Peace by Inches

Weird phrase, isn't it?

I'm embedding a video of Al Pacino's speech from the movie "Any Given Sunday".  I don't care if you liked the jerky camera or not - this speech is perfect.  It goes beyond any average pre-game speech and applies to life as a whole. (note: In case you're curious, the song is called "Peace" by Paul Kelly)

Without further ado, here is my personal favorite motivational speech:

Last year we watched the life and essence of Notre Dame football take a huge shot to the stomach.  The team was never a team.  We found that out very early against Georgia Tech when some guys wanted Jimmy Clausen, some wanted Evan Sharpley and still others wanted Demetrius Jones.

Even after what I consider the most embarassing game I've ever witnessed, and after Demetrius transfered, everyone was split between Clausen and Sharpley.  As the year went by, even the most staunch Sharpley supporters had to agree that the season was lost and Jimmy was the future; might as well get him his reps.

In fact, as the season progressed, young blood infiltrated the starting lineups.  Brian Smith and Kerry Neal became instant fan favorites with their explosive play at linebacker.  Robert Hughes blew people away with this thunderous running ability.  Ian Williams quietly added depth and talent to a weak defensive line.

This year expectations are lower and probably more realistic for most people out there, but my heart is telling me that this team just might be special.  You saw my last article that projected an 8-4 season with logic and reason.  Now logic and reason are out the door and its all about my gut and my heart.

Al Pacino's speech talks about coming together as a team.  Healing old wounds for the betterment of the greater good.  Last year is gone.  History.  The schism is closed up.  You can see it in the eyes of the players during interviews, especially the linebackers. 

"Life is a game of inches... so is football."  Last year the team went to the school of hard knocks but during the offseason, the Irish hit a growth spurt.  Maybe it was painful at the time but now I think this team would die for each other.

In two days, this team plays the most important battle of their collegiate career.  They can either sit where they are and get the #### kicked out of them or they can "claw their way back.. into the light."

Personally, I think this year.. when they run through that tunnel - they'll be running back into that light.