Tag: The Greatness Newsletter

Derek Jeter

Written on October 1, 2011.

“When All Else Fails…” The truly Great know how — and when — to adjust their game plan. So this is why you should never ask me for sports betting tips — and why I’m not making a living in Las Vegas! A couple of months ago as I was planning this month’s Greatness newsletter, I wanted it to coincide with last night’s opening game of the World Series. And I was SURE...

Carlos Zambrano

Written on August 1, 2011.

“Ultimate Teammate…” They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win. Two weeks ago, I visited Chicago to do a series of speeches for Microsoft at a sales meeting. Chicago is one of my favorite cities, so at week’s end my family flew in to join me so we could enjoy for a little vacation. There was nothing I was looking forward to more than taking my two children on their first...

Sam Cunningham

Written on July 1, 2011.

“Hope for the Best, But…” The truly Great prepare for all the possibilities before they step on the field. This weekend, Sam “Bam” Cunningham was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In honor of that well-deserved honor and his Great career, we want to share a Moment of Greatness that helped define both Sam’s career and change college football. On the evening...

Shane Battier

Written on May 1, 2011.

Ultimate Teammate They will assume whatever role is necessary to win… Tomorrow night, the Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to become only the second team in NBA history to upset the top-seed in a seven-game first-round playoff series. That incredible journey began two weeks ago when Memphis forward Shane Battier hit a game-winning shot to give the franchise its first ever win in a playoff game. After that first...

Bethany Hamilton

Written on April 1, 2011.

Lessons in Greatness It was a warm morning, perfect for the beach, when 13-year-old surfing champion Bethany Hamilton paddled out on her board to catch some waves with her friends. Already one of the most talked-about young surfers in Hawaii, Bethany had a score of championships to her name and was well on her way to living her dream of becoming a professional. But something happened in the water on the morning of...

Jason McElwain

Written on March 1, 2011.

Contagious Enthusiasm They are positive thinkers, they are enthusiastic and that enthusiasm rubs off! We are coming off of my favorite sports weekend of the entire year: March Madness! Honestly, who out there had VCU and Richmond in the Sweet Sixteen? But with all the talk of Bracket Busters and Cinderella teams, nothing that happened this weekend compares to my favorite springtime basketball story which occurred...

Michael Oher

Written on February 1, 2011.

What Off-Season? They are always working towards the next game… It’s one the most memorable scenes in one of Hollywood’s most memorable movies. A large African-American teenager named Michael Oher is walking down the street, hunched over against the cold, when an affluent family in a silver BMW pulls up next to him. The mother, played wonderfully in the movie by Sandra Bullock, asks where he is...

Drew Brees

Written on January 1, 2011.

When Everyone is Watching… They embrace the idea of being a role model! Over my years at Sports Illustrated, one of my favorite moments each week was getting a look at the images that were chosen for the cover of the magazine. My favorite cover of all time was published last Feb. 15, the week after the Super Bowl. On it is pictured New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees, fresh off his team’s big win,...