What is a hero? The dictionary defines a hero as a person, especially a man or a boy, who is looked up to for having done something brave or noble. However, I believe a hero is someone who believes in something greater than himself, and stands up for what he believes, even in the face of great odds. A hero is a person who inspires others to hope, believe, risk, and to sacrifice for something worthwhile to him. With these characteristics, I believe there are three different types of heroes, superheroes, sports heroes, and real-life heroes.
Imagine game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, the second half of Super Bowl XXXV, or the fourth quarter of the NBA Championship. The game is tied with one minute left, and the crowd is tense. The home team scores! The player that comes through when needed is known as a hero. This player sends one team home saddened, while bringing glory to his team and all its fans. This heroes glory can be short-lived, or last a lifetime. For example, Bobby Orr's magical goal in the fourth period of the Stanley Cup Playoffs of 1972 will be remembered by many forever. These sports heroes can be unlikely stars who transcend when their team needs it most. In the end though, these athletes have done something special for the game. Do they risk their lives? No, but they do something special that brings pride to fans everywhere. Sports heroes aren't real heroes to some people though, some believe that heroes must have actual unhuman abilities.