Professional Football Teams

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TEAMS seldom take risks in the late stages of a tie game. Fearing the repercussions of a bad play, most teams prefer to move to overtime.

But in Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002, the New England Patriots defied logic and went for the last-second victory.

The Patriots squared off against the St. Louis Rams at the Superdome in New Orleans. Oddsmakers favored the Rams by two touchdowns, and St. Louis looked tough early, scoring a 50-yard field goal midway through the first quarter.

Employing extra defensive backs to thwart Kurt Warner’s passing, the Patriots forced an interception early in the second quarter. Ty Law picked off the errant throw and returned it 47 yards for a score, giving New England a 7–3 lead. The underdogs upped their margin to 14–3 just before halftime with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to David Patten.

Down 17–3 in the fourth quarter, St. Louis rallied. Warner ran in from two yards out to make the score 17–10. With 1:30 left to play, Warner connected with Ricky Proehl for a 26-yard touchdown to knot the game at 17–17.

But Brady and Coach Bill Belichick refused to wait for overtime. Brady moved New England 53 yards in nine plays, giving Adam Vinatieri a field goal opportunity with seven seconds remaining. The 48-yard kick cleared the uprights with room to spare, and the Patriots triumphed 20–17.

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POINT Tom Brady won MVP honors. He took huge risks with a hurry-up offense in the waning moments of the Super Bowl. An interception could have meant defeat. A blocked field goal could have been run back for a score. But the risk paid off.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul and Barnabas are commended for risking their lives for God. On numerous occasions, Paul put his life on the line to spread God’s Good News.

We may never be called on to risk our lives for Christ. But the heavenly Father does call on us to take risks as we tell others about him and follow his will for our lives.

GOAL! Think of someone you know who isn’t a Christian. Write down his or her name: