With both of last year's Super Bowl participants eliminated from the playoffs this past weekend, it rekindles the question of why it is so difficult to return to the big game, especially as the defending champion. The ring might have had something to do with it.
It's beautiful, something you've wanted your entire life. But in its immediacy, it can be extremely heavy. You've never had your mental toughness tested until you live the challenge of trying to repeat as a world champion... like living with a gorilla riding on your shoulders. Playing every week against an opponent who wants to prove a point by beating the defending world champion is extremely draining.
You can deny it all you want, but you don't realize how much pressure it is until the next season is over. The next training camp, it might not be said, but you feel relieved. The feeling of a fresh start and a clean slate is welcomed.
We weren't able to repeat after that (first) championship. We fell into the familiar trap the next season by concerning ourselves with things that had little to do with the game. Players were worried about contracts and endorsements and even uniform colors. We learned from that, and luckily, we got a second chance.
When I see a group of kids, I will wear one of my rings and reflect on when I put it on. It has taken retirement for me to reach this point. I see the rings, and they remind me of special years of my career played with special teammates and coaches. They are now shiny and weightless when I put them on my hands, but at times, the weight was more than we could handle.
The New Orleans Saints now know this.
