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On to the next one: Brohm to stay at Purdue

November 29, 2018

Louisville Cardinals, it’s on to the next one as Jeff Brohm will remain at Purdue. Brohm met with Louisville athletic director Vince Tyra on Nov. 27, but turned down the chance to return home to coach his alma mater.

Brohm had been the front-runner for the Cardinals’ coaching job since Bobby Petrino’s firing earlier this month. The Boilermakers are now 13-12 in two seasons under Brohm, with a signature win over Ohio State.

“After intense and thorough discussion, I believe it is important to finish the building process we have begun and honor the commitment I made to our football program, players, and recruits,” Brohm said. “I believe that remaining at Purdue is the right thing to do, and I am excited for the challenges ahead.”

In a statement regarding the coaching search, Tyra wrote, “While Jeff and I had a terrific conversation about the future of the University of Louisville football program and how he could play a role in our success, it was clear that his heart and mind were still with fulfilling his commitment to Purdue. As a Cardinal alumnus, Jeff has accomplished a great deal as a player and as a coach. We wish him the best going forward except when we may meet on the field of play.”

So now, let’s look at the top candidates for the spot now that Brohm has made his decision.

Luke Fickell

Fickell’s currently in his second season at Cincinnati. The Bearcats have a 10-2 record this year. Fickell does have experience leading a big program, having served as interim head coach at Ohio State and also as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator for several years. His experience in the region could help recruiting, especially players moving on to the NFL.

Scott Satterfield

Satterfield generates a lot of respect in conversations about top Group of Five head coaches looking to work their way up. He’s currently at Appalachian State in his sixth season. He brings the best out of his players and consistently brings upsets and near upsets against power schools. So many, in fact, they don’t put them on their schedules anymore. His team is 9-2 this year in the Sun Belt and he’s got a record of 50-24 during his time. His teams are solid defensively and well-rounded.

Neal Brown

Brown is at Troy going on four years with a 34-16 record. In the last two years, they’ve won at LSU, Nebraska and almost shocked the 2016 Clemson team which ended up winning the national championship. Brown has local ties, having grown up in Boyle County and served as offensive coordinator at Kentucky. Brown is a former UK football player, too. This year his team is 9-3 and 7-1 in the Sun Belt.

Ryan Day

Day is well-regarded in coaching circles. Particularly this year after he handled the turmoil at Ohio State during his three games as acting head coach. He brought the Buckeyes through a tough situation with the Urban Meyer scandals about as well as anyone could have anticipated. He has NFL experience as a quarterback coach. As the Louisville sports program has also been rocked by scandal, Day’s crisis management experience could lead the Cards back to the promised land.

The New Hollywoodland Deals

Jeremy Evans

November 28, 2018

Hollywood sign — Image Courtesy of the Associated Press

The Netflix-Paramount and the Apple-A24 distribution and production deals signify change in Hollywood. History tells us that such partnerships were a big no-no when Lew Wasserman ran the town, but the times have changed. The new deals are a reminder of when Hollywood was Hollywoodland, and yet a Golden Age of content in the entertainment and media industry being dominated and disrupted by technology and innovation.

However, Hollywood was already changing prior to Netflix, Paramount, Apple, and A24 coming together in separate deals. The major players have been moving pieces, people, and assets for several years to stay ahead. The new deals are therefore not a complete disruption of the entertainment industry, but there are three things that are likely to result from the new deals.

More Content without the Traditional Distribution Model in Place

In the past, when movie studios like Paramount wanted to produce and distribute a film, they generally looked at the four-quadrants of consumers and decided whether the demographics met revenue projections before it began the filmmaking process. If Paramount can (1) skip the theatrical window, or (2) have a much shorter theatrical window, while hoping for awards recognition, and (3) still reach massive amounts of subscribed consumers via Netflix’s existing audience, it may not need to adhere to the four-quadrant model. Quite possibly, Paramount can now focus on creating more great content, which benefits the artist, consumer, and creator, while the finished product can be licensed directly to Netflix as the distributor. Viacom, which owns Paramount and Bellator MMA, just completed a similar deal with DAZN for its sports content. This as opposed to Disney (who bought 21^st Century FOX’s library) and Universal whose focus is on building their own streaming platforms and distribution models.

