…from special guest poster flyte44

I had a great opportunity to see Brady Quinn (again) at the preseason opener in Cleveland on August 7th, 2008. And even though it was not the best game: hour rain delay, my banner (signed by many players) destroyed, Brady not signing for the fans, Brett Favre usurping the Brown’s attention, and, oh yeah, we lost; I still came out of that game with an overwhelming admiration for Brady – if that is even more possible.

We all know Brady is a religious man. He grew up in a Christian family, and became closer with his Creator in high school as a member of a ministry called Young Life. His faith blossomed more as he attended Notre Dame.

“I’m at the point now where I’m still learning, still trying to figure out who I am as a man following in Christ’s footsteps,” he said at the Alive Festival early this summer. “We all need a savior, and we all need encouraging friends,” Quinn said.

Me, not a religious person in the strictest sense, I was moved at something Brady recently did at that opening game.

I had awesome seats. They are first row right next to the tunnel with nothing in front of me but green grass and players. I had a great view straight down the sideline and thankfully a camera with a powerful zoom. If you followed that game you know one of the Jets, tight end A.J. Schable took a powerful hit head to head against Cleveland offensive lineman Cliff Louis while trying to make a tackle. I heard the hit. It was that powerful. A hush fell across the entire stadium as EMTs and trainers rushed to his side on the field as he lay unmoving in a curled up position.

I admit I thought it was going to be just one of those quick, shake-it-off things, but Schable was on the field for over 12 minutes! And that was when I saw an exceptional thing.

Who was the *first person to walk out on the field*, take a knee, bow his head and pray for A.J.’s health? It was not Brett Favre or a Jet. It wasn’t the offensive line that was on the field when the accident occurred or the Brown’s defense. It was Brady.

I sat there with an unobstructed view as he walked out on the field, knelt, and bowed his head in silent prayer. Soon, with Brady’s silent leadership, the rest of the players on both sides joined in. I was overcome with respect and admiration for this man. I knew Brady was a pious individual, but seeing it in print and witnessing it first hand are two different things and it gave me goosebumps.

A.J. Schabel is ok. He gave a thumbs up when he was wheeled off the field on a stretcher, and I suppose I can get over my silly quarrel with Brady for not signing anything, but what I cannot get over is the sheer fact of how magnanimous that man truly is. Say what you will about his game (his time WILL COME) but in strength of character Brady is already MVP.

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