https://youtu.be/ph1F6Jd7IEI
I want to direct everyone reading this post to the 3:25 mark of the video above and watch the following two minutes. These two minutes show an emotional Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett in tears. Coach Garrett is introducing future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Whitten who would then announce his retirement.
When discussing the type of man and player Whitten is, Garrett tells a story of the tight end explaining his favorite play, Y-option. A master of his craft, Whitten spoke for 30 minutes on this one single play. Using a clip from a playoff game against Detroit as his point of reference, he explained why the play actually works.
The following is a transcript of Garrett’s story. When Everything Works Right For A Leader This Is Why:
“I want to tell why this play really works.
They played two-man for one reason, Dez Bryant. You need a guy underneath and you need a guy up top. Dez Bryant is one of the best receivers in the National Football League. He deserves that attention.
Then he talked about the offensive line. Tyron Smith and his set and how he used his hands and where his eyes were and his punch. And how he scratched and clawed and fought.
He talked about Ron Leary, our left guard, and Travis Frederick, Zack Martin working inside. Working together. Passing things off. Scratching, clawing, fighting until the end of the down.
He talked about Jeremy Parnell, our right tackle, his set and how he was battling and keeping the rush away from (quarterback Tony) Romo.
He talked about Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams, taking outside releases, turning defenders eyes away from him and running the safety off so he’d be isolated.
He talked about DeMarco Murray, his protection assignment, running the swing, getting the linebacker out of there so he could break inside.
And he talked about Romo. The greatness of Romo. His toughness. Mental toughness. Physical toughness. His instincts. His awareness to kind of hang in there with him.
The guys who were on the bus together in 2003 from the hotel to the facility….
So it struck me, that this play, his signature play, for he made it at the critical moment, he didn’t make it about him. He did what he always does. He makes it about everybody else. He made it about the team.”
Jason Whitten reminds us of the following:
- Smart leaders never make success about them.
- Smart leaders always make their success about the team.
- Every single player on the field played a role in making Whitten a success.
- No contribution was too small. Every contribution mattered.
- Every player plays a vital role in a team’s success.
- You are only successful as your weakest link.
- Together you can accomplish more than you can alone.
What is one thing you learned from this speech which will make you a better leader?
My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase. If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you! By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you. This book is not to be read alone. Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence. Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.