D_Krolak_Coaching_Portfolio_1.0

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Offensive Playbook

Offensive Production 2010-2015

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Click to Activate Each Playbook

General Info Directory Pass General

Introductory/Procedural Alignment/ Formations THE PLAY CALL “CHAIN”
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
OFFENSIVE IDENTITY RECEIVER ALIGNMENTS THE B/H/F BACK
GOALS/EXPECTATIONS NUMBERED ROUTES
QB/RB ALIGNMENTS A.C.T.S.
NO HUDDLE TEMPO ADVANTAGE ROUTES
COMMUNICATING THE PLAY PERSONNEL GROUPINGS
FRONTSIDE COMBINATIONS
SIGNALING IN THE PLAY FORMATION MENU BACKSIDE TAGS
AUDIBLES/CHECKS
Motion/ Shift PLAY ACTION TAGS
PERSONNEL PROTOTYPES SHOTS
BASIC FIRE YO
Understanding Defense MOTION FLAME READ CONCEPT OVERVIEW

DEFENSE MENU FAST BRAVO GHOST
MOTION BLAZE GIVE

COMET MOVE SPEED
SWEEP

Specialty
Motions

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PASS PROTECTION GUIDE (1/2) RUN GAME

• DROPBACK PROTECTIONS ZONE RUNS GAP RUNS PIN & PULL
 5 MAN PROTECTION
• Zorro/Zulu • Power/Prowler • Shark/Seal
 GREEN/ GOLD (Gone) • Ram/Lion • Condor/Eagle • Detroit/Dual
 6 MAN PROTECTIONS

 BROWN/ BLACK (Base)
 TAN/ TEAL (use with East/West /King/Queen)
 CRIMSON/ COAL (puts RB opposite play direction)
 Vs 4-1, 4-2 FRONTS
 Vs 4-2, 4-3 FRONTS
 Vs 3-2, 3-3 FRONTS
 7 MAN PROTECTION
 MAROON/ METAL (Max)
 ADJUSTMENTS CALLS:
 IDENTIFYING THE MIKE
• “SOLO” FROM BROWN/ BLACK (CRIMSON/ COAL)
• “SOLO” FROM GREEN/ GOLD
• “RINGO/ LUCKY” FROM GREEN/ GOLD
• “SMOKE”, “FAN”, “DOWN”

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Play Action Ready List

Movement • ORANGE/ OLIVE
• GRAY/ SILVER

Pocket • BRONZE/ YELLOW
• SHOW
• DARK/ LIGHT

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Strength Training

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS/RESOURCES FOR THEIR
HELPFUL INSIGHTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOTBALL STRENGTH AND
CONDITIONING MANUAL

References
Baechle, Thomas R., and Roger W. Earle. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning.
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2008. Print.
NSCA's Strength and Conditioning Manual for High School Coaches. Monterey, CA: Healthy
Learning, 2003. Print.
NSCA's Strength and Conditioning Manual for High School Coaches. Monterey, CA: Healthy
Learning, 2003. Print.
Fleck, Steven J., and William J. Kraemer. Designing Resistance Training Programs.
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1997. Print.
Bompa, Tudor O., and Orietta Calcina. Theory and Methodology of Training: The Key to
Athletic Performance. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Pub., 1994. Print.

Kevin Vanderbush, Head Strength Coach, Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, IN

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Strength Training Philosophy

 I believe in simple things done with consistent excellence rather than complicated things done
poorly.” (Lombardi)

 Make sure you don’t “over-coach.” Just because you know all types of exercises and techniques, you
don’t always have to use them.

 Always combine practical experience with textbook theory.
 Coaching that goes on in strength and conditioning works the same as it does on the field. Coaching

is more that the X’s and O’s – You must teach, explain, convince, and motivate.
 You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but if they don’t buy into what you are doing, the

program won’t be successful. You must make kids believe in the program – you have to show them
how it will work for them – in a way that they will understand.
 The main goal is to make better athletes – not just better lifters.

 Ask yourself - when designing a program- is the time it takes to teach/master a complicated lift the
best use of your time and the athlete’s time? Examine data – to assess program, and help athletes
with goal setting – both individual and team.

 Challenge athletes every day and demand success. Athletes must be working outside there comfort
zones.

