I drew this cartoon for Universal Press (my syndicate) in the almost near stupor of completing my Super Bowl Cartoon Marathon for ESPN.com on Sunday night/Monday morning. I must admit. All-nighters are much harder than they used to be but there simply is no other way to do the 10 cartoons I needed to do (9 for the SB blog and the 1 for the syndicate.) Any way, I hope you enjoy. And if you know a Patriots fan, it’s the perfect little “in your face” cartoon to e-mail every few days or so until the start of next season. Just a thought.

The other night while driving I happened to catch the tail end of a KOA radio interview with one of my favorite former Broncos, Craig Morton. I grew up in west Texas watching Morton play for the Cowboys. I was one of the few who rooted for Morton over Staubach during their big duel for the starting QB’s job. When he was traded to Denver I became a bigger fan of his because of his williness to play hurt and lead a team to it’s first Super Bowl. Morton is a smart man. I’ve always thought that. I’m just glad I don’t have to caricature him any more. He was the hardest caricature I ever had to draw. I used to pull out the Andy Kauffman (the comedian) photo file for help capturing the nuances of Craig’s look (they look a lot alike. Really they do)

Morton spoke in the interview with Dave Logan and Dave Krieger about Peyton Manning and he said one thing that stuck with me. If Peyton were his son, he wouldn’t allow him to continue his NFL career. The risks outweigh the riches. And I so agree. What’s the point of putting your life on the line. I think the same thing about Brian Dawkins. Why continue risking it. Walk away, while you can.

“For when the One Great Scorer comes
To write against your name,
He marks-not that you won or lost-
But how you played the game.”
― Grantland Rice

There are so many different ways I could have approached this cartoon. I find it terribly sad that Paterno ended his time at Penn State with a horrific scandal. But I feel terribly sad for the victims it claimed. Joe Paterno once stood for everything that is right about college athletics. He preached integrity and honor and commitment to a larger cause. He taught young men to excel, not only on the field but off it as well. I almost used the Grantland Rice quote in this cartoon. I think perhaps it fits Paterno’s legacy more than any other quote I can think of. But the simple imagery of a stoic figure on the edge of eternity, with his trusty companion at his side seemed an apt tribute to the man and his mission. So today, at the passing of a coaching legend, I choose to remember him with dignity. I think, perhaps, he deserves at least that much. And more.

It’s all a matter of Faith. Believing you can when so many tell you that you can’t. For Tebow it’s a matter of personal faith. Tim and I share the same beliefs, though I must admit, after the loss of my first wife from cancer in 2004, my faith has been tested and tried and many times has wavered. But I’ve learned a few things from Tebow this year. That it’s time to believe again that life can indeed be good after heartache and hardship. That things have a way of working out. That overcoming impossible odds isn’t really impossible.
It’s what I find most intriguing about sports. I have a friend who asks me often why people love sports so much. I tell her it’s all about the human will to be excellent. The will to win and overcome defeat and adversity. It’s about the Miracle On Ice. It’s about movies like “Hoosiers” and “Glory Road”. It’s about driving 98 yards with time running out in Cleveland. Or throwing a pass on the first play of overtime to beat a 12-4 team in a game that no one in their right mind gave you the chance to win. And sometimes, most of the time, all of that takes faith to achieve. So I hope you all take this cartoon in the light it was intended. Because, It’s all a matter of Faith.