Football's regular season is over, my San Diego Chargers are out, but the Super Bowl is just around the corner.

If you want to find me, I will be the one sitting in the La-Z-Boy with the remote held firmly in his right hand.

Do not expect my family to be watching any games with me, though. They are simply not interested. Last week, as the Seahawks were pounding the Panthers, my daughter asked me why I watched so much football.

I know this should have been a gimme, but I was stymied.

I needed a good reason to explain hours in front of the tube watching football, golf and assorted other sports.

It was then that I heard the announcer say Seattle was playing like there was no tomorrow. In a New York minute, I put together a G-rated, cliche-ridden rant that would have made Lombardi proud.

Sports, it seems, is the perfect metaphor for life. So I called an audible at the line of scrimmage and here is a recount of what I said:

The first thing to know is that life can be unpredictable. There are incomplete passes, fumbles that take unfortunate bounces, and of course injuries. You can't predict the future; you can only prepare.

Some will say that the greats are just luckier than most. Truth is, they create their luck through preparation and hard work. They make sacrifices and give their blood, sweat and tears all for one moment of glory.

Keep your eyes on the prize and you will go far. Still, you are not the only player on the field. Remember to take care of the football and stick to your game plan.

Winning isn't everything — it is the only thing, unless you try your best. Then, you are a winner inside and that is all that matters.

Life is a game of inches and sometimes you have to punt. Don't worry, you will get the ball back and when you do, even if you are playing in the shadows of your own goalposts, treat it like four-down territory.

Milk the clock and enjoy the game because when time expires, there is no tomorrow.

Diversification is key and a good running game can set you up for the long ball. When your number is called, make sure that your spirals are tight and your aim is true, even if you are flushed from the pocket.

There will be times when folks want to tee off on you and you will get hurt. But you will play another day.

Always give 110 percent, take it one game at a time and stay focused.

There is no I in TEAM, but there is in WIN.

Records are made to be broken; if you work hard, you can write your name into the history books.

Sadly, when I got off my soapbox, I noticed that my daughter was busy playing with her Tamagotchis.

It was like she was sleeping on film day.

It seemed my turn as head coach ended before it ever began. I used every cliche I had ever heard and still, it made no impact. That's OK. I will get another chance.

I was wide right this time, but I am gonna split the uprights the next chance I get.

Michael C. DeMattos is on the faculty at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, School of Social Work. He lives in Kane'ohe with his wife, daughter and two dogs.