 I want my players to:
 Be able to work on their own at times.
 Know what weight to use.
 Know when to increase the weight.
 Have a basic understanding of what we are doing and why we are doing it.

 Keep working when no one is watching.

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Program Goals:

1. Prevent injuries
2. Train for football athleticism.

Training Guidelines for FOOTBALL ATHLETICISM

· Ground Based Actions
· Football is played on your feet. Every movement a football player makes is driven by the
pressure he applies to the ground.

· Multiple Joint Actions
· Compound movements involving more than one joint more closely simulates on field activities
as wells as providing balance cues to muscle groups and joints that help improve overall
kinesthetic sense.

· 3-Dimensional Actions
· Incorporate exercises that work the athlete in all three planes of motion is key in the
strengthening and maintenance of sport specific muscle groups.

· Explosive Actions
· Through explosive training the athlete can recruit more motor units and develop the fast
twitch muscle fibers that are required in performing football activities

· Core Development
· ALL body movements start in your core--so should your physical training!

· Specific Energy System Development
· Football dictates that players be able to perform repetitive series of sprints at maximal
intensity, with the ability to recover quickly between each sprint being the critical factor.
Conditioning should target the Phosphate and Glycolic energy systems.

· Prioritize
· Violence and speed of movement. In the game of football there is no time to be weak and
slow—Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears.

· Integrate
· Systematically integrate Plyometric, Strength, Power, Flexibility, Core, Body Composition,
Muscle Fiber recruitment, and Energy System Development

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Motivating the HS Athlete

1. Understanding how it will help them become a better athlete (performance enhancement/injury
reduction)

2. Change in body composition/improved self-esteem

3. Wanting to reach personal goals/help team reach team goals

4. Recognition from coaches /teammates/classmates

5. Feeling that it is necessary to earn playing time or to play at the next level

6. Sense of accomplishment that comes when finished with a workout. Team/Individual goals

7. Examples
a. Club/Record Boards
b. T-Shirts
c. Bulletin Boards
d. Wall of Fame
e. FB Lift Contest & Highland Games

Things to Consider

It is important to point out that several set/rep schemes exist that satisfy our program goals. However,
the unique nature of the high school program and athlete usually requires some strategic adjustments to
be made. The challenge to the coach is to make these adjustments while maintaining the scientific
soundness of the set/rep scheme. In the case of Basha football the following factors influenced our
decision to adjust our strength and condition program.

 Maintain our current level of competitiveness despite a declining school population.
 New time limitations; 3-56 min and 1-112 min class per week to lift
 Class sizes that have a high athlete to coach ratio.
 Available equipment and space.
 Simplicity. Easy for the athletes to understand and use. Easy for the coach to implement and

maintain.

 Accommodate athletes with vary degrees of strength and experience.

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Organization

The weight-room is organized into 10 lifting pods. Pods 1A-5A is upper body while 1B-5B is lower body.
The location of each pod is labeled and layouts of the pods are posted on the north and south walls. Each
pod contains four lifting stations. Each station accommodates 2 athletes. Each pod accommodates 8
athletes, with 40 working Upper Body and 40 working Lower Body. With present equipment the program
can handle 80 lifters. Percentages of 1 RM are used to calculate loads on Squat, Bench and Power Clean.
On other lifts, the athletes, by trial and error find a weight that makes their third set difficult to complete.
The weight on all three sets remains unchanged. This was done to save time by not having to change
plates. Pairing athletes with similar 1RMs will also reduce the need to change plates. The athletes are
given 7 minutes to complete their sets.

Set Rep Cycle

Every two weeks the number of reps that are attempted on the major three lifts (Bench, Squat and
Cleans) are changed. For the other lifts, changes occur every four weeks. However, the number of sets
remains three throughout the nine week cycle. Furthermore, the athlete uses the same weight for all
three sets of an exercise. Using the same weight makes the transition from set to set easier and less time
consuming. More importantly it allows an athlete to gauge their progress and develop an understanding
when to add weight. The athlete or coach can easily make adjustments to the assigned loads based on
the ease or difficulty the athlete completes his third set. Here’s an easy, simple and safe way to tell...

When you can surpass your repetition range by 2 reps on your last set, for 2 workouts in a row, it's
time for an increase. This is known as the '2 for 2 Rule'.

