Following An All-pro Quarterback

FOLLOWING AN ALL-PRO QUARTERBACK with four Super Bowl rings creates problems for his successor. Fans naturally compare the new guy to his successful predecessor. And everybody expects the team to continue its winning ways.

For years San Francisco’s Steve Young lived in the shadow of Joe Montana, but in Super Bowl XXIX in 1995, Young proved he was a great quarterback in his own right.

Experts pegged the San Francisco 49ers as overwhelming favorites against the San Diego Chargers. As expected, the NFC champions dominated from the outset.

Taking the opening kickoff, San Francisco moved 59 yards in only three plays as Young connected with Jerry Rice on a 44-yard scoring pass to tally the quickest touchdown in Super Bowl history.

After a three-and-out Charger series, Young directed his offense to another quick six. The quarterback hit Ricky Watters with a 51-yard touchdown reception on the fourth play of the drive, and San Francisco led 14–0. Twice more in the first half, Young threw touchdown passes—a 5-yard toss to William Floyd and an 8-yarder to Watters. At halftime, the 49ers entered the dressing room with a 28–10 lead.

San Diego never recovered. Young continued the offensive onslaught and finished the game with 325 yards passing, completing 24-of-36 with six touchdowns and no interceptions. For his role in the 49–26 victory, Young was selected as Super Bowl MVP.

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POINT It’s tough in any aspect of life, particularly athletics, to follow a successful person. We measure this year’s teacher against last year’s. We weigh the latest president’s achievements against those of previous leaders. Family members naturally compare younger sisters and brothers with their older siblings. Others size up sons and daughters against their mom and dad.

While we don’t want to be exactly like someone else, we do want to imitate the good qualities of others. We can learn from people who came before us. The writer of Hebrews challenges us to work hard and imitate the faith and patience of past Christians.

GOAL! Write down some people in the Bible who have traits you want to imitate.