So it's about 1:30 am, and I am in the ER with my dad watching ESPN Sportscenter, a pleasure nary received in my cable-deficient home. (actually, my dad is zoned out on pain killers - minor infection, not too big of a deal). So a story about Cincinatti Bengals Quarterback Jon Kitna comes out of the box. I assume that none of you had heard the news, otherwise I would surely have seen a post.

It seems that Kitna, the quarterback for the past few years, has suddenly found new life in his game. He is now in the running for a pro-bowl selection and a far outside shot for MVP. In years past, he has helmed a lowly Bengals team, but the franchise is now in the hunt for the playoffs, a seemingly overnight sensation. According to all the Bengals receivers and his other teammates, Jon Kitna is the reason for the turnaround.

So what spurned this breakout success?

A friend of Jon's gave him a "self-help" book after the third game of the season. The Bengals were 0-3 at the time, appearing to carry on the tradition of being the worst team in the NFL. Kitna reads the book and has a revelation of sorts. The team has gone 7-2 since he read it. Following are Kitna's quotes from the report (as I remember them):

"After I read it, everything cleared up for me."
"It's like a light has been turned on."
"For the past three years, everything has been happening so fast around me. Now, it's like everything is in slow motion - playing out before my eyes."
"Everything is just easier for me now."

What miracle, self-help book became the catalyst for an entire NFL team's turnaround? What legendary author showed Kitna the light thereby casting a strange twist on an otherwise predictable playoff picture? What on earth could possibly have turned this relative nobody into a relative somebody?

I have three words for you.


Wild At Heart.



* 3:45AM - I found an article about this subject in the Cincinatti Post. It appears that Jon discovered his wound. It was given him by Coach Holmgren.