redactedLessons from Efton Chism III Long-time readers will know that we are Pats fans. More than that, we’re sports fans. We’re also Chasing Better fans. So, with apologies to our Bills Mafia readers, we will admit that last Sunday’s Pats-Bills game was pretty thrilling. Everybody thought it was going to be a beatdown since Drake Maye apparently only throws interceptions and Josh Allen now has dad strength in addition to being, well, Josh Allen. But then the Pats actually scored first (surprising), and kept it a close game. Late in the fourth quarter, the Pats were downredactedWe thought, well, at least we didn’t embarrass ourselves. What’s for dinner? Then, with 1:55 left in the game, Drake Maye connected with backup wide receiver Efton Chism III for an incredible 23-yard touchdown pass to give New England the lead. The Patriots ended up winning 29-26. Putting aside team allegiances, it’s hard not to like Chism’s story. He grew up in Monroe, Washington, where he was raised by his mother and his father, a Marine veteran. His parents encouraged sports, but he wasn’t allowed to play football until eighth grade. He played college football at Eastern Washington University, where he broke all sorts of records. Despite that, the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but signed with the Patriots as a priority free agent. Before the draft, he told reporters: “If you draft a player like me, you're getting the most dependable, hardworking leader. It doesn't matter if it's getting a water bottle for someone, I'll get a water bottle... I have no ego.” Once he arrived in New England, he reportedly used more than 1,000 flashcards to obsessively memorize the playbook. He defied the odds to make the 53-man roster, although he was nowhere near a starting role. Then, on Sunday, when starting receiver Mack Hollins got injured in the third quarter, Chism got his chance. When asked about his incredible one-armed, game-winning touchdown catch, Chism said: “When I’m out there and the ball’s in here, I kind of black out. I’m kind of in that little flow state… I saw it there. Drake gave me an opportunity, and you got to come down with those opportunities. I don’t know how many you get, so I’m just trying to take advantage of all of them.” How does that happen? Maybe the better question is: How do you make sure you’re ready when your opportunity comes? Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel provided some insight: “Nobody works harder. I mean, plenty of guys work hard, but I mean, Chiz is literally in (wide receivers coach) Todd Downing’s office before 6 o’clock every morning, if not 5:30. Getting the game plan down to know every position. He’s an extremely hard worker. His toughness, his routine, and it’s really cool to see guys like that take advantage of their opportunities, and obviously stepping up in a critical situation is what this league is about.” Last week, we wrote about how to guarantee failure in business and in life. This week is a great example of how to succeed. The recipe is simple: Do the work before you know whether it will matter. Be humble. And then, when you get the chance, take it. Although it seems like Chism has a good runway in the NFL, if that ever doesn’t work out, our GVP program could be a good fit. Have a great week, Your Chenmark Team