Without the financial restrictions of traditional distribution, consumers are likely to see more diverse content being made and distributed. The question has changed from what sells to what content can we feed to the audience’s ever-growing appetite.

Traditional Players joining or following the New Players

Technology and innovation brought the change, the studios are only following the logic if you cannot beat them, join them. The new deals allow the existing studios to survive the wave of change. Expect similar deals going forward. More pointedly, there has been a lot of role shifting where the techies and streamers have become the money handlers and distributors, while the studios produce and license content for them. In some sense, it goes back to point one; Everyone is producing content, including the agencies, while Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube will continue (or in the case of Apple, plan) to produce their own original content as well.

Questions that Remain

What has really changed? The new deals are more of a content revolution, or a consumer disruption, rather than anything else. As technology and innovation provided the needed platform for better content consumption, consumer’s grew fond of and expected the new OTT/DTC model. Consumers have always wanted more content (i.e., information and entertainment), it is just that there is an easier way to access content now. Existing businesses have had to change to meet the consumers’ needs.

What does history tell us about more control in the hands of a few: expect more business consolidation until the Federal Government says no more.

Will the Academy and festivals update their standards with the changing industry to allow for non-theatrical distribution? Maybe a new deal in Hollywood is needed there too.

Knot in the Cards: Louisville seeks forward momentum

Stephen Patrick

November 27, 2018

The University of Louisville began and ended their season the same way; losing big to a ranked team which put up 50 points.

With a sea of blue, it looked like a UK home game Saturday as the Card’s season ended with a 56-10 beat-down at Cardinal Stadium. Defeats came regularly this season and consequently, culminated into the firing of head coach Bobby Petrino after a 2-8 start.

Two more losses followed under interim coach Lorenzo Ward, but the team clearly quit on the program this year. Now, the task for athletic director Vince Tyra is to hire a new coach to breathe life into the program. After years of unrest with Louisville’s sports empire, Petrino was the last remnant of former AD Tom Jurich’s era. The 2018 Cardinals ranked worse than 100th in offense and defense. They had major flaws at every position and didn’t place anyone on the All-ACC team. Clearly, there’s work to be done everywhere.

Louisville finished 2-10 with its worst record since 1997 and some dubious statistics that go much further back than that. It was one of the worst seasons by an ACC team since the merger took place. The Cards gave up their most total yards-per-game since 1985. They allowed their most points-per-game since at least 1962. They were the first Power Five team ever to give up more than 50 points in five straight games. This team was historically bad. Now, another blow to the Cardinals may have taken place.

Though Jeff Brohm has deep ties to the community and the school, he seems happy coaching a Boilermakers squad bound for its second consecutive bowl game. “I want Louisville to do what’s best for them,” Brohm said after Purdue beat Indiana 28-21 on Saturday. “I’m a fan. But right now, I’m the coach at Purdue and this is where I want to be and I like it here.” Since mid-season it seemed certain Brohm would come, but now that’s undetermined.

1. What do the Cards do now?

The players woke up Sunday morning with no head coach, no practice schedule, no bowl game and no direction. They’re in charge of themselves regarding classes and conditioning. Then, the rebuilding process starts. The Louisville football program needs to step back on the field and get this dumpster fire of a season behind them.

2. How does Louisville recruit?

Undoubtedly, this is toughest job. For the time being, Louisville is shorthanded when it comes to recruiting. Without a head coach, it’s an unenviable position with less than four weeks left until the early signing period. Athletic director Tyra is up against the clock to bring in a new coach who can secure the 2019 recruiting class along with creative efforts to fill a coaching staff in short order.

