Updated: February 6, 2005, 3:52 PM ET

'The power of the waves'

Print Share
By Dhani Jones
Special to ESPN.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- I went to the ocean Saturday. Out of all places in the world to be, near the water is where I feel most at peace.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones is filing a daily diary during Super Bowl week exclusively for ESPN.com.
  • No. 1: Eagles in flight
  • No. 2: Frenzy Bowl
  • No. 3: Quite surreal
  • No. 4: Seizing the day
  • No. 5: Cabin fever
  • Commotion of the week had filled every place of my body, not distracting, but occupying space that needed to be refilled with energy of another level. The currents infused my body as I stood still. They say the spirit of the people resides in the water, the depths undiscovered hold the lore, and the wind carries the truth. Inhaling each molecule into my system allowed me to partake in a vision of sorts. Not yet revealed but true in destiny, walking home, I listened.

    As the sunset proceeded without delay, I remained in my confines to reflect, gather and organize all thoughts of the week that was. A long road has been taken, one that was planned in the previous century. We live life, and learn that all we do, all that we expect, plan and consider has been placed along the timeline of life to be discovered. A mystery solved is one entered into the memory of all.

    There were so many happenings that allowed us to be at this point. The acquisition of Jevon Kearse set a new precedence off the edge. The installment of Jeremiah Trotter provided a level of defensive confidence against the run. Hugh Douglas and his contagious laughter infused every person he met with a smile. Some guy with a bowtie walked into the complex with vans on his feet. Donovan (McNabb) moved to defeat stereotypes. Terrell Owens -- well, he speaks for himself, along with others that came in with an attitude to win the game.

    I marvel at the way so many people with such great talent and love of football focus on one goal, and are able to accomplish so much. But yet we stand here the night before and wonder no more, for the time is here.

    Last night each teammate had dinner with their mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers. Flying into Jacksonville, there isn't a lot of time to spend. Yet when you can spend time, you welcome the opportunity of conversation. I had one of the best conversations with my high school football coach, Fred Shepard. The only thing we talked about was a drill he put me through, 10 times. I was to drop to the curl area, and he said that the wide receiver would catch the ball every time. Needless to say, he was correct -- the wide receiver caught the ball every time. I don't think I have ever been as upset and infuriated.

    What's funny is, after over 10 years and several stages of football, he believes if he were to run the same drill I wouldn't catch it. My mother laughed and the rest of the family followed. Football is evermore and the memoirs that follow never leave. The ones that support you will always be.

    Practice was only for a brief moment Saturday. Everyone was out to observe the final touches. Looking from the sidelines, while the offense moved in sequence, and participating from within, synergy was apparent. Feet were moving fast and brains quickly. The routes of the wide receivers seemed flawless while the cuts of "Wild Wild West" were without hesitation.

    Lito (Sheppard) and Sheldon (Brown) dropped, carried their respected receiver to Dawkins and Lewis, finishing the play with success. Gathering together in the middle, we raised our hands and in unison, broke the huddle. The Philadelphia Eagles had finished preparing for their final test.

    Families are here. Players are here. Focus is imminent. Today, the fans will gather and start the chants in support. The power of the waves will be in the souls of many, and together we will be present.

    For more on Dhani, see his Web site www.dhani55.com.