What you can learn from a fourth stringer

Unless you've been living under a rock or hate football, you've probably seen David Tyree's incredible catch in last night's Super Bowl. My wife, who watches the game for the commercials, asked if he was one of the Giants' stars. "No," I said, "he rarely plays on offense."

But on this one night the guy was ready when the stars aligned. Will you be?

Television news success stories are filled with tales of being in the right place at the right time. News Directors who happen to drive through a small market, check out the local news, and discover the next big star. Chance meetings on airplanes. Running into somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody.

The point is, you never know when your big opportunity will present itself. You might be the only reporter in the area when aliens land. (OK, that's a stretch.) You could knock out the one package that hits the network feed and sticks in somebody's mind.

And that's why you can never "phone it in." Because you never know.

Many reporters are surprised when they send a resume tape, then get a call from a ND who asks for their last five stories. News Directors want to see what your average day looks like.

Sure, creative people do get burned out, and some days can make you pull your hair out. But those pesky stars give no indication when they'll align. You never know when your story will make a first impression on someone who can change your career.

So give your best everyday, like David Tyree. And you'll be ready when the ball comes your way.