FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK …
“We are dealing with states and leaders who either cannot deliver or will not deliver. The issues we have with them look less like problems that can be solved and more like conditions that we have to manage.” -- Michael Mandelbaum, Johns Hopkins University foreign policy professor
FROM THOMAS FRIEDMAN’S COLUMN “IN THE AGE OF PIRATES”
THINGS WE LEARNED LAST WEEK IN THE NFL ...
1. The Buffalo Bills and Jason Peters finally parted ways. The Bills clearly did not want to sign Peters to a long-term deal, especially for about the same price as Carolina Panthers tackle Jordon Gross, and found a very willing partner in the Eagles -- who then made Peters the second-highest-paid lineman in the NFL. Peters did not play consistently well last year, due in large part to missing camp and not being in great football shape. I trust and believe the Eagles can fix the issues about conditioning and inconsistent play with their coaching, and now they have a legitimate left tackle. The Eagles had to fix their offensive line, so this move makes sense.
Facing Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware twice a year requires you to have a talented left tackle, and Peters can handle the position. I don’t see a downside to this move because the Eagles realized there would not be a left tackle awaiting them in next weekend’s draft at No. 21. Parting with a fourth-round pick this year and a sixth in 2010 is not that costly (this trade leaves them with 10 total picks in this draft). The Eagles had more than $30 million of cap room to spend, and after this deal they can now focus on getting Donavan McNabb redone.
The Bills now may move their right tackle, Langston Walker, to left tackle and pursue an offensive lineman in the draft. Once the contract issue with Peters couldn’t be resolved, the Bills had to trade him. They couldn’t suffer through another season of poor play resulting from his failure to get a new contract. Their reluctance to pay Peters is the reason for the trade; last year, there were 14 trades made before the draft, and the reason for most of them was contract issues.
With all the moves they’re making in Buffalo, you have to wonder what head coach Dick Jauron is thinking. He knows his future after next season is solely dependent on becoming a playoff team. But how can the Bills be a playoff team with a huge hole in the left side of their line? This trade seems to favor the Eagles, but with the draft a week away, the Bills might turn the picks into players who can help their team win in ‘09. I’m sure Jauron is hoping the same thing.
2. NBC’s John Madden announced his retirement from the television booth in order to spend more time with his family. Madden also said he’s not in line for a consulting job with the Raiders, which has always been a rumor floating around the NFL. He wants to get away and is not looking to spend more time around football at this point in his life. Enjoy your retirement, Coach Madden – and don’t forget the words of General Douglas MacArthur:
General MacArthur's Creed for Youth
"Youth is not a time of life. It is a state of mind. It is a test of the will, a quality of imagination, vigor of emotions, and a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over love of ease. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair ... these are the quick equivalents of the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust. Whether 70 or 16 there is, in every being' s heart, the love of wonder, the sweet amazement of the stars, and the star like things and thought, the undaunted challenge of events; the unfailing childlike appetite for 'what next?' You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt, as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair. So long as your heart receives messages of beauty, cheer, courage, grandeur and power from the earth, from man and from the Infinite, so long are you young. When all the wires are down, and all the central places of your heart are covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then, and only then, are you grown old indeed, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
3. The Cardinals announced they would be willing to trade Anquan Boldin for the right price, which we later found out was a first- and a third-round pick. The price is steep when you consider a team would be trading for a 28-, soon to be 29-year-old wide receiver who has missed games eight games the past two seasons and has only been healthy for all 16 games twice in his six-year career. Boldin is very talented and is worth a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but when you factor in the cost of a new deal (some say he wants between $8-9 million per year) and his durability, you might get cold feet. Boldin is a power receiver who can make big plays with his ability to run after the catch and has scored 20 touchdowns the last two years. He is very good, but my sense is that he’ll have a hard time finding a team to satisfy his demands along with the Cardinals. The Cardinals might be doing this so they can tell Boldin, “We tried, but no one wanted to match our demands, so you need to be here.” We’ll see what happens this week.
4. The NFL announced its 2009 full team schedule and our own Matt Bowen shared his thoughts on games that might be appealing as we look forward to next season. The schedule will take a broader light after next weekend when we add the draft to each team’s depth chart.
5. Torry Holt has an agreement in principle to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, who, based on their depth chart, really need to add wide receivers. Does this mean they won’t draft a wideout in the first round? I doubt this changes their thinking considering they only have Dennis Northcutt as a dependable wideout on the roster. Yes, they have Troy Williamson and Mike Walker, but both are unproven players who combined for 21 receptions last year.
