I’ll never forget the feeling of watching the ball split the uprights in Super Bowl LV. My 52-yard field goal really put the game out of reach, and our Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first team in league history to win the championship on its home field. The falling confetti, trophy presentation, and celebration with my family and teammates was incredibly memorable. Football has given me so many wonderful moments, but when people ask me what I appreciate most about my 14 years in pro football, my answer often surprises them.
I am incredibly thankful for what I call the “valley moments.” Everyone desires to reach the mountaintop, but we learn more about who we are deep down when we hit setbacks, during those moments of adversity, and pro sports offers plenty of them. Not every day will be victorious. That’s OK because there is value in the valley. Here are 3 reasons why setbacks are good for us.
1. They teach us.
My last year in Tennessee was tough. I started the year on injured reserve, struggled in a few games, then wound up on IR again. I’ve gotten cut from teams. I’ve missed important kicks. Failure is part of life. Nobody wants to endure it, but there are lessons to learn from every shortfall. After bad games, I’d analyze what I did wrong, talk things over with my coaches, and practice my technique. It was on me not to get upset and to commit to learning instead of quitting.
2. They challenge us.
That said, I still hated missing kicks. I felt like I was letting my teammates down when I was off target. In that injury-shortened year with the Titans, I only made one of my six field goal attempts. I wanted to get back to contributing for my team, so I challenged myself to be better. I worked hard and bounced back the next season, making over 90 percent of my tries in the Super Bowl year with the Buccaneers. I used my low moments as motivation for future success. Start viewing failure as fuel.
3. They mold us.
I went six months without a job after getting released in 2020. The uncertainty of not having a contract helped strengthen my faith. I believe God steadies us in our lowest moments. He reminds us that He’s in control, not us. I have great conversations with my kids on the way to school about dealing with disappointments and struggles. I tell them not to let those moments shape them in the wrong way but rather allow tough times to mold us into who God wants us to be. That means showing perseverance, determination, and positivity, all things molded during our lowest moments.
Sound off: What are some other reasons why setbacks are good?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What’s the toughest experience you’ve had so far? What did you learn from it?”