The Long Game, Masterfully Played

Good for Gregg Williams.

He played the game. The long game, and won. Life is unfortunately like this. You have to eat a giant steaming plate of corporate crap, because you just... can't... win.

And I say this not because I like the guy.

I don't. He's a dick. This is a known fact.

Case in point: he essentially choked out Lavar Arrington's career as a Redskin here in Washington.

Following Lavar's contract dispute with Snyder - the one where Lavar rushed to sign an extension (without basically reading it!) only to find out he'd been "shorted" about $6.5 million dollars from what had been previously agreed to - ol' #56 was basically dead man playing.

Lavar went public with the dispute, embarrassing the owner and organization, and it dragged on for almost a year and a half before finally being settled. But it wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

While Lavar was certainly injury prone at this point, and a bit of a free-lancer, he was STILL a far better playmaker than his weekly replacement Warrick Holdman.

Yet Holdman started, and played most of the snaps, week after week. Finally, when Lavar got out of the Gregg doghouse, it was dramatic. He actually MADE PLAYS, whereas Holdman had the amazing ability to basically "disappear" during game.

As a weakside linebacker, Holdman managed to start all 16 games in 2006 and record just 53 tackles!

I dubbed Holdman "The Folding Chair." Because basically a folding chair would make as many plays per game, if you just let runners trip over it.

But the message was sent, and Gregg was the guy who kneecapped Lavar. "We KNOW the guy playing instead of you sucks, but we'd rather suffer some on-field production so we can basically run you out of town.

So there's that. I am no Williams apologist, or even fan.

But what the NFL did to him was a joke. They swooped in, took his career hostage with that "indefinite" suspension, and made him sing and dance for the league's little puppet show called "Bountygate."

Fox Sports' Jen Floyd Engel delivers a deeply thought and quite rational acquittal of Gregg Williams as he returns to the NFL - albeit looking a bit more like Tom Skerritt every day.

And also makes a point about a hit in the Super Bowl that the NFL - if it wasn't so utterly full of shit - would have been an easy 15 yard penalty for defenseless helmet to helmet contact.

Everybody is talking about San Francisco’s last goal-line play in the Super Bowl. It is all the rage to debate whether the officials wrongly swallowed their whistles on what looked to be a possible pass interference on the fourth-down play near the goal line at the end of the game. 

The truth is, if the officials had correctly called the helmet-to-helmet hit on Crabtree the previous play, it would not have mattered. It is a call they made all year. It goes to the very heart of what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was talking about in his state-of-the-shield address Friday of Super Bowl week. It is exactly the kind of play Williams was calling for in his now infamous pregame speech before the NFC Championship Game. The fact it went uncalled speaks to how the NFL really feels: When it really, really matters, you do anything — even dangerous vicious things, especially dangerous vicious things — to win. 

What got Williams and Saints coach Sean Payton and a few players suspended was less about the Saints’ on-field actions and more that their inner workings were splayed open by Bountygate for all to dissect. I am afraid this has allowed us to pretend that Saturday meetings in other cities are all about preaching safety first and talking about their moral obligations to their fellow players. This is so ridiculous in its fantasyland premise it does not warrant discussion.

I will admit that BountyGate was indeed a "bounty" for those of us in sports radio. Hell, it filled hours and hours, and weeks, and months of airtime.

I will miss it, sort of.

Because this off-season, we'll likely be reduced to arguing over Tim Tebow's prospects of starting for the Argonauts.

But as a worthwhile effort by the NFL to ensure "safety" and to "change the culture", it was nothing but an epic fail. 

This time, Gregg will learn to keep the door prizes for big hits to himself, and to tone down the pre-game rhetoric. It would have been easy for him to climb a soapbox, and start burning bridges when the whole absurd spectacle came down.

But he didn't. He played the long game. And won.

And like most of us, we're just here to take their money.

Good for him.

Mastering the Long Game: Strategies for Success and Fulfillment

In a world often characterized by instant gratification and short-term thinking, the concept of "The Long Game" emerges as a powerful philosophy that emphasizes patience, persistence, and strategic foresight. Whether applied to personal growth, career development, relationships, or any significant endeavor, playing the long game involves making decisions and taking actions with a view towards long-term benefits rather than immediate rewards. In this article, we'll explore the art of playing the long game, delve into strategies for success, and address common questions surrounding this mindset.