THINGS I HEARD AROUND THE NFL THIS WEEK ...
1. A report from the Denver Post claims the Broncos will bring in Mark Sanchez for a workout this week, but that can’t be correct. NFL rules state that teams are not allowed to work out a player in the team’s city unless it also happens to be the player’s home town or college town. In the case of Sanchez, the only way the Broncos could work him out this week would be at USC or in his home town, but not in Denver. In addition, no prospects are allowed to travel this week, as all visits have to end on Friday a week before the draft.
2. For the right price, I hear (and I emphasize hear) the Dolphins might be interested in discussing a trade involving starting running back Ronnie Brown if a team calls and expresses an interest. On the surface, that may come as a surprise to some, but when you look over the tape and Brown’s production, even though he almost had a 1,000-yard season, he only had three games over 100 yards. His longest run (62 yards) came from the wildcat formation against the Patriots, and his next long run was 30 yards. In nine of his 16 games he had fewer than 50 yards rushing, hardly a classic full-time back.
3. I hear that OLB Aaron Curry might not be a lock in the top three and that the Chiefs might not have him targeted as their pick. The word around the league is the Chiefs are in love with DE Tyson Jackson of LSU and see him as another Richard Seymour type. Teams are worried (as I am) about Curry being a just a Sam Backer and not an effective blitzer. Curry is a fine football player, but it’s hard to pay the high cost of a top-three pick if he can’t rush the passer.
4. If the Rams go offensive tackle with the second overall pick, it will be Jason Smith of Baylor. They’re still looking to trade down, but it will be very hard to pull off with the cost of these picks so high.
5. A general manger told me that he expects Cleveland to trade Brady Quinn this week but he’s not sure what team he will be heading to. The prevailing feeling in the NFL is that the Browns like Mark Sanchez and have spent considerable time getting to know everything they can about him.
6. More on Sanchez: I keep hearing (and not from our own diehard ‘Skins fan Ray Gustini) that Washington is trying to find a way to move up and get the USC quarterback. Sanchez left Washington on Saturday and has spent considerable time with ‘Skins brass.
7. I hear the reason that Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez is not coming to the offseason program is that he really wants the Chiefs to be motivated to trade him. Guard Brian Waters is also holding a protest and not attending the offseason program.
8. For all the fans who called me an idiot last week on my mock draft -- especially the one who thinks I’m nuts for putting QB Josh Freeman in the first round -- I talked to three GMs who told me independently that Freeman might have the biggest upside (and the biggest downside) of all the quarterbacks. However, in spite of it all, he’s a first-round talent.
9. I’m hearing that there is some declining interest in former Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe heading into next weekend’s draft. Medical concerns regarding Monroe’s knee may limit how high he will be selected.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NFL THIS WEEK ...
1. The Lions will finalize their draft plans and get Matthew Stafford signed to a contract. I might be wrong, but I’d be surprised if the Lions didn’t get this done this week.
2. I expect a ton of chatter about the NFL Draft and some trades coming to a resolution one way or another. Friday is the dropoff point for trades, so as the week progresses, trade talks will be at an all-time high.
3. Teams will have their boards finalized and make adjustments as they get the final medical and actual drug reports from the Combine.
BOOK OF THE WEEK ...
“The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done”
I have been around some very effective leaders, and one of the best times of my life was observing and learning from Bill Belichick. Belichick had an uncanny ability to focus on what was urgent and important and not spend time on things that may have been urgent but not important. Early in my career, I was obsessed with returning all my calls and making sure I gave each phone call the proper attention. One day, I walked into Belichick's office, saw a large stack of phone messages on his desk and asked how he was ever going to return all those calls. He said, “I will when they become important to handle.” His skills as a leader lie in many areas, but one that separates him from others is his ability to focus on what matters most and never allow a distraction to interfere with the most important task at hand.
This book by Drucker will help you get back into focus and realize that if you emphasize everything, you will end up doing nothing. Here’s a brief description of the book and how it might help.
What makes an effective executive?
The measure of the executive, Peter F. Drucker reminds us, is the ability to "get the right things done." This usually involves doing what other people have overlooked as well as avoiding what is unproductive. Intelligence, imagination and knowledge may all be wasted in an executive job without the acquired habits of mind that mold them into results.
