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So much of what we see in the world is filtered garbage.
Perhaps a better description is fake.
People know how to manipulate and sell to get what they want. They know if they act a certain way, people will believe it. If they do certain things, people fall over themselves to say how great they are.
Even though the movie is 20 years old, there is still so much truth behind "Tin Cup." In particular, Don Johnson's character David Simms. When the spotlight is on, Simms beckons greatness. When it's not, the real Simms shines bright.
"Whatever you think of me, you should know that your boyfriend hates old people, children and dogs," Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy tells Dr. Molly Griswold about Simms.
The point is you never know what to believe. So remain skeptical; especially in today's social media age.
DeMarcus Ware bucks the trend.
There's no ulterior motive to what he does or says. He just does it because that's who he is.
The best way to describe Ware is he's authentic.
Congrats to Denver Broncos on the Super Bowl win! Happy for my guy @DeMarcusWare. One of the most genuine and nicest guys in the NFL.
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) February 8, 2016
As Michael Strahan tweeted after Ware and the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50, "One of the most genuine and nicest guys in the NFL."
Ware's smile can light up a room and gives us all a glimpse at his soul.
We all know what Ware brings to the field - as we saw in the magical playoff run for that Broncos defense. That alone was reason enough for John Elway and the Broncos to bring him back.
But what makes him so valuable is what he does on the practice field, gym and locker room. His leadership and work ethic is invaluable to the Denver roster. With Peyton Manning retired, Ware's return was imperative to the Broncos.
A few days after the Super Bowl win, Ware was back in the gym getting ready for 2016. Are you serious? The guy didn't take a break. He didn't take that success for granted. If you're a young player and you see that drive, you best follow his lead.
Von Miller is in the position he's in right now in large part because of his idol. And Ware will ensure Miller stays there, too. Ware won't allow Miller to have this success go to his head and have a drop-off season. With the playoff run Miller had, it's almost expected he'll have some decline. Ware won't have that.
"You haven't accomplished anything yet. Get even better. Prove you are the best. You haven't touched what you're capable of," one imagines Ware telling Miller this offseason.
We've seen the benefit Ware has had with Miller.
It appears Ware also has his sights on Demaryius Thomas.
Yup, you see the lions back there. #LifeOnTheReserve pic.twitter.com/gIiIlE77LW
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) February 23, 2016
Yes, the Broncos receiver just had a season where he had 105 catches, 1,304 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers are an expectation when you're paid $13.2 million per season. What's not expected is the drops and his anything but "kicking and screaming" attitude.
What's not acceptable is a receiver paid the way he is to disappear in the playoffs as Thomas did.
Four catches, 40 yards.
Two catches, 12 yards.
One catch, eight yards.
No doubt, Thomas had a lot on his plate this past season.
His mother was released from prison and for the first time, she watched her son play football, at any level, live. Thomas was able to hug his mother. He spent time with her and saw her out of prison walls, chains and an orange jumpsuit.
There's a human element to all of this.
When it comes to Thomas, the biggest obstacle he faces is to get out of his mind. He needs to let things go. He needs to separate football and life. He needs to have fun. He needs to enjoy the ride.
Enter Ware.
After the Super Bowl win, Thomas and Ware took a trip to South Africa. Just the two of them.
Read into that what you may, but it's no coincidence.
The trip looked unreal and put things in perspective - for all of us. When you see pictures of lions on a safari, that happens. Above all, it looked fun. It looked like a lot of fun.
Perhaps the lesson from Ware to Thomas: In the face of danger, you can still have fun. But you must have a clear mind to do so or you'll get eaten alive.
Always heard hunting the "Big 5" was the hardest, but instead I got to cherish the moment from a safe vehicle lol pic.twitter.com/stFgA61E3u
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) February 24, 2016
Obviously, these are just my observations of their trip.
But the impact Ware had on Miller and the subsequent results, he would do wonders for Thomas. If anyone can get Thomas out of his head, it's Ware.
Have fun.
Enjoy the ride.
There are lions in all aspects of life, it doesn't mean you walk through life scared they'll eat you. You must have a clear mind and approach that nothing will stop you - lest of all yourself.
Sometimes all it takes is someone to believe in you. To put forth the effort. To show you they care. As Ware did with Miller two years ago.
Hakuna Matata - it means no worries, for the rest of your days. #BackStateside #RestTime #LiveLikeALionBih pic.twitter.com/RCACJhkfB0
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) February 26, 2016
That's authentic as it gets.
In a social media world of filtered, fake garbage and anonymity, it's great to see someone unafraid to show people who they really are. Who helps others not because of what it means for him but because it's the right thing to do.
As Shakespeare wrote in "Hamlet:"
"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."