor Bowl. “Surely”, Butler said, “Now I will be taken in the NFL draft”. However, his dreams were in danger of never being realized.

Expectations disappoint

Malcolm Butler was extremely disappointed in 2013 after his name was not called in the 2013 NFL Draft. He watched as player after player was taken before him. Sure, he was only from a division two school, but he thought that he was worthy of a draft pick. Why did nobody take him? Why did nobody call? What should he do? All of his life up to this point had been spent preparing for his dream of playing in the NFL. But now, that dream was fading quickly.

The call of opportunity

Finally, the call of opportunity came. The New England Patriots invited Malcolm to attend their 2014 rookie minicamp. He worked hard throughout minicamp and was eventually signed to a three-year deal for the 2014 season as the fifth-string corner back. Butler had an average season, but New England was able to make it to Super Bowl XLIX (49) against the Seattle Seahawks!

His “unlucky” play

Malcolm Butler did not start Super Bowl XLIX. However, Butler got his chance to play midway through the third quarter. Butler played well, but with under a minute left in the fourth quarter, Russell Wilson threw a thirty-three yard pass into the air to the receiver whom Butler was defending. Butler reached up and deflected the ball away. However, to his disgust, the ball landed right in the receivers lap! The Patriots were five yards away from losing the Super Bowl, and it was all his fault!

His “lucky” play

Butler lined up five yards from his own end zone with less then a minute left in the game. Was his best chance with the Patriots about to end? Would he be cut from the team? The ball was snapped to Russell Wilson of the Seahawks and Butler saw him throw the ball in his direction. Butler lunged forward, knocked the receiver off balance, and intercepted the ball! The Patriots had won the Super Bowl! Butler had overcome his final trial on the way to accomplishing his ultimate dream – NFL stardom. All the work he had put in, from high school football to fifth-string corner-back, had now paid off!

Question: Why do “tackles” keep getting in the way of my life?

Have you even wondered why life sometimes seems to be against you? Well, there is a man in the Bible who wondered the same thing. King David wrote a Psalm (a poem inspired by God) in which he said that he felt as if God had forsaken him and left him to face all his problems (or “tackles” as I have called them in this post) alone (Psalm 22). If I even have to face all of the problems that King David had to face I probably will feel like everyone and everything is against me as well. However, David showed true Godly character when he responded to his problems by praising God and remembering God’s promise that He is always there for us. God is always ready to help if you are willing to ask Him and if you have completely trusted Him with your problem (Psalm 139).

Do any “real” sports players think that they need God in their life?

I’m glad you asked! One example is Albert Pujols who is a current All-Star infielder for the Los Angeles Angels and a future member of the Hall of Fame. He is known as one of the best players in the game of baseball. However, he once said, “If it weren’t for Jesus, I would not be where I am today and my life would be without purpose. I’ve heard kids say they want to be just like me when they grow up. They should know I want to be just like Jesus.” Albert is just one example of a major sports figure who holds this position.

Why do I need God? Can’t I face the “tackles” of life by myself?

You may dream of becoming an NFL superstar like Malcolm Butler or an All-Star baseball player like Albert Pujols, but will fame truly make you happy for the rest of your life? What will happen to Malcolm Butler after he dies? What will happen to you after you die? Many people have tried to face their problems alone. Though these people may seem to have success initially, they all, in the end, fail to overcome the ultimate “tackle” – death. No man has ever been able to beat death by himself. You may ask, “Why are you being so morbid?” “Can a person ‘beat’ death?”

Let me ask you another question. Will Malcolm Butler care that he was an NFL star when he dies? I encourage you to think about facing the “tackles” of life – and death. God wants to help you. Will you let Him help you?

If you want to know more about how you can know God , than click on this link.

“If it weren’t for Jesus, I would not be where I am today and my life would be without purpose . . . I want to be just like Jesus.”

– Albert Pujols (MLB All-Star)