“The Carolina Panthers won SuperBowl 2016 With Character And Perseverance.” 

That is what the headline should read if the Carolina Panters are victorious inthe SuperBowl 2016.  Merriam-Webster defines perseverance as “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition”. Sounds great but what does it really mean.

It means going almost undefeated even after losing your number one receiver, Kelvin Benjamin (73 passes for 1,008 and 9 touchdowns the previous year) in the preseason.

It means not being distracted when the media doubts you are “for real” despite starting the season with twelve straight wins.

It also means having laser-like focus on a goal. Then taking calculated steps toward that goal without looking too far ahead. Then using small victories to build  positive momentum.  Small gains become big gains and winning becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Perseverance is setting your sights  on the prize that is the 2016 SuperBowl and scratching and clawing your way for twelve long years back to a championship game. Perseverance is facing that same giant but conquering him with a crushing blow to the head. That giant is of course the New England Patriots of the 2004 SuperBowl.

Character is the other key component of the Panthers win in SuperBowl 2016. The distinctive mental and moral qualities of the team are exemplified by 2015 Walter Payton Man Of The Year Award winner Thomas Davis. His triumph over adversity came in overcoming three ACL tears with three consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons.

Character and perseverance combined make the Carolina Panthers worthy of the title SuperBowl 2016 champions.

 

 

 

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