Football Coaches Seldom Risk

FOOTBALL COACHES SELDOM RISK kicking a field goal longer than 50 yards, because missed attempts give the opposing team the ball at the spot of the kick. But in 1998, Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam made the most of his long-range opportunity.

Denver battled Jacksonville in Mile High Stadium. Leading 24–10, the Broncos faced fourth-and-3 at Jacksonville’s 48-yard line with no time-outs left and time expiring in the first half. Coach Mike Shanahan originally called for a punt but changed his mind at the last second. The delay, however, resulted in a five-yard penalty and forced the kick to be attempted from 63 yards away.

The snap fired back, the ball was placed down, and Elam swung his leg hard. The pigskin exploded off his foot toward the goalposts. The ball sailed through the uprights and cleared the crossbar with room to spare. When it cleared the uprights and tied the NFL record for longest field goal, Elam sprinted toward the pigskin, retrieved it, and beamed all the way to the locker room.

Elam’s field goal knotted him with Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints. Dempsey hit his 63-yarder against the Detroit Lions on November 8, 1970. Ironically, Dempsey was watching Elam on television. He cheered when the ball sailed through the goalposts.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Coach Mike Shanahan took a big risk. Even though the clock showed little time, a miss would have given the Jaguars a first down on the 47-yard line of Denver and the chance for a quick score. Seven points could have put Jacksonville back in the game.

But the risk paid dividends. The Broncos ran to the dressing room three scores ahead. And Elam tied the NFL record.

In the Bible, Priscilla and Aquila took risks. They fled from Emperor Claudius in Rome. They accompanied Paul to Syria. They witnessed to and discipled Apollos in Ephesus. And they established a church in their home. Their risks paid dividends as many came to know Christ.

GOAL! Are you a risk taker? If not, think of something you need to do despite your fear. Then take the wise risk. Ask God to help you.