I've been dreaming about this week ever since I was a small boy. From the time I could barely walk I was carrying a football around the house. Now, all the childhood pick-up football games I played in the cold, blustery winter have come rushing back to me. Of course in all those games we acted like we were in the Super Bowl and we all believed one day we would play on that golden stage. Even my mom encouraged me by saying that one day I just might.

Later, throughout high school, college and my journey through the NFL, the glint of that Lombardi trophy under a bright light has beckoned me. The idea of a Super Bowl championship ring making my finger a little heavier has helped make my legs a little lighter throughout the rigors of training camp. During the regular season, the thoughts of celebrating with my teammates in San Diego have spurred me to push myself physically and mentally beyond what I thought was possible.

But even a Super Bowl championship fades with time. In a few weeks the sports world will be focused on hockey playoffs or NBA match-ups. Make no doubt about it - champions are remembered, but the excitement dissipates and thoughts quickly turn to which team will win it next year. In other words, the fervor is fleeting.

So as much as I desire to be a Super Bowl champion, it pales in comparison to my desire to be a super husband and father - to be a part of something that is truly lasting. I love my wife Damaris more than life itself. Our wedding rings will always take preeminence over a Super Bowl ring. And my son and daughter (who want Daddy to lovingly tackle them when he gets home from work) bring me greater happiness than any football victory ever could.

You see, family comes first for me. My family is an investment that will never lose its value; its shimmer will never diminish. Too often in our society we get caught up in temporary success and neglect those things that will last. I'd love to pass a Super Bowl ring on to my children one day when I am no longer on this earth, but more importantly I want to leave them a legacy of love, honor, character and commitment.

One of the things I love most about professional football is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children. Kids will stand in lines for hours at practice or at a game just to get a hello, a handshake or an autograph. Children look up to us athletes as role models. They'll rattle off our position, years in the league and even where we went to school. It brings joy to my heart to spend even a few moments with them telling them to do the best they can in all they do.

But as much as my encouragement may mean to the kids, it means even more to children when their own parents continually encourage them. Parents who live a life of self-sacrificial love for their children are the true champions. Those who willingly put the needs of their children ahead of their own are the ones who deserve the focus of our attention.

Sunday night will be a dream come true for me. I am so incredibly blessed to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. But whatever happens I know this - I have a family that I love and that loves me. And that will never fade.

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