I'm thankful every day I'm here and on the Penn State defense.

Carl Nassib once spoke with the humility of a warrior in service: “I’m thankful every day I’m here and on the Penn State defense. That’s a huge honor. To contribute to that, and be a leader, is pretty awesome.” These words, though simple in sound, carry the depth of ancient wisdom. For they remind us that greatness is not found in individual glory alone, but in the privilege of belonging to something larger, of standing as one pillar among many in a wall of strength. Gratitude, honor, contribution, and leadership—these are the foundations of lasting triumph.

The ancients themselves knew well the power of the collective. The Spartans, whose very lives were devoted to defense, taught that the shield was not held for oneself, but for the warrior to the left and right. To stand in formation was not simply a duty, but a sacred trust. In the same way, Nassib’s thankfulness for being part of the Penn State defense echoes this timeless truth: that to fight for the whole, to give one’s strength for the team, is one of the highest honors a person can know.

The word honor resounds like a bell in his statement. For to be chosen, to be trusted with a place among the guardians of a tradition, is not a small thing. It is the same spirit seen in the knights of old, who bore crests and banners not for themselves, but for their order and their kingdom. Nassib’s recognition of this honor reflects a heart that understands legacy—that he is not only playing a game, but walking in the footsteps of those who came before, carrying forward a tradition that is bigger than himself.

Consider the tale of George Washington at Valley Forge. He did not see himself only as a commander, but as part of a greater defense, entrusted with the lives of his men and the hopes of a nation. Cold, hungry, and battered, the army stood firm because their leader understood the sacred duty of contribution—to endure hardship not for personal glory, but for the success of all. Nassib’s words, though spoken in the world of sport, mirror this ancient ideal: that the leader sacrifices and contributes for the good of the whole.

His mention of being a leader speaks to the highest calling of all. Leadership is not domination; it is service. The true leader is the one who lifts others, who inspires courage, who sets the tone by example. In the phalanx, the leader does not abandon his post, but strengthens the line. On the field, the leader is not measured only by talent, but by how he magnifies the strength of those around him. Nassib’s pride in this role reflects the eternal wisdom that leadership is not a privilege to exploit, but a responsibility to embrace.

The deeper meaning of his statement is this: thankfulness transforms duty into joy. The warrior who fights grudgingly is soon defeated, but the one who sees each day as a gift, each battle as an honor, each chance to lead as sacred—that one cannot be broken. Gratitude is the fire that sustains perseverance, and Nassib’s words show that his spirit is fueled not by pride, but by humility and joy in the work.

The lesson for us is clear. Whatever field we stand upon—be it a classroom, a workplace, a household, or a field of battle—we must approach it with thankfulness, with reverence for the honor of contributing, and with courage to lead when the moment calls. True greatness lies not in the trophies we claim, but in the devotion we give to the collective good.

Practical wisdom may be taken: begin each day by recalling the honor of where you stand. Seek ways to contribute beyond yourself, and when leadership falls upon you, accept it with humility and strength. Speak often of gratitude, for it binds hearts together, and live so that your presence strengthens the whole. In this way, like Nassib, you too may say with truth: I am thankful, I am honored, and I give my all to the team I serve.