If you watch sports on TV, it’s just a matter of time until you hear the expression: “Discretion is the better part of valor.”

The axiom dates to William Shakespeare’s play Henry IV, Part I. It was spoken by the character Sir John Falstaff, an overweight and boastful knight. Its meaning: It is sometimes smarter to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risk than to act on blind bravery and reckless courage.

The argument is rarely used in conjunction with rodeo cowboys, especially the ones who ride bulls at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Or fighting men such as Patrick Henry Brady, who piloted helicopter ambulances with absolute skill and aplomb during the Vietnam War.

The retired Army major general flew more than 2,000 missions and is credited with evacuating more than 5,000 wounded du

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