Hungry Dogs Run Faster

Yesterday I watched the Kelce Documentary on?AMAZON PRIME?that follows All-Pro Center for the?Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce, and his family through some of the toughest decisions a professional athlete has to make. Family, health, and dedication are all major themes of the documentary.

There was nothing that struck my emotions more than remembering what Jason Kelce provided Eagles fans when he stood on the famous steps Rocky climbed and delivered an unforgettable speech at the first Super Bowl parade in Philadelphia's storied sports history.

His message to the city of Philadelphia was clear. No matter what restrictions outsiders tangle you with, or opinions and doubts people cast, belief in yourself is truly all that matters. Trust your inner circle. Give them everything you've got. Put your head down and do the work necessary to be the best in the world at what you do.

That is the exact same motivation that my late uncle, Dan Banner ?(Head of Media administration at?NFL Films) instilled in me before he tragically passed at 51 years old in 2020.

My greatest memory of my uncle was holding his hand as Jason bashed all the Eagles doubters on that frigid day in February 2018. Dan told me that I could never forget what Jason said that day.?

This memory becomes more special now that I can see how my uncle was a living?example of Jason's wisdom.?Dan gave every drop of sweat he could to his team at NFL Films and invested himself as much as he possibly could to raise two girls and support his family. Even after he passed, his everlasting love and guidance are felt every day by his family and team.

He was funny, loving, and creative, but more than anything he was a hard worker. He was reliable. If I was in trouble, I could call him without a doubt of his answer. Dan valued relationships more than anything. He wanted you to not only trust him, or love him, but to view him as your safe ground and biggest cheerleader.?If you were a friend of Dan Banner, you were a VIP. If he let you into his circle, it meant you got treated with more respect than anyone else could provide.

Dan showed me how to treat others not only with respect but to go the extra mile. Tell them that you appreciate them staying a bit late at work that day, send a follow-up email asking if you can help out with their project, or craft a hand-written letter to your loved ones telling them how much they mean to you.

There was nobody that the Sabol family trusted more to deliver efficient and brilliant solutions to all their media administration problems. After meeting countless of Dan's co-workers at his funeral I understood how his impact became immortal.

We never know how long our lives will last. I feel lucky to have been so close to a person like?Dan Banner?and hope this message helps others who need motivation or a little bit more belief in themselves. If someone says you can’t do something, use that as a chip on your shoulder to prove them wrong.

As Jason Kelce Barked, "HUNGRY DOGS RUN FASTER.” Dan was never full. Why should YOU be? #philadelphia