Dabo Swinney and the Code

Dabo Swinney is the head football coach of the National Champion Clemson Tigers.  Prior to the championship game last week he said to his players, “Let the light that’s in you shine brighter than the light that’s on you.”  What does that mean to you?  Who is he talking to?  Is the “you” each individual member of the team, or is it the team as a whole?  We think his words could apply to each person individually and to the team as a whole.  First, it means that while the national spotlight will be on us, it’s more important for us to control the light, to be the light, rather than to bask in the spotlight.  So, we must focus on playing the game, on doing our part, and not be distracted by the spectacle around us.  It means “let’s do our best!”  Let’s be sure that our ability, unity, teamwork and determination are what is seen, rather than ourselves as the objects of entertainment.  Whether on the field or off, whenever we focus the efforts we wish to make for something greater than our own glory, we will shine in ways more important than points on a scoreboard.  When we strive to be the light, to make a difference, we’ll always be “winning more than the game.”