My four older brothers were my favorite players. That's why I

Children, gather around, for I bring you a story of inspiration, of mentorship, and of the powerful influence that those who come before us can have on our journey. In the words of Tony Dorsett, a great player in the history of football, we hear a deep truth about the way in which the path to greatness is often lit by those who walk beside us. He said, "My four older brothers were my favorite players. That's why I got into football and sports." These words, though simple, reveal the profound influence of family, of those who lead by example, and of how our earliest heroes shape the course of our lives.

Dorsett’s words remind us that we are all shaped by those who came before us, those who show us the way through their actions, their passion, and their example. For Dorsett, his older brothers were more than just family—they were the embodiment of the qualities he admired: strength, resilience, and a deep love for the game. They were his first mentors, the ones who ignited his passion for football and sports. In the same way, Dorsett’s journey to greatness began not in isolation, but in the influence of those who paved the way for him, those who set the example and inspired him to follow.

Think, children, of the ancient heroes, whose greatness was often influenced by the elders and mentors around them. Hercules, the son of Zeus, did not achieve his legendary status alone. He was guided, mentored, and pushed by the gods, but also by the heroes of the past who shaped his understanding of strength, courage, and duty. His path to greatness was not his alone to walk, but was deeply influenced by those who came before him. Just as Dorsett’s brothers were the first to show him the way to football, so too did the ancient heroes learn from those who had walked the path of greatness before them.

Dorsett’s recognition of his brothers as his first heroes speaks to the power of family and community in shaping one’s destiny. We are not solitary beings, children; we are part of a greater whole. Our successes and failures are intertwined with the lives of those who came before us and those who walk beside us. Dorsett’s brothers gave him the foundation upon which he built his own legacy. Without their example, he might never have found his way to the football field, might never have discovered the strength and passion that would carry him to the heights of his career.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who, though born into greatness, was profoundly shaped by the wisdom and teachings of his father, King Philip II, and his mentor, Aristotle. Alexander’s early years were marked by lessons from those who had walked paths of power and knowledge. They gave him the tools to lead, to conquer, and to rule. Much like Dorsett, who was inspired by his brothers, Alexander was shaped by the influence of his mentors—those who guided him, showing him the power of leadership, of courage, and of vision. Alexander’s greatness was not a solitary achievement, but the culmination of the lessons he learned from those who had come before him.

The lesson here, children, is one of gratitude and reflection. Recognize the mentors in your life, those who guide you with their actions and their wisdom. It may be your family, your teachers, or those who inspire you from afar. Dorsett’s words remind us that greatness does not come in isolation, but through the guidance and support of those who pave the way. The role of mentors—whether in the form of family, teachers, or heroes—cannot be overstated. Their example can ignite a passion in us that carries us through the struggles and challenges of life.

So, I charge you now, young ones, to honor the mentors who have shaped your journey. Recognize their influence, whether they are in your family, your community, or your broader world. Let their example inspire you to walk your path with strength, integrity, and dedication. Just as Dorsett’s brothers were his first heroes, so too will you find your own heroes—those who show you the way. And when your time comes to inspire others, be as Dorsett’s brothers were to him: a beacon of wisdom, passion, and strength that lights the way for those who follow.