To the editor,

This might seem strange coming from an Auburn graduate, and consequently, an Auburn football fan. That being said, I want to salute the young man who led the Alabama football team to the National Championship last Monday night. I don’t think I can list all the life lessons that were exhibited by Tua Tagovailoa. Let me quote him:

When asked what his victory means to him, Tagovailoa balanced the elation of his victory with humble thanks to God. “In this moment, it means the world but at the same time, all glory goes to God,” the freshman quarterback said. “I can’t describe what He has done for me and my family. I thank God for that.”

Tagovailoa even bucked the sports trend by thanking God before thanking his parents. “First and foremost, I just want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom all things are possible,” the quarterback declared. “That’s what happened tonight.”

Tua had waited, had gotten the trust of his coaches and was prepared. The unique situation in which a quarterback who had lost two games in two years, and was replaced by a freshman who had never started a college game – that alone is so improbable. The rest of the story is history. Most fans would agree that had Tua not entered the game, his team would have probably lost. After playing backup, Tua performed, when called upon, beyond anyone’s expectations, except his own [and maybe his head coach].

After that performance, this young man remained humble, thanking God, and deflecting the credit from himself. What an example for all the young men who want to be “stars.” The only negative aspect to all this was the coverage by the national media. I never heard his remarks [quoted above], in any of the national coverage of the game. I may have missed it, but I didn’t see it. Belief in God and the empowering strength of that belief is NOT what the mass media wants to show. Thanks to a young, humble follower of Christ, that lesson played out live, on national television. Thank you, Tua.

John Vick