The Power of Pillars Principles

Author Patrick McCaskey

Pillars of the NFL  by Patrick McCaskey is about the top 10 coaches in NFL history. A study on the great men of the NFL is a worthwhile exercise. Great ideas came and continue to come from NFL thought leaders. Here are five personal principles (paraphrased in some cases) culled from NFL legends that coaches/trainers should help instill in their “players.” These are general principles that should be of interest to people in every walk of life.

1.    “Never go to bed a loser”—George “Papa Bear” Halas

George Halas's Chicago Bears became a premier sports enterprise and this little principle was his way to promote great effort every day. The Bears were the Monsters of the Midway and Halas knew the importance of good self esteem. He could be tough on is players, but he appreciated their efforts.  He wanted his players to be healthy people and this principle was a personal one that made sense to him.

2.    Treat everyone with kindness, but never let anyone mistake kindness for weakness—Art Rooney, Sr.

Rooney was a boxer, baseball player, and a sports promoter whose family continues to play a leading role in professional sports ownership along with many philanthropic causes. He loved his family and his players, but he was always looking for the proper expression of manhood and motivation from those he worked with in Pittsburgh. He was charitable, but he was no fool. 

3.    Love and respect all, but fear no one.—Wellington Mara

Wellington Mara owned the New York Giants football team and he was one of the most advanced thinking owners. His family became wealthy, but he worked tirelessly to improve the NFL--at times he sacrificed time to the League that might have been spent on the team. But it was necessary.  Sometimes people criticized him for ridiculous reasons and he famously fought back on occasion. Sometimes it takes courage to go to battle over something important where you are in the limelight because he know chances are the press will not always be fair. 

4.    You don’t necessarily have to like your players, but as a leader you must love them—Vince Lombardi

School-teacher Lombardi was a legendary motivator who focused on basics and preparation. Shades of meaning were important to him. He was tuned into emotions like no other coach. You could understand how Lombardi might not like some of his men, but he loved them all. He wanted them to excel, to be the best. 

5.    Focus on your job—focus on what you do and do it right—Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick runs the tightest of organizations. He can often be heard in key situations telling a player, “just do your job.” He wants focus rather than everyone worrying about what other people are going to do. Players worrying about what others are doing are hurting the organization and the team. 


Principles are often short and sweet, but have a deeper meaning for people as they consider their implications. 

Copyright Sporting Chance Press