Last weekend I watched the Seahawks win the Super Bowl, 29–13, wearing a very well-worn Seahawks hat that has meant a great deal to me for almost ten years. The signature on the brim is beginning to fade, but the message written next to it has only become more meaningful with time.
Back in October of 2015, Jim Zorn — the first starting quarterback in Seattle Seahawks history — came to speak at our church in Oak Harbor. Several members of our family were there that Sunday, and it turned into one of those experiences that seemed special in the moment but has grown in significance over the years.
What struck me most was not his football career, but the way he told his story. He spoke about entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent and the uncertainty that came with trying to earn a place on a brand-new team. He talked about the long seasons of waiting, the setbacks, and the times when things did not unfold the way he had hoped. Throughout it all, he kept coming back to the role his faith played in sustaining him and shaping his perspective.
He also shared about returning to the Seahawks years later as a quarterback coach and how those earlier experiences changed the way he approached that role. His focus was not on his own accomplishments, but on investing in others — encouraging, mentoring, and helping younger players succeed.
After the service I had the opportunity to meet him. When he signed my Seahawks hat, he added “Prov. 22:1” next to his name. That simple addition is what has stayed with me all these years.
“Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.”
At the time, I appreciated the verse. Since then, I have lived enough life and served in enough leadership roles to understand why he chose it.
In education, in leadership, and in our communities, it is easy to become focused on outcomes that are visible and measurable — recognition, achievements, public success, the next opportunity. Those things are not unimportant, and there is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating a championship season. Watching the Seahawks win the Super Bowl this year was a great moment, and it was fun to be part of the energy and pride that came with it.
But the work we do in our schools — and the work of leadership in general — is ultimately built on something much less visible and much more lasting. It is built on trust, on consistency, on how we treat people, and on whether our actions align with our values over time. In a small district especially, reputation is not about image; it is about relationships and integrity. People know if you follow through. They know if you listen. They know if you are there for the right reasons.
That is why that verse continues to challenge me. It is a reminder that success is not defined by the scoreboard or by public recognition, but by the kind of person and the kind of leader we are becoming.
Jim Zorn’s career had remarkable moments, but what he chose to leave me with was not a statistic or a highlight. It was a reminder to pursue a life marked by faith, character, and service to others.
After nearly a decade, the ink on the hat is fading. The message isn’t.
And this year, as I watched the Seahawks raise another Lombardi Trophy, I was grateful not just for the win, but for the reminder of what matters most and what lasts far longer than any single season.
Go ’Hawks.
About Dr. Lance Gibbon
Dr. Lance Gibbon has dedicated over 30 years to serving students, educators, and families across Washington State. As the superintendent of Hood Canal School District, he is committed to creating positive, welcoming learning environments where all students can thrive. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including honors from the National School Public Relations Association, Washington Association of School Business Officials, Washington School Public Relations Association, Best of Whidbey, and EarthGen (formerly Washington Green Schools).