Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Onside Kicks

This was the defining play of this year's Super Bowl. As a Colts fan, it pains me to watch it again.  But as a leader, it inspires my socks off.

Sean Payton, head coach of the Saints, made what many are calling the riskiest decision ever in a championship game.  He started the second half with an onside kick by a rookie punter.

It was the defining moment of the game.  Had the Colts recovered the ball, they would have had incredible field position to start the half and the game might have turned out very differently. But the Saints recovered, and you know the rest of the story.

Sean Payton's mentor, Bill Parcells, told him, "You are going to have to have guts to win this game. You can't coach scared in the big games.  You've got to try to win."

That was the difference in Super Bowl XLIV.  The Saints played to win.

Leadership is playing to win. But most leaders simply play not to lose.  Playing to win involves risk.  At some point, you have to go all in. You have to bet it all on a bold move.

That's not suggesting that we don't plan.  Taking a risk doesn't mean being stupid. Leaders do their homework.  They develop a plan.  But then, there is still that moment where you have to take a deep breath and pull the trigger.

I thought Phil Simms' commentary of the onside kick was spot on.  He said that Sean Payton probably went into the locker room with this onside kick in mind.  Then he had to think about it throughout halftime. And then he had to have the guts to pull the trigger on the decision, knowing he was betting the entire Super Bowl on one play.

That's leadership.  Do the work.  Develop the plan.  And then, even though you're scared to death, pull the trigger.

When I look at leaders in Scripture, I don't see a single one who didn't have to make a bold move.  Instead, I see a lot of onside kicks. I see plenty of leaders who had to take risks to do what God was calling them to do.

Nothing has changed.  There are times when God calls his church to run an onside kick.