Losses of a Kicker
This Sunday, I was watching the playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. I had chosen to direct my attention to the selection of appetizers in front of me, instead of watching the game. I did eventually turn around to watch the last couple of minutes of the 4th quarter, to watch a game that could result in either team winning.
It came down to the very end, when the Ravens could get a touchdown to win, or score a field goal to tie, thus sending the game into overtime. The Ravens first three attempts at a touchdown were unsuccessful, leaving a field goal as their only chance to stay in the game.
While everyone in the room (and stadium?) was holding their breath, the kicker, Billy Cundiff, walked up, kicked the ball, and missed the field goal by (what looked to me) quite a bit.
The room was silent.
You could see the immobilization on people’s faces and I could read their thoughts, “Did that REALLY just happen?”
After a couple of seconds of silence, the room broke out in strong emotions of anger and disappointment. They were angry because the Patriots won and they were furious at the kicker.
It was at this moment I realized I didn’t feel any anger.
I felt extreme sadness.
Not because the Ravens didn’t win, but because all I could feel were the incredible losses the kicker just experienced:
• Loss of respect.
• Loss of a job (most likely).
• Loss of relationships.
• Loss of the future.
• Loss of being in control.
• Loss of comfort.
• Loss of safety.
• Loss of hope.
• Loss of trust from others.
• Loss of confidence.
He now has a lot of voids in his life. There is a lot of uncertainty, instability, insecurity… all because of one moment that will underscore his life.
And while losing a game is a team effort (does anyone remember the name of the players that didn’t catch a pass into the zone throughout the entire game?), I feel the incredible losses for Cundiff, and the significant life changes he has begun to experience.
Tea Time with Lindsay 