It’s been 20 years

20 years since Magic Johnson shocked the entire world by announcing that he is HIV-positive. 20 years since his announcement shed light on HIV, putting it at the forefront of science and medicine and creating hope for those afflicted with this ailment. It’s been 20 years since Magic Johnson went from being a basketball icon to a global symbol of inspiration and hope at the center of the efforts to inform the world about HIV and hopefully one day eliminate the disease many considered to be a death sentence.

What else has happened in those 20 years in the world of sports that has given us the hope that we need?

When things are at their worst, when nothing seems like it’s turning out right, we have to dig deep within ourselves to find whatever we can to overcome the negativity in our path and emerge victorious. In these situations in sports, teams can either crumble under the pressure, or come together as one team and continue to fight. After three games in the 2004 ALCS, the Boston Red Sox were down three games to none. All the New York Yankees had to do was win one of the next four games and they would be in the World Series. Truly, all seemed lost for this Boston postseason campaign. Instead of throwing in the towel and accepting that they had been outmatched, the Boston Red Sox continued to fight. By the time Game 7 came around, the Red Sox had come back and tied up the series three games apiece. Boston had a renowned sense of confidence; a swagger as the comeback kids, and Boston never let up. By the time the game was over, the Red Sox defeated the Yankees 10-3 to achieve what no team ever had in the history of Major League Baseball: Down 0-3 only to comeback and win the series.

In the World Series, the Red Sox had come too far; been through too much to not win. In four games, the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series Championship in 86 years. This Red Sox team finally lifted the curse, winning their first championship since selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees. A city deprived of baseball success for almost a century, Boston finally had a reason to celebrate. This Red Sox team gave hope to all of us out there. This team was able to do what no one ever had ever done before. This team achieved the seemingly impossible. They kept going, didn’t quit, and came out winning.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox gave us the hope that even when things are at their worst, if we keep working and don’t give up we will get through all of our hardships. No matter how bad things are for us, there is always hope.

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Thousands were displaced, homes were destroyed, and families were uprooted. There was looting, destruction, death. Hope was lost, it seemed; no one had a clear direction; no one knew if, when, or where help would come from. The Louisiana Superdome became a place of refuge, and many came there prior to and after Katrina hit to find a place where they could be safe. Not being political, as people the residents of New Orleans ultimately felt abandoned: they felt abandoned by President Bush, abandoned by FEMA. Hope was lost in The Big Easy.

By the 2009 NFL season, the city of New Orleans was still recovering from the effects of Katrina. The New Orleans Saints were also recovering, and like the city, were building momentum: they were both on their way up. Quarterback Drew Brees led the team to a 13-3 regular season record and first place in the NFC South. Drew Brees, the same guy who had washed out of San Diego, was now at the helm of a team that was headed to the postseason with force. After handling the Arizona Cardinals, and narrowly escaping the Minnesota Vikings, the Saints had booked a trip to the Super Bowl with swagger. The “Who Dat” Saints, once crowned the “Aints” for their poor play and years of being among the NFL’s bottom feeders, were now on their way to play for the Lombardi Trophy. After trailing early, coach Sean Payton made some very bold calls, including an onside kick call to begin the second half. The Saints kept fighting and didn’t look back. At the end of the night the Saints had beaten the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 to become the Super Bowl XLIV Champions. A city once in ruins, with its people displaced, felt hope again. When all else seemed to fail them, they found joy in the victory… if their team could work their way up, so could they.

What has happened since Magic Johnson made his announcement? Sports have continued to inspire us and give us hope, especially in the face of uncertainty. Sports have continued to be more than just games played on grass or wood. Our sports, our teams, our icons, have continued to transcend the limitations of our society to keep us going when we want to give up.

For the people of New Orleans, the people of Boston, and in so many other cases not just in our country but around the world, when nothing else can be our hope, sports can fill that role with grace.