3. How long before we see new faces?

The most pressing position is quarterback, where Louisville could seek a graduate transfer. Puma Pass and Malik Cunningham both had roller coaster seasons. The small, outgoing senior class doesn’t offer a ton of flexibility, but without many recruits on board for this class, it could leave spots for transfers coming as late as August.

Winners and losers of the 2018 SEC

J.T. Clifton

November 26, 2018

Typically with the Southeastern Conference, if a team finishes with under four losses, they’re successful. That’s not always the case, but for the most part, it’s the benchmark.

Alabama is, of course, a winner this season, as they have perhaps the most dominant team in college football history. Georgia could also find itself in a National Championship game as they’ve had a terrific season, too.

But, let’s examine some of the not-so-obvious winners and losers.

Winners

Florida – An offseason full of memes about Dan Mullen looking goofy in Jordan’s produced a 9-3 season. It appears Feleipe Franks settled in at the quarterback position which was expected under Mullen who’s coached Tim Tebow and Dak Prescott. The Gators finished the regular season with a dominant win over rival Florida State, and should play in a New Years Six Bowl.

LSU – No one was on the hot seat more than Ed Orgeron at the beginning of the season. Eddy O turned that into a 9-3 season, and it would have been 10-2 if not for an overtime game against Texas A&M the Tigers should have won. LSU also dominated the East Champion Georgia Bulldogs 36-16. Joe Burrow should be back next year and should improve an offense which sputtered at times.

Mississippi State – Anytime a long-time coach leaves, you expect a downgrade in the first season under the new coach. Joe Moorhead didn’t let that happen. The Bulldogs finished 8-4 and all of their losses came to ranked teams. The Bulldogs didn’t have the strongest recruiting class last year, so hopefully their successful season will help that.

LOSERS

South Carolina – This was supposed to be the year the Gamecocks competed for the east with Jake Bentley returning. Almost every game they played in the SEC was a nail-biter, so you could say some games could have went their way, but just as easily say some games could have gone the other way. Their defense didn’t look improved and that’s Muschamp’s baby. They gave up 44 to Ole Miss, 56 to Clemson, 35 to Florida and 41 to Georgia.

Auburn – Gus Malzahn has been on the hot seat a couple of times in his tenure at Auburn and that seat got a lot hotter this off-season. The Tigers will play in a bowl game, but the 7-5 finish to the regular season was not what fans expected with Jarrett Stidham at the quarterback slot. Their offense played like they had ankle weights on all year, especially in the running game, the backbone of Malzahn’s offense.

Tennessee – Tennessee looked to take a step back after the Kentucky game. Pruitt and staff were flying high looking for a bowl game and got embarrassed by Missouri (50-17) and Vanderbilt (38-13). Offensive Coordinator Tyson Helton is taking Western Kentucky’s head coaching job and Pruitt will have a very important coaching hire to make this off-season. Their offense was lackluster all year and appeared hampered by conservative play calling. The only bright spot was a much-improved defense with most of the dynamic plays coming from freshmen.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Where will Pitt’s All-Pro RB land?

Stephen Patrick

November 20, 2018

gty_904949700 — Le'Veon Bell courtesy of USA Today

The deadline arrived and Le’Veon Bell failed to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers for duty. Consequently, he will not be eligible to play football during this season.

So far, Bell has missed out on $8.5 million in wages for the 2018 season. The remaining $6 million is forfeited, too. Bell is bidding goodbye to a total of $14.5 million to stay healthy and strike a potential mega deal this offseason. After a major injury to Seahawks’ safety Earl Thomas, his move seemed all the more reasonable.

Bell will now be a free agent in March of 2019, and it’s never too early to look at where the star running back might be headed. SportsRadioAmerica.com examines teams who might make a bid at inking the All-Pro running back.

