God,
Let me play well but fairly. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. And if through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
Amen.
Used with permission by Gregg Easterbrook from the column “Tuesday Morning Quarterback” on NFL.com and ESPN.com