The Essence of the Long Game

Playing the long game involves a shift from seeking quick wins to embracing a journey of sustainable success and fulfillment. It requires a deep understanding that meaningful achievements often take time, dedication, and a willingness to delay gratification. By adopting a long-term perspective, you can make more informed choices that align with your overarching goals and values.

At the core of playing the long game are several key principles:

1. Delayed Gratification: Choosing to forego short-term pleasures for greater rewards in the future is a hallmark of the long game. This might involve sacrificing immediate comfort for the sake of long-term growth.

2. Investment in Learning: Embracing continuous learning and skill development is crucial when playing the long game. This mindset acknowledges that knowledge and expertise accumulate over time, leading to substantial gains down the road.

3. Resilience and Adaptability: The long game requires the ability to weather setbacks, adapt to changing circumstances, and bounce back from failures. A focus on learning from mistakes ensures that setbacks become stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

4. Building Meaningful Relationships: Nurturing authentic connections and investing in relationships over the long term enhances your support network and opens doors to collaborative opportunities.

5. Consistent Effort: Small, consistent efforts compounded over time yield significant results. The long game involves a commitment to consistently work towards your goals, even when progress seems slow.

Strategies for Mastering the Long Game

While the concept of playing the long game is intuitive, implementing it effectively requires strategic approaches. Here are strategies to help you master the long game:

1. Set Clear Long-Term Goals: Define your long-term goals with clarity. Having a well-defined destination enables you to align your actions and decisions in a purposeful direction.

2. Break Down Goals: Divide your long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This not only prevents overwhelm but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you make steady progress.

3. Prioritize Consistency: Cultivate a habit of consistency in your actions. Dedicate time each day or week to work on your goals, even if progress seems incremental.

4. Embrace Failure: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of being discouraged, view failures as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and understanding.

5. Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing learning and skill development. Invest in courses, workshops, and experiences that expand your knowledge and expertise.

6. Cultivate Patience: Patience is a cornerstone of the long game. Recognize that meaningful outcomes take time, and resist the urge to rush or force results.

7. Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of individuals who share your values and support your long-term vision. Seek mentors, advisors, and friends who can provide guidance and encouragement.

8. Adapt to Change: The long game doesn't mean rigidly adhering to a fixed plan. Be willing to adapt your strategies based on new information and changing circumstances.

FAQ's About the Long Game

Q: Is the long game only relevant for career advancement?

A: No, the long game applies to all aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, health, and more. It's about making decisions that align with your long-term goals and values.

Q: How do I stay motivated when results are slow to materialize?

A: Focus on the progress you're making, no matter how small. Celebrate your achievements along the way, and remind yourself of the long-term benefits you're working towards.

Q: Can I still enjoy short-term rewards while playing the long game?

A: Absolutely. Playing the long game doesn't mean completely sacrificing short-term enjoyment. It's about finding a balance and ensuring that short-term pleasures don't derail your long-term goals.

Q: What if my long-term goals change over time?

A: It's natural for goals to evolve as you gain new insights and experiences. The key is to periodically evaluate your goals and make adjustments that align with your current priorities.

Q: How do I know if I'm on the right track when results are far off?

A: Regularly assess your progress against your milestones and long-term goals. If you're consistently putting in effort and learning from your experiences, you're likely on the right track.

Q: Can the long game lead to missed opportunities?

A: While focusing on the long game is important, it's essential to remain open to unexpected opportunities that align with your values and goals. Evaluate opportunities carefully before making decisions.

Mastering the long game is a testament to your commitment, patience, and strategic thinking. By shifting your perspective from short-term gains to long-term success, you can navigate challenges with resilience, embrace continuous learning, and build meaningful relationships along the way. Remember that the most significant achievements often require time and dedication. Whether in your career, personal life, or any endeavor, the art of playing the long game can lead to fulfillment and achievements that are truly enduring.