New York Jets

The Jets will have massive amount of cap space this upcoming offseason. They will have the cash to entice Bell, but maybe not the talent. Last season, the Jets seemed to solidify the running back position by signing Isaiah Crowell to a three-year, $22 million deal.

Crowell was one of the Cleveland Browns’ few bright spots during their winless season (853 yards, two touchdowns). However, neither Crowell nor backup Bilal Powell can make plays in the passing game like Bell, who could be considered a top wide receiver on some teams. He has the ability to both split out wide and make plays from backfield.

Baltimore Ravens

If Bell wanted to prove the Steelers wrong while playing for a playoff-caliber team, a move to the Ravens would provide Bell with two cracks at Pittsburgh annually. Current Baltimore backs Javorius Allen and Ty Montgomery both have deals expiring and Alex Collins will be a restricted free agent.

Needless to say, Baltimore would let everyone go for Bell. Alex Collins has been a decent back for the Baltimore Ravens, but someone like Bell could take this team to the next level. Imagine Bell’s career had he played alongside Michael Vick!

The Ravens now look to have Vick 2.0 with Lamar Jackson, a frightening potential with that duo on the same backfield. The Ravens don’t have as much money as some other teams and would have to make some moves, but the potential of Jackson and Bell plus Bell’s motivation against the Steelers could be too much to pass up.

Oakland Raiders

The silver and black with five, first-round picks over the next two years, will have a young roster with pressing need in the backfield where Marshawn Lynch is on injured reserve.

Bell would be a godsend for the embattled Derek Carr and the team would be his as the Raiders move to Vegas. Oakland has more than $9 million in cap space and will have to create breathing room, but the Raiders always look to make a splash (good or bad).

Bell replacing running backs Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin is no-brainer. He’d join a proud organization which could be poised for a quick resurrection depending on how Jon Gruden uses all his first-round picks for trades or new talent. Can Sin City bring Bell to play on the strip? Time will tell.

Finding Facebook’s Formula

Jeremy Evans

November 19, 2018

Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press; CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg

In business, the saying goes you do not need to recreate the wheel. You can find solutions to problems and answers to questions in looking at history, being creative, being willing to take a risk, and in many ways by looking at your competitors and other industries for ideas and influence. Facebook is looking to grow and stay relevant. Facebook wants to dominate the content information space. Here are five ways it can.

Distribute More Content

In looking at the recent FOX/AT&T distribution deal, we can see two competitors who just fought each other across the negotiation table over Sky assets agree to distribute content. Facebook and its Facebook Watch platform, if the company wants to increase its reach and growth, will need more distribution partners. Facebook’s subsidiary Instagram and that social media platform’s InstagramTV are great places to start. Facebook should consider licensing its content on additional platforms to increase viewership and growth. If Facebook is serious about its content, it will find ways to distribute it to more people.

Create More Content

Facebook has an opportunity to reach people in a very unique way. It is a social media platform that collects information, distributes information, and has an existing audience. Studios, content providers, and distributors should be so lucky. Facebook needs to create, license, and distribute more content on its platforms and others and then advertise for that content to drive more dollars and viewers.

Diversity of Content

Netflix dominates because it has a vast array of content that almost any person would want to watch. Amazon does so well because it offers its own content plus other platform’s content. Facebook currently does not and it faces a host of other issues with possible government intervention in terms of its data collection, information-sharing practices, and size. That being said, if Facebook wants more viewers, it will need to, in some sense, find a way to be a hybrid between Google’s YouTube (e.g., people sharing information and content) and Amazon Prime (e.g., a regulated platform-controlled content provider) that increases engagement and viewership. For example, the last time this author spent more than five minutes on Facebook during a session was when Facebook had Major League Baseball games on its platform. If Facebook had more diversity of content more people would spend time there.

