All Star Father’s advice and lessons

Back in June, on Father’s Day, I watched a CBS special All star Tribute to Fathers.  It was called, Who Made You?  I thought some of the interviews were compelling, so here are a few of my notes from the show:

Dick Enberg, the host, said that “our Fathers shape us, teach us and inspire our growth.”

Dallas Cowboy star quarterback, Tony Romo, said his Dad Ramiro guided him through unconditional love and support.  “It’s really fun to have a dream that no one else sees, except you and one other person.  For me, that other person was my Dad.”  Tony also said that his Dad taught him that “there are right choices and there are wrong choices.  You won’t always do the right thing or make the right choice, but there ARE right and wrong choices.  Be the kind of person who does the right thing.  My Dad has been there many times to show me the way to go.” 

Tiger Woods said of his Dad, “He’s my Dad, my mentor and my best friend.  We could always talk about anything.”  Great support.

Matt Hasselbeck, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback said that, “without my Dad I wouldn’t be playing football.” 

Cleveland Browns receiver, Kellen Winslow, Jr. said that “without my Father I would be lost.  He led the way for me.”

Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson says “Dad, you’ve been with me on every run.”

Tennis star James Blake said, “My Fathers memory will never fade.  I never had a bigger cheerleader.”  His Dad died tragically of cancer in 2003.

Racecar driver, Danica Patrick’s Dad was a huge influence on her.  Her Dad “has always been there when things were not so good.  He pushed me to be the best I could be and work harder than anyone else.”

Figure skater, Michelle Kwan’s Father’s commitment never waned.  Her dad “encouraged her and never once said ‘you can’t do it.’  I love you no matter what.”

Basketball star, Michael Jordan said his Dad, “taught me to live in the moment and strive to be the best at whatever you choose to do.”

Baseball star, Cal Ripken, Jr. said his Dad stood for “A sense of family, dignity and character.  Was he flawed?  Sure.  Am I flawed?  Yes, but you have to attempt to be a good person every day.”

Basketball star, Amare Stoudemire said, “My Dad was well respected.  He taught me to be honest, be fair and be somebody.”

The recurring theme among all of the star athletes was that they had a Dad who cared about them and supported them.  Sometimes to the extreme.  They also said that their Dads “pushed” them and encouraged them to continue to improve.  They were not forced into their respective sports, they chose them.  But once the decision was made to become a professional, the Father pushed them into doing the best they could.

It also struck me that all of these athletes came from strong, loving and supportive families.  That just underscores the theme of Dadsworld.com.  Involved Dads make a difference.  They should be encouraged and celebrated by our society.  Involved Dads do a great service not only to their children, but to society as a whole.  Strong families are the backbone of our civilization.  THAT is something that should be encouraged.

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Tags: , adrian peterson, Amare Stoudemire, basketball, Cal Ripken, dad, dadsworld, danica patrick, Dick Enberg, earl woods, football, golf, james blake, Jr., matt hasslebeck, michael jordan, michelle kwan, parent, Ramiro Romo, tennis, tiger woods, Tony Romo