They say adversity builds character. I have said for years that adversity reveals character too.

As a Kansas City Chiefs fan, the AFC Championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was thrilling. A lot of character was revealed January 29, 2023, the days leading up to the game, and the days since.

Here are a few examples:

🔴  If you follow the National Football League (NFL), you already know about Patrick Mahomes and his character. The Chiefs quarterback worked hard to care for an ankle sprained the week prior to be able to play in the AFC Championship game . He overcame his injury, along with injuries to several top players, to lead the KC team to victory.

🔴  On a different note, the Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, arrived in KC wearing a shirt with a cute teddy bear that said, "Sorry in advance." His attitude went from swagger, which generally inspires a team in big games, to arrogance. After being sacked four times, he really was sorry. Maybe he learned something about the difference between hubris and arrogance? Maybe about character too.

Beyond those two most talked about players, one other player was talked about right after the game and the days since: Bengals defensive player, Joseph Ossai.

With seconds on the clock and the game on the line, Ossai made a mistake the Chiefs capitalized on to win the AFC Championship. The Chiefs will play this coming Sunday, February 12, 2023, for the Super Bowl championship, and the Bengals season ended.

The Bengals rookie was on the sideline in tears after the game. He blamed himself for the Bengals missing the Super Bowl.

Several teammates and coaches consoled Ossai immediately after the game and in the locker room, where his heartache continued. One teammate even stood right next to Ossai for post-game interviews. The protective teammate was not going to let anyone ask Ossai "dumb questions." A lot of character was revealed in those moments.

One of Ossai's teammates blasted him as they walked to their locker room after the game. He apologized Monday, acknowledging he himself was not a great teammate. Learning from his outburst showed character.

Bengals head coach, Zac Taylor, told Ossai and the press that one play did not cause their loss. In fact, one could list several missed opportunities the Bengals had to score during the game. The Chiefs had plenty of misses too. It was a tough game.

When Ossai spoke later that night about the play, he owned his error and spoke with deep emotion about learning from it.

Ossai's reaction showed character. Heck, he played with heart to the final seconds. That showed character too, right? Wouldn’t you want a player like that on your team?

Where did Ossai’s character come from? He has it inside already.

Ossai was born in Nigeria and moved with his family to Texas when he was ten. That's one big character-building experience. He played football for University of Texas, was drafted in 2021 by the Bengals, was injured in a preseason game and out for his first season. So much character-building!

Ossai's mistake was not malicious, and, while Mahomes ended up on the ground far out of bounds, he was hurt (whew!).

A few days after the game, Ossai’s sister posted appreciation for all the love, support, prayers, and kind messages. Her post was viewed more than 500k times and had thousands of likes and replies. Most of the replies were from Bengals fans, and I shared a heartfelt message about Kansas City fans’ care for him too.

Ossai will wrap his head and heart around that one play soon. Ossai is just 22 years old. He will have a lot of character to bring to leadership roles in wherever his journey takes him.

When adversity reveals character, believe it, especially when it is about yourself. Whether you like what is revealed or not, learn from it.

That always builds character.

Everyone can learn from Ossai in this situation.

Look for the lessons from his teammates and coach too. How do you show up for others who make mistakes? Character is revealed then too.

(Source: Inside Bengals’ Locker Room, Teammates Know Loss Wasn’t Joseph Ossai’s Fault; Sports Illustrated; January 30, 2023)