Scale of Content

Similar to the above section on diversity of content, Facebook can increase its viewership by adding to its library of content. Of course, in all this potential for growth, Facebook will have to consider how it can be both uniquely a social media platform and a content provider. At this point, Facebook has mostly been a platform used to share information not create content. Can Facebook be both? “Improvise, adapt, and overcome,” as Clint Eastwood said in the film Heartbreak Ridge, might be the key here because under the current model Facebook has been losing the engagement battle. Offering more content under a model that projects more growth than it does the costs of licensing and creating content is a simple, but proven way to success.

Share More Content

Facebook is a worldwide platform accessible by pretty much anyone with an internet provider. That is a far broader reach than any distributor or sports content provider. Facebook might consider sharing clips of information and content, like a news source, to drive traffic and thus advertisers. This would be in addition to the content that is currently shared by its users. With Facebook sharing content, it may be able to better control the information that is shared on its platform.

The concern with doing the above, however, is really two-fold: (1) will Facebook offer a paid and more exclusive platform like Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube TV to pay for more content with or without commercials/advertisements, and (2) will Facebook’s voyage into more content further alert the Justice Department to regulate and break-up the company.

Either way, no great business decision started in fear of something yet to happen. If Facebook wants more success (e.g., engagement and viewership), it will need to utilize its already created wheel of viewership to distribute more information and content. Pretty sure that John D. Rockefeller (Standard Oil) and Bill Gates (Microsoft) both made money during their antitrust breakups, and possibly made more from the breakup than the initial company itself.

Method to the Madness: Les Miles gets contract buyout

Stephen Patrick

November 17, 2018

Two years after being fired by the Louisiana State University Tigers, former head coach Les Miles has obtained a buyout of his contract.

Miles will receive a one-time payment of $1.5 million to erase the remaining $6.5 million on his deal that was extended through 2023. So now, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, The Mad Hatter returns. Kansas athletic director Jeff Long and Miles know each other from their time at Michigan in the 80’s and 90’s.

“It’s time for both parties to move forward,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said in a statement. “One of the challenges of the buyout that was in place was there just wasn’t a lot of incentive to move on to other things. We were looking to provide that and Coach Miles and his representatives also were ready. It was a mutually agreed upon goal and a very positive process from beginning to end.”

Under the Helmet

The Kansas Jayhawks were in the market for a new head coach to replace recently-fired David Beaty and Les Miles appeared to be the program’s main target as they worked on finalizing a deal.

The national championship-winning coach has a history of success wherever he goes, but this one is different, both on the field and the recruiting trail. Because of location and program tradition, however, recruiting in Lawrence, Kan. is a little different from recruiting in Baton Rouge, La.

LSU is nicknamed DBU (Defensive Back University) for the wealth of talented that program wields at that position. However, Miles had a knack for finding and developing under-the-radar prospects. This is a trait that must be attractive to any AD looking for a coach, especially at a school with no little football history like Kansas.

Best of the West

Kansas is now is the only school in the country with national championship winning coaches in football and basketball. Miles is someone who brings instant credibility to the program. He went 28-21 with three bowl appearances in four years at Oklahoma State before taking the LSU job prior to the 2005.

He maintained LSU as a national power after taking over from Nick Saban with a 114-34 record and bowl appearance in all 12 of his seasons. LSU won ten or more games seven times when he was there, including the 2007 and 2011 campaigns when he guided the Tigers to national title games. In all, Miles, 65, has spent 16 seasons as a head coach and boasts a 142-55 record. Meanwhile, they haven’t had a winning season since 2008 and are just 6-40 over the past four seasons.

Can Les Miles’ madness work at Kansas? The fan base has been hungry for success in football to match the success of their basketball program. It will be a work in progress and everyone must be patient. This will not work overnight, but if any one is crazy enough to think they can turn the Jayhawks around, it’s The Mad Hatter.