Drucker identifies five practices essential to business effectiveness that can, and must, be learned:
1. Managing time
2. Choosing what to contribute to the organization
3. Knowing where and how to mobilize strength for best effect
4. Setting the right priorities
5. Knitting all of them together with effective decision-making
Ranging widely through the annals of business and government, Drucker demonstrates the distinctive skill of the executive and offers fresh insights into old and seemingly obvious business situations.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK ...
I could watch this video many times as the walk down memory lane with Coach Bill Walsh is too sweet and perfect for this lazy Sunday, a week before the draft. Walsh was an inspiration to me, but most importantly, he inspires me each day. Enjoy this one
You may have seen this, but it was too good to pass up in case you missed it. Keep chasing your dreams – ALWAYS.
SUSAN BOYLE SINGER BRITAINS GOT TALENT
LEADERSHIP IMPROVEMENT IDEA ...
General Colin Powell's book is more than an autobiography. It’s a study of leadership in which the general discusses 13 rules for effective leadership that can serve as a coaching philosophy for basketball and probably every other sport.
RULE No. 1
It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
RULE No. 2
Get mad, then get over it.
RULE No. 3
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
RULE No. 4
It can be done.
RULE No. 5
Be careful whom you choose.
RULE No. 6
Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
RULE No. 7
You can't make someone else's decisions. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
RULE No. 8
Check small things.
RULE No. 9
Share credit.
RULE No. 10
Remain calm. Be kind.
RULE No. 11
Have a vision. Be demanding.
RULE No. 12
Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
RULE No. 13
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
These 13 rules, compliments of General Colin Powell, offer a great place to start.
ARTICLES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED THAT AREN’T TO BE MISSED ...
As we head into draft week, this fantastic article from Esquire magazine about Todd Marinovich is a great read.
Larry Brown in the New York Times...The much-traveled Brown has been an interesting coach for me to observe. He always finds a way to improve the team, he is always trying to change the team, and he is a general manager’s nightmare at times. However, he finds a way to relate to players, they respect his knowledge and he is constantly trying to refine his coaching skills. As he gets older, he seems to love his profession with each passing year.
Here is one more from the world of basketball and coaching as seen through Portland Trailblazers head coach Nate McMillan. This is a great read for any aspiring coach in any sport.
Another one you might not have seen this week comes from THE BIG LEAD announcing that Stephen A. Smith didn’t get his contract renewed at ESPN. Does that surprise anyone?
REMEMBER WHEN ...
My first season in the NFL was 1984. I was working for the 49ers as a very low-level scouting assistant. The 49ers were kind to me, allowing me to travel with the team for all road games.
One time in Houston, I was in my room when the phone rang. On the other end was the voice I can still hear today -- head coach Bill Walsh asking me to come up to his suite in the hotel. Coach wanted me to get as many tapes as I could on a wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State that he was watching on TV play against Texas Southern.
“Who is this kid?” Coach Walsh asked me. I stumbled with my words as I normally did around him and blurted out a few Jerry Rice facts, then left the room as soon as I was finished. We won the game and I went back to San Francisco and ordered Rice tapes.
I had three tapes on Coach Walsh’s desk for almost four months, and teams all over the league were calling me to complain that we were hoarding the tapes and they wanted to see those games. (Remember, this was 1985 -- no video, no DVDs, nothing but 16-millimeter tape that was very expensive to duplicate.) Finally, while passing Coach in the hall one day, I gathered enough courage to ask if I could get the tapes from him and send them to the next team. He said to go ahead; he was done and I could get them from his office.
When I went into his office, I found the three cans of tape with an index card taped to them. He had written a note that said, “John Jefferson...with speed!!” Back then, Jefferson was one of the best wideouts in the league, so that comparison was a real compliment from Coach.
I wish I had saved that note. When Jerry enters the Hall of Fame next year, it could have accompanied him into Canton.
IN MEMORY...
When I worked at the Hotel, we had a fine young public relations assistant named Craig Long, who worked tirelessly and with great pride. He was never able to move up the ladder in the Hotel and decided to leave to start a new career with his wife working for her father’s business in Salinas, Calif. Craig loved the NFL, but he loved Allison more, and he wanted to move to a place where he could raise his family without the pressure of living in a very expensive part of the country on a modest salary. So off to Salinas they went to start their family.
