Emotions trigger something inside us as human beings that can either bring out the best or the worst.
For athletes, emotional games end up being some of their best.
Back in 2003, Brett Favre had his father pass away a day before the Green Bay Packers played on Monday Night Football.
Many people thought there is no way he could play the very next night.
Favre had other ideas.
He didn’t just play; he may have had one of the best games of his career.
Favre and the Packers lit up the Oakland Raiders in primetime for 41 points.
Favre threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns to create one of the best games in his career.
His father had been to every game since the fifth grade, but Favre somehow found a way to take his emotions and use them to his advantage.
Emotions don’t only bring out sadness, but can bring out happiness and true bonding like none other.
Many of us can barely leave our homes and go to work when we lose a loved one.
Yet, athletes everywhere seem to turn tragedy into triumphant performances.
Since 2003, multiple athletes have had to deal with emotional performances.
Just a week ago, Torrey Smith found out the morning of Sunday’s game that his younger brother had died in a motorcycle accident.
Before the game, Smith had tears streaming down his face, wiping his eyes suited up for Sunday night’s game.
Smith broke out for 127 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
Death brings out the deepest, sentimental emotions that no one can quite explain. To keep your emotions together like Favre and Smith did is a true test of their passion for the game.
Both said how their football family is just as important to them and didn’t want to abandon them.
Even Tiger Woods back in 2006 — after losing his father — dominated at the British Open Championship tow in his first major since his dad’s death.
While the victory wasn’t a day of or day after, Woods’s relationship with his father was like none other in sports.
Woods’ emotions ran wild after sinking his last putt to win.
Pictures of Woods crying in his caddie’s arms and sobbing when he hugged Elin — his ex-wife — are still shown to this day.
Psychologists haven’t been able to explain how negative emotions bring such a fire within athletes.
Whether it is the passion for the game or the teammates around them, having outstanding performances like these are what will make them remembered forever.
Many athletes have had to deal with trials and tribulations, but it is how they bounce back and respond that will define them.
Some say their loved ones were on the field or course with them.
Others players have said they could feel their spirit calming them and knew they were watching.
Whether that is the case or not, you can’t help but wonder and shake your head at the performances they had while grieving over their lost loved ones.
No one may ever be able to explain the thing inside that comes out when emotions run high.
Reach the columnist at msterrel@asu.edu
