I was touched a few months ago by a demonstration of empathy that was heart-warming but in an unexpected place. It was during an incredible NFL playoff game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. It was a hard-fought back and forth game with two outstanding quarter backs – Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
With the Bills leading in regulation, seemingly with victory in hand, only 13 second remained, in what is sure to go down as one of the all-time great finishes. While most of us thought it was just a matter of running out the clock, Mahomes took his team down the field to score the tying touchdown, sending the game into overtime..
Bill’s fans were stunned while Chief’s fans went crazy. This was the ultimate picture of a certain victory snatched away. Kansas City won the coin toss in overtime and went down the field and scored the winning touchdown. But that is not the best part of the story.
While Josh Allen, who also had an amazing game, sat dejected on the bench, Kansas City was reveling in their victory. Mahomes was running down the field, not looking for his team mates but furiously looking for Josh Allen. He wasn’t looking for him to rub the victory in his face but rather to offer words of encouragement. Mahomes said the he felt it was important to talk with Josh because he knew what he was going through. Patrick told him he expects to see him in big games for years to come. “This isn’t the end of our story of going up against each other.” “We’re going to do this a lot.”
While celebration is nice, what Patrick Mahomes did earns him the respect of others, builds deeper relationships, and makes him and those around him better. A good lesson for all of us to learn.