In February 2007, Craig died suddenly, leaving behind his beautiful wife Allison, who was pregnant, and a young daughter, Ava. Allison gave birth to another daughter, Eve, as she tried to go on with her life dealing with the loss of Craig. Many members of the Raiders family, from players to organizational members, did their best to help Allison through an impossible time in her life. In fact, Rich Gannon took it upon himself to be in Iowa, where Craig was from, to honor Craig’s life and support Allison.
Last Tuesday, I was informed of the unexpected passing of Allison Long after a family member found her unconscious in her home. No foul play was involved; Allison died from a viral infection. She leaves behind two beautiful daughters.
It is with great sadness that I remember the memory of my friend Craig and his lovely wife Allison and pray for the well-being of their two daughters, Ava and Eve. May God always watch over Ava and Eve.
Outstanding read, Mike -
All the juicy's - A Bill Belichick retrospective - Bill Walsh on Rice, gotta love that one - How about Willie Totten the MVS record setting passer, remember that cat?
Bill's...gotta love 'em! :)
Mike - your work is excellent. The report of Ava and Eves' parents tragedy was touching. The npf is a terrific addition to the web.
The Denver Post running with a marginally factual story? No!! Who'd have thunk it?
The Denver Post will soon become a regular lecture topic in journalism classrooms across America, as college professors give pupils insight on how competition keeps journalists honest and how bad things can go when the craft is practiced in a sudden void of accoundability. As soon as the Rocky Mountain News died, Denver folks went from having good media choices to none. The Post should be sold exclusively from the check out line these days.
Wow, sensational read today Michael. A new Sunday tradition has started for me, it's no longer a cup of coffee and the Boston Globe on Sundays, it's Sunday at the Post!!
May God protect Ava and Eve
You da man Mike!
Nice read on the current state of the NFL - six days before the draft as the drama unfolds...
Now, when I play nine holes w/my two (older) beloved brothers later today I'll have some juicy tidbits to share w/them - thanks to you.
Ironically, one's a die hard Bills' fan, and the other is a rabid Iggles fan - and they are both happy w/what their respective teams received in the Peters' trade....
Thanks and enjoy your Sunday.
The Todd Marinovich story was definitely a GREAT read. I really hope he has learned to deal with his addiction problems. It seems that is the case, but it will be a life long battle for him that hopefully he can conquer. I think heredity has a good deal to do with it, but I think his dad was just as much at fault for the problems by the way he raised him. That being said I also think Todd may have never even been a blimp on the scene had his dad not pushed him like that. Great article though & I HIGHLY recommend to read it.
Interesting to mention Larry Brown. Coach Walsh, and many other coaches for that matter, always higlight the fact that players respect knowledge more than any other thing a coach can bring to their game.
From that perspective Larry Brown is good as any peer. See also Hubie brown. See also Digger Phelps(who IMO should be a pro coach. He would not lose as much talent due to recruiting shortcomings. He did for his most famous school coached at, the Dome isn't always Golden regionally and nationally, Weiss is learning that the hard way in another sport).
You had to get Marinovich in on this thing, just before the draft. Think I'll go throw up and then read the article.... the kid had moxie I thought he would be some of what Snake was for the team.
Things more important than the draft....
Craig Long's memory inspires warmth to the Raiders fans and family in rememberance. It's heartbreaking to hear his family's losses continue.
This is not unlike the Biletnikoff Foundation's own cause. The Raiders family watches out for everybody. Maybe Freddie's extended family can best help the Longs at this time.
Mike, any chance the Dolphins trade Ronnie Brown to the Cards for Boldin?
Nice Sunday afternoon reflections Mike. All the promotional hype/glitz surrounding the NFL often lulls us into forgetting that we're still just talking about people. Your Walsh, Belichick, and Hotel stories are great book fodder. Sort of a "what i've learned about life and leadership (thru good times and the bad) from the NFL." Put me down for a first-run copy.
where do you get all this leadership material? do you have a list? fantastic stuff.
Another great read Mike!
You are amazing - each week I learn more and more from you, thanks for being a great Writer and Teacher! You style is very informative. THANK YOU!
May God watch over Eva and Ava..
Good job Mike! One of your best....
Mike, outstanding read. The combo of NFL insight, motivational literature you reference, and life experiences make you the most unique writer out there and I love reading every word of your articles. Thanks for today's great column!
Mike, you are probably the best sports columnist in the business. I love your stuff. Insightful, informed, and full of heart.