American Veterans Who Served and Played Professional Sports

Jeremy Evans

November 12, 2018

If this author were a betting man, the bet would be how many Hall of Fame professional sports stars served in the military? To simplify that and avoid losing money, we are going to list some of the most recognizable athletes who are in the Hall of Fame for a professional sport and served in the American Armed Forces. There is one Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who also served in the American Civil War, Morgan Bulkeley, with the United States Army, and although we cannot cover all of those who served and played as our American Heroes, the list here is wonderful provided by the MLB Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, the list does not include those who served in the Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recent American Wars, mostly because of timing, the lack of a draft, and eligibility (not being far enough from retirement, etc.). There is also a lack of official data from the NFL, MLS, NHL, and NBA.

However, noting that all of our veterans are heroes and we celebrate them on this National Holiday of Veterans Day, he we go:

1. Jackie Robinson, World War II, United States Army, Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Ted Williams, World War II and Korean War, United States Marines, Boston Red Sox

3. Joe DiMaggio, World War II, United States Army, New York Yankees

4. Yogi Berra, World War II, United States Navy, New York Yankees

5. Willie Mays, Korean War, United States Army, New York/San Francisco Giants

6. Stan Musial, World War II, United States Navy, St. Louis Cardinals

7. Roger Staubach, Vietnam War, United States Navy, Dallas Cowboys

8. Chad Hennings, Gulf War, United States Air Force, Dallas Cowboys

9. Rocky Bleier, Vietnam War, United States Army, Pittsburgh Steelers

10. Chuck Bednarik, World War II, United States Army Air Corps, Philadelphia Eagles

11. George McAfee, World War II, United States Navy, Chicago Bears

Honorable mention: Pat Tillman

There are many more not listed here, but that is not for lack of appreciation or effort. Hopefully your exploration via the links and in your own research will find many more. We salute our veterans and appreciate their sacrifice, service, and dedication. True heroes indeed. And may God continue to bless these United States of America.

With Petrino gone, Louisville eyes its future

Stephen Patrick

November 12, 2018

Bobby Petrino had a 77-35 record at the University of Louisville. During his second stint, he went 36-26, elevating the program with 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

However this year, he lost the team with a 2-8 record with recruits decommitting. Consequently, UofL fired Petrino. Let’s look at the top candidates for his replacement.

Jeff Brohm, Purdue

Brohm’s a Louisville native who played for the Cardinals. He’s shown the ability to win at Western Kentucky and Purdue with a huge win over Ohio State this year. Former quarterbacks Jim Harbaugh, Mark Richt and Scott Frost have returned to their alma maters with varying degrees of success. If he wants the job, it’s his. He has the most history at Louisville. He would recruit the area better than anyone, something Louisville lacked. He would infuse energy into a program suffering one of its worst seasons in years.

Ryan Day, Ohio State

Day is well-regarded in coaching circles. Particularly this year after he handled the turmoil at Ohio State in his three games as acting head coach. He brought the Buckeyes through a tough situation with the Urban Meyer scandals about as well as could have been expected. He has NFL experience as a quarterback coach. As the Louisville sports program has also been rocked by scandal, Day’s crisis management experience could lead the Cards back to the promised land.

Brent Venables, Clemson

Venables would be an excellent choice. He’s been at the center of national championship contenders. Venables built a top defense unit at Clemson, serving as coordinator since 2012 after 13 years at Oklahoma. Defense has plagued the Cardinals for the last two years since Louisville released Todd Grantham after the 2016 season. Venables knows the ACC well and has seen Louisville compete against his defense at a high level.

Charlie Strong, Southern Florida

Strong’s mojo worked for a while doubling back with Petrino. He compiled a 37-15 record from 2010-13. It’s not the worst fit, but would Strong want to come back? Strong had a vibrant run coaching the Cardinals four years this decade, leading Louisville to the 2013 Sugar Bowl. Strong’s kept the momentum going at USF. There’s no doubt he’s ready for a jump back to Power Five, but it would only happen at Louisville if, for some reason, Brohm says “no.” Strong recruited many Florida players, transforming UofL into a NFL football factory for several years. The city of Louisville would certainly welcome him back with open arms.

