Playing quarterback for Alabama is a big deal, and last year we saw two guys contribute at that position.
Jalen Hurts started throughout the season, leading his team to the National Championship, and Tua Tagovailoa started the second half of that game, igniting the team to a 26-23 overtime victory.
Now, both players are returning for the upcoming season and trying to prove they should be the starting quarterback.
Earlier in the week, Coach Saban explained on ESPN what he’s looking to see from them and how they need to be cautious about self-promotion:
"I've told both players, 'You've gotta win the team, and everything you do to bring attention to yourself, or anybody even in your family that brings attention to yourself, you're not doing yourself a service in trying to win the team.'"
With Saban, it’s all about the team instead of individuals, and he had this to say about wanting to see his quarterback make those around him better:
"I told them both, 'The more that you can do in your performance, your leadership, how you affect other people, the relationships you have on the team and the confidence that you develop in other players in your ability to distribute the ball because that's what the quarterback is - the distribution center of the ball - then that's the guy who's going to have the best opportunity to win the team.'"
Of course, fans are waiting with great anticipation to see who will be Alabama's starting QB, and how Saban will utilize both players throughout the season.
But Saban's advice to Hurts and Tagovailoa about not bringing attention to themselves is even more significant to think about.
How often have we gotten caught up in self-promotion by letting others know how great we are? In our desire for others to notice us, how many times have we tried to get credit for doing something well?
Matthew 23:11-12 (paraphrased in The Message) puts it all into perspective with this important challenge:
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.”
Saban explains how the QB is the “distribution center of the ball” and has the role of leading others, making them better, building relationships, and positively affecting them.
Likewise, as followers of Jesus, instead of drawing attention to ourselves and trying to prove we’re “somebody,” we must shift our attention toward others and be the “distribution center” of humility, service, love, and grace.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I try to draw attention to myself and want others to think I’m great. Please show me how to walk in humility and be more concerned with serving others. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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