Mike, as a father of 6 beautiful blessings myself, I will fervently pray for the Lord to nurture Ava and Eve following this tragic turn. Thanks for sharing.
Check the original Denver Post article. It never says the Broncos are "Bringing Sanchez in." It says they have scheduled a workout. The NFL website added the part about "Bringing him in"
Mike, while the Jerry Rice tape story was a classic, I thoroughly commend you for your touching note at the end. Since becoming a fan thru the Post and your "BS Report" appearances, you always came off as a great guy. That note at the end of your column surely proves me correct. God Bless Ava and Eve
Mike,
Love the article. I used to love Colin Powell, just wished he followed his own rules more often, especially rule no. 6:
RULE No. 6
Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
Can anyone say "Iraq War"?
Oh, and a tragedy with the Craig and Allison news. How sad! :(
Great work Michael, thank you
Let’s see. They’ve clearly been the better team the last decade. They were clearly the better team last year, without their best player. They’ve actually made a Super Bowl appearance in the last 40 years. In short, the Patriots have earned actual respect.
This usually adds up to forcing some humility and respect from anybody with a pulse. But we’re talking New York Jets. They get a free pass for pretty much everything. They don’t even actually have to be competitive to be treated that way. So when their unproven coach talks smack and tries to perpetuate the myth of on ON-FIELD rivalry, he is widely praised for what would get 31 other new coaches widely panned.
No wonder the Jets are a perpetual disappointment. They don’t even have to operate within the confines of reality. They have no watchdog.
Its another example of how media bias is a family disease, with many victims...
Michael,
The more I read your column, the smarter I get.
Denver is very happy with their QBs in June, the happiness will end mid September. Neither Orton or Simms is even a stop-gap answer to any question. Marshall WILL be suspended after his August trial. What are the Broncos going to say? We messed up royally and both guys stink? Of course they are happy, it is just like the draft, every team got the player they wanted at a bargain. Propaganda.
Mike love the article, if the RFK story doesnt touch anyone we live in a calus society.
NECulterfan:
When will people realize that the Cutler situation was all about the Dollar. After he throws his first interception to lose the game, and the passionate fans from Chicago turn on him he will fold up like a chair and run to his mommy and daddy. Tony Dungy is right with this one folks! Watch and see! I mean he couldnt even beat the Raiders in a must win game, come on!
I always thought the "d" in D-day stood for "doom."
Anyway, that's a nice section you wrote there about Robert Kennedy, but I'm begging you to leave the polics out. Nothing good comes from talking politics on a sports site. If I wanted to read politics, I'd go to a political site. And you may like to believe that you're not Democrat or Republican, but the politicians you're praising and citing are. ...and many of us are too.
So, please, please, leave the politics out. What you wrote today hit the absolute ceiling for political writing on a sports site: it didn't piss me off. Y'know, when that's the ceiling, you gotta' ask yourself whether it's worth it.
Great Sunday lesson. The Mary Chapin Carpenter song has also made me think of the images of that train and the sadness of my parents during that terrible time.
Dan, while you have a good point about keeping politics out of the writing at NFP, I think politics can be woven in an evenhanded way and be relevant to football. Politics is a clash of ideas and philosophies and it is a huge part of our culture. Football as a major reflection of our culture and is also a clash of ideas, philosophies and bodies. Just as World War II remade football informing Paul Brown and others, so politics is not only hard to separate from football today, it would also limit our understanding of the game to not see them as intertwined. The game is always the focus but our love for the game and its importance to all of us may manifest itself on a variety of levels including politics or even religion.
No less a football-playing, political philosopher than Richard Nixon (Guard, Whittier College) said that politics is the ultimate contact sport- "people win, people lose and people comeback."
Who better to commemorate D-Day than the "Great Communicator" himself.
Lombardi's articles almost always have leadership as a major theme. To discuss leadership and ignore the greatest leaders in history simply because they are politicians would be selling us all short. That would be tantamount to discussing the West Coast Offense but not mentioning Bill Walsh because there might be some readers who don't like the 49ers.
As an American a person can have equal respect for and motivation from both Obama's acceptance speech in Chicago and Reagan's speech in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate.
Great piece of work, Lombardi.
Love the RFK-biography project story.
About the dollar? On who's side? Last time I checked Cutler has no new contract or even asked for one. It is hard to win "must-win games" when your defense gives up 37 pts/game down the stretch. Cutler had got the lead in all of those last three games and the defense was the area that folded.