Chip Long, Notre Dame

At 35, Long is a fresh, new face on the scene and has ties to the program. He was a Louisville offensive graduate assistant under Brohm in 2006-07. Thus far this season, Long’s future looks bright. The pressure of coaching at a football powerhouse has him prepared for a Power Five team in Louisville. Long’s guided the quarterback situation to college football playoff level, while developing a pounding running game despite an offensive line which lost two All-Americans. The essential question is, would Louisville allow him to coach through the playoffs?

What Makes a Great Athlete?

Jeremy Evans

November 5, 2018

Jackie Robinson; Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

There are five things that are included in the makeup, character, and performance of a great athlete. Athletes are humans, we sometimes forgot that and it is easy to with their performances on the field of play, but it is essential that we hold athletes in perspective. Athletes are not God or gods as much we or they might want to be in their competitive pursuit of excellence.

When a scout is doing their job, one of the most important attributes to look for and analyze is the character makeup of the person. What makes him or her tick, perform, and excel? In the end, character wins over many faults and failures (as does, for better or worse, consistent winning). Arguably, however, all five of the following attributes are matters of the heart and good character and essential to being a great athlete.

Leadership & Humility

Leadership purveys every aspect of our lives. A great leader has the ability to bring people together, serve excellently, and show others what it takes to succeed. Leaders also know that leading requires some following and humility. Everyone has a boss. In sports, it is the captain of the team, the coach, general manager, owner, or league commissioner. In life, we all have those we look up to, follow, and respect, whether by choice or default. Not every player or person for that matter is going to lead troops across the Potomac River like George Washington, but a leader should know when to lead through service and humility.

Skill & Performance

In a profession where statistical performance on the court is everything, skill (those God-given abilities) and the hard work refining and attempting to perfect those skills through practice and in-game experience results in performance, whether bad, good, or great. Skill is what the coach, commentator, scout, fan, and spectator notice first. Performance is the result. A great athlete must have both skill and performance, the proof so to speak.

Effort & Competitiveness

We all remember the player who dives for every ball or competes to the last second and always seems to lead or help lead his or her team to victory? There are some athletes who have the reputation for not needing to try or who make it look easy. Although skill is great, the athlete who can provide and display consistency and longevity is the one we call great and generally are the most beloved by the people. Remember, the audience wants to feel two things when watching sports (1) empathy and (2) awe. Empathy in terms of remembering and comparing to common circumstances of trying and succeeding in our own lives and then being in awe of the greatness of the athlete’s performance.

Community Involvement & Family

Being a role model in statistical performance is just as important as being a role model in your community and with your family. An athlete’s career lasts an average of 3.5 years in the NFL and slightly longer in other sports. Being involved in your community and being there for your family and raising other good humans lasts at least your lifetime and of course the lifetimes of those you lead. Many athletes these days have charities, community projects, scholarship funds, and of course families. Every athlete and those with more should give back and should be encouraged to do so willingly.

Recognition, Post Career, Accolades, & Business Interests

The hardware. How many awards did the athlete win? What did the athlete do post career with their resources and influence? What additional accolades did the athlete receive? How is the athlete viewed by experts and non-experts alike? Is his or her name known among non-sports fans? How far, wide, and deep does his or her influence go in sports and beyond? For example, an athlete investing and helping lead a profitable entertainment studio production company, succeeding as a media personality, owning a team, starting a clothing line, etc.

A person with great character leads and leads well. The people, the voting audience so to speak, love a person with good character, morals, ethics, and sense. It is why athletes with great character who also carry the hardware are held in such high regard and why we expect so much out of them. It also why we admire and appreciate their accomplishments.

The best and greatest athletes like the best and greatest leaders leave a mark on our minds and souls. We remember their triumphs, their failures, and we rise with them in our own lives. We rise to fight again and empathize with their struggle because it emulates our struggle.

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