I stood on the field in Las Vegas watching the confetti fall. My Kansas City Chiefs had just won Super Bowl LVIII over the 49ers. It was the third time I’d been part of a championship team. The feeling never gets old. I remember hugging everyone in sight and savoring it all with my teammates. I also remember the sound of my infant son’s early morning cries following the celebration. I looked at my wife, Erica, and said, “It’s my turn.”
A few hours after winning the Lombardi trophy, I was happy to be in dad mode. Becoming a parent in 2023 made me evaluate my priorities. I realized that listing what was most important to me was a great idea. It provides structure and reveals the best way to spend your time and to form worthwhile goals. Setting priorities and sticking to them keeps us motivated as men. Here are 3 ways to pick your priorities.
1. Know WHO matters most.
Prioritizing family is my top priority. It’s irreplaceable. If my football career ended tomorrow, I’d still have Erica and Zion, the two most important people on earth to me. Knowing who matters most will help you make selfless decisions, keep a positive attitude, and orient your actions. Because I choose to prioritize my wife and son, I get to (not have to) wake up and serve my family. Prioritizing their needs ahead of my own makes taking care of them exciting. Everything in life flows from knowing who deserves the bulk of your attention and devotion. Who matters most to you?
2. Know WHAT matters most.
I’ve played football since I was in fourth grade. I love my job, but football isn’t what matters most to me. It isn’t going to last forever. For me, what matters most is my faith and serving others. Erica and I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic after winning the Super Bowl to serve people in need. Leaving a positive mark on the world matters. Prioritizing things that are long-lasting reminds us that life exists outside ourselves. Knowing what matters shapes how we spend our time. What matters most to you?
3. BUILD your team.
Doing life alone usually leads to failure. Surround yourself with a team who will support you during your highs and lows. In Kansas City, I have leaned on teammates like James Winchester, Noah Gray, and Drue Tranquill. When Zion was born, they told me to pack my bags before meetings in order to get home faster and give my wife a break from baby duties. It was great advice. Tampa Bay Buccaneers chaplain Doug Gilcrease officiated my wedding and has been very influential in my spiritual development. I know I can call on my team anytime. Who is on your team, and who could be on your team?
Sound off: What are some other things we can do to make prioritizing family a focus for us?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What’s one thing you would like for us to do together this week?”