Backup Quarterbacks

I love the developing story of backup quarterback Matt Cassel. The New England Patriots suffered a great loss Sunday when quarterback phenom, Tom Brady was injured during the game.

In comes Matt Cassel. Matt will be the starter for this Sunday's game against the Jets. Matt played his college football for the Southern California (USC) behind former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinhart. In college he only attempted 33 passes and you have to go all the way back to high school for his last start.

What can we learn from Matt Cassel?

1. Patience - What if Matt had given up on his dream to be starting NFL quarterback? We would be talking about someone else obviously. Sometimes it takes time for things to happen in life and the key to our success is patience.

2. Hard work - Matt kept himself in a position to be called upon for such a time as this. Hard work kept him on the team and the number two man. Proverbs tells us that a man who works hard will always have a job. Certainly proven to be true in this case.

3. Team player - All week he has tried to keep the emphasis off of himself on his team. He realizes his success will only happen when he works with the team. Lou Holtz (former South Carolina, Nortre Dame coach) says "There is only one letter difference in champ and chump. And that is the letter u." Matt is smart in focusing on team and not on self.

4. Readiness - Leaders have to be ready because they never know when they are going to be called upon. Backup quarterbacks are key positions and can often motivate a team through crisis. If you disagree, ask Tom Brady. He stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe and has led the Patriots to numerous playoff victories and several Super Bowl Championships.

These four concepts are vital to moving forward. I think many would agree that without them backwards seems to be more likely.