A Dominant Victory

On Sunday evening, February 9th, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 44-20 to win Super Bowl LIX. What was surprising was not that the Eagles won, but the dominant fashion in which they did so.

Coming out of the contest, numerous leadership lessons became apparent. The following are five:

1. “We Have an Army.” “We Have a Hulk.”

In the 2012 movie The Avengers, Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) and Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) had a defining conversation. Trying to get the other to surrender, Loki said, “We have an army.” To which Stark replied, “We have a Hulk.”

The Chiefs had a Hulk in the form of Patrick Mahomes, but the Eagles had an army.

It was the Eagles’ depth that overwhelmed the Chiefs. Every player knew their role and executed it to perfection. The same is true in leadership. The best leaders do not just rely on their top performers. They develop role players who step up in critical moments. If you want sustained success, create an environment where everyone—regardless of title or status—feels empowered to contribute. Having complete reliance on a single superstar will eventually cause you to come up short.

2. Focus on the Fundamentals

The strength of the Eagles was their offensive and defensive lines. The game reminded us that football eventually comes down to blocking and tackling.

Similarly, the success of your organization will come down to its fundamentals — customer acquisition, customer retention, customer service, and a positive cash flow.

3. The Best Organizations Build from the Inside Out

The Eagles’ investment in their offensive and defensive lines proved to be the difference in the game. Their dominance in the trenches set the tone and allowed their skill players to shine.

In leadership, the best organizations build from the inside out. They focus on culture, values, and the core competencies that drive sustained success. Before chasing external recognition, they ensure that the foundation of their business is strong. If your organization is struggling, look inward first. Fix the culture, develop your people, and establish an unshakable identity.

4. Improve Your Leadership

If you want to get better as a department or organization, get a better leader.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is uniquely skilled in his ability to evaluate talent. The following are just some of his recent top draft picks:

• 2020 – QB Jalen Hurts (2nd round)
• 2021 – WR DeVonta Smith (1st round)
• 2021 – G Landon Dickerson (2nd round)
• 2022 – DT Jordan Davis (1st round)
• 2023 – DT Jalen Carter (1st round)
• 2023 – LB Nolan Smith (1st round)
• 2024 – CB Quinyon Mitchell (1st round)
• 2024 – CB Cooper DeJean (2nd round)

Roseman also traded for wide receiver A.J. Brown and signed free agents Saquon Barkley and Zach Baun.

But two of the most important additions to the team were defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. I specifically want to discuss Fangio.

Fangio is generally considered one of the greatest defensive coaches of his generation. When he surprisingly parted ways with the Miami Dolphins following the 2023 season, the Eagles immediately snatched him up. The results were significant, to say the least. The Eagles allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL, and many of its young players dramatically improved — most to superstar levels.

5. Success Leaves Clues—Follow Them

Howie Roseman’s ability to evaluate talent, hire great coaches, and build a winning culture has been the foundation of the Eagles’ success. He has created a blueprint that other teams will try to replicate.

As a leader, you do not have to reinvent the wheel. Study successful people and organizations. Find out what works and apply those lessons to your own leadership journey. Success leaves clues—follow them.

Conclusion: Championship Leadership Requires Championship Thinking

The Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl LIX victory was not an accident — it was the result of great leadership, strategic decision-making, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. Their success serves as a reminder that winning organizations don’t rely on one superstar; they build depth, focus on fundamentals, and invest in leadership at every level.

If you want to achieve sustained success in your organization, take a page from the Eagles’ playbook: Build a team, not just a star. Strengthen your foundation before seeking external validation. And most importantly, never stop improving as a leader. Because in the end, championship leadership requires championship thinking.