Love your work mike...Big time jet fan and agree with your comments on Rex Ryan
Dan, 2003 called, they want their complaint back
Excellent Article.. I love your articles
Oh yeah, Ray, well the JERK STORE called, and...
No, just kidding. Wow, responses from Robert Boland and even Gustini. Amazing!
Look, guys, I'm just saying. I know politics are important. I know that we all see parallels between political leaders, sports leaders, and "real life" leaders. We all see this. But, I don't know about you, but politics makes me angry more often than not. I avoid it, frankly. I mean, a guy's gotta' tread lightly there. Whereas, with sports we can all just talk. Can't we all just talk sports? Please? Pretty please?
It's your site. I understand that. But I like this site, so please... If you just HAVE to talk politics, please moonlight on another site. They'll let you. Nobody will have a problem with it.
Now, obviously, the next Rapid Ramblings column is going to be chock full of references to JFK, RFK, FDR, and all the rest ('cause Ray's got a disorder like that), but Lombardi and Boland... Again, I'm asking please. The politics talk just kills me. You don't need it. You really don't.
Mangenius could well lead Cleveland to the NFL's second ever 0-16 season, the way this offseason is shaping up in Ohio! Coaches who are unhappy, no clear leaders on the field, two QBs, neither of whom are particularly well-liked or highly-rated, the loss of arguably their best offensive threat (Winslow), Braylon throwing tantrums... it's all shaping up for a horrible year in Cleveland.
Seriously, working until midnight is stupid. There is only so much a coach can do. The players decided much of what happens.
1. Re Ochoidiot: Why feel sorry for Marvin Lewis, he has bred this exact type of situation. To quote the great Gordon Gekko "if he owned a funeral home no one would die"
2. I'm sure Simms looks good in practice, however we all know what happens when the fur starts flying.
Wtill midnight is misleading. There is no possible way anyone is still working effectively after repeated 18 hour days.(assuming they get in between 6-7am) Its poor time management. They may be in the building till midnight, but I would seriously question what exaclty they are getting done. Seems like they are just doing to appease the Head Coach. Which would indicate issues to me. Mangini should put some people around him that are not just Yes men, and people that will actaully push him back, and question some of his methods, and actions.
Mike, great stuff. I have spent since Christmas reading every John Wooden book I can get my hands on, almost like taking a class on him, and when I read your articles the amount of information is phenomenal and leads to me places I never knew about or would know about without these Sunday Posts. Greatly appreciated. You're conviction to this country, integrity and NFL insight, make this read a must for me. I find Robert Kennedy's decisiveness and clarity and ability to persevere the most fascinating aspects of him. I can't imagine what it was like growing up in the 60's!
Dan, you're feeding the political talk more than the article itself. If you prefer to focus on football, I suggest commenting about football.
Orton is the new Drew Brees. You heard it here first!
That's simply Chad Johnson showing his true 8th grade personality. "Oh yeah, I stunk last year, but it's only because i didn't try!" Three years ago they were darlings of ESPN.... oh the Bungels.
Can't wait for the blowhard Ryan to get his ass handed to him up in NY. He's just like his old man, big on the bragging, short on the results....
...but I'm sure yahoo Dave's in love with him....
You are an eye opener Mr. Lombardi. A true eye opener.
If only Mrs. Thompson was the head of the American education system. Think how wonderful our next generation of Americans would be. Mrs. Thompson figured out what all good teachers know. It is not necessarily the material but the who and how. Teach the whole child, not just the material on the standardized tests. Congrats to your son on his accomplishments and to you and your wife. Oh and Go Pack Go!
Michael, good stuff as usual. I've used the Meyers Briggs for years, and it is useful. If you'd like to supplement that with something at least as good, email me and i'll set you up with a Leadership version of the BarOn emotional intelligence assessment. I'm fairly sure it will be very useful to you as a way of understanding and articulating athlete's and coach's challenges and successes in life and their sport.
Let's address the two ton gorilla in the room in Denver. Since McDaniels became dictator, his most talented players are doing what they can to get out. Bowlen was covered for by Shanahan for 15 years and his incompetence is now out in the open. No team took a larger step backwards than Denver this offseason.
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Apr 19, 2009
10:53 AM
A nice thought Mike. I too wish a good and happy life to those two young ladies. Makes football seem pretty irrelevant.