Start with anywhere from 2 to 5 lb increases for upper body exercises and 5 to 10 lbs for lower body
exercises.

On the other hand, if they don't complete all 3 sets of 10 reps. then they use the same weight for the
next workout. Every two weeks the targeted reps. drop by 2, the amount of weight used is increased by
5%.

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SET/REP CYCLE

WEEK (SQUAT, BENCH, CLEANS) OTHER LIFTS

1 Week 3 sets of 12 reps @ 70% of 1RM 3 Sets of 12

2 Weeks 3 sets of 10 reps @ 75% of 1RM 3 Sets of 10

2 Weeks 3 sets of 8 reps @ 80% of 1RM 3 Sets of 10

2 Weeks 3 sets of 6 reps @ 85% of 1 RM 3 Sets of 8

2 Weeks 6 reps, 4 reps, 2 reps @ 85%, 90%, 95% 3 Sets of 8
of 1RM

One Rep Max Outs on Big Three

All Abdominal Exercises 25 reps

Seasonal Programs

Summer

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Winter

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Spring

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SAQ Training

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Warm-up

1. Players form lines of 5 to 10 deep. Each column is 2 ft apart. Looks like a Roman Legion
2. The leader calls out the name of the exercise and his row assumes the appropriate ready position.

a. Ready position: If exercise is….
i. forward facing then stagger feet with right foot back
ii. side facing then facing the back of the leader in Lber stance.
iii. rear facing then stagger feet with right foot forward.

3. To begin the Leader calls out “SET-GO”
a. On “SET-GO” all players in that row clap and shout word of the day, such as “PRIDE”, “HIT” etc.
When the row reaches the 10 yard line the players initiate a jog to the 20 yard line.
b. ( Note: If the exercise has the players moving backwards then they will turn towards the leader
when its time to turn and jog)

4. When the row reaches the 20 yard line it turns right and resets itself 15 yards to the right. On “SET-GO”
from the leader the same exercise is repeated back towards the starting position.

5. When the row returns to the start it again turns to the right and resets itself behind the rows
waiting to start.

6. Each subsequent row rapidly steps up to the starting line and assumes the appropriate ready
position. Its leader calls out the exercise and begins when the row in front is 5 yards away.

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Exercises

1. KNEE HUGS Is the athlete….
· keeping torso erect?
· pulling the knee all the way to chest on a one count?
· progressing to rising up on the toe of the opposite leg?

2. OPEN THE GATE: Is the athlete…
· facing straight ahead while moving backwards?
· staying erect with slight forward lean?
· bringing the thigh parallel with ground when lifting it?
· opening hips at the waist and driving behind to the side.

3. LUNGES: Is the athlete….
· placing Interlocked hands thumbs down against the forehead
· while lunging maintaining proper upright torso?
· while lunging keeping the knee behind the front toes?
· while lunging sinking close to the ground without touching
· while lunging picking up the back foot on return to the start position.

4. FLAMINGOS: Is the athlete….
· maintaining balance on one foot before initiating stretch?
· pulling the foot upward to the glutes with the same hand before bending?
· reaching outward as bending with the opposite hand?
· maintaining the stretch and returning to the start position before stepping to the next leg?

5. SIDE LUNGES: Is the athlete….
· maintaining an upright torso
· keeping his shoulders square?
· dropping into the lunge with legs, not bending over?
· achieving full extension of the leg that is opposite the direction the player is moving?
· Keeping feet apart?
· returning to a squat position without raising up before repeating?

6. SPIDERMANS: Is the athlete…?
· Beginning a pushup position?
· taking a large step with the right foot, placing it outside the hand and the foot flat on the
ground?
· sinking the hips and keep the chest up?
· Keeping the weight on the hands push off the forward foot and move forward letting the back
foot drag then stepping with it to repeat the movement?

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Collegiate Recruiting

Levels of Interest

Adapted from www.recruiting-101.com

In reverse order of importance, here are the levels of attention that colleges may show you:

Camp Invite - While it is very true that college coaches will invite players to a camp to seriously consider
them for a scholarship, these same coaches have to invite a lot of other players as well. Some will tell
the player that if they are the best quarterback or running back at the camp, they will offer. And in some
respects, that may be true but unlikely to happen. At football programs across the country, the pay of
coaches is supplemented with money that is earned during summer camps. So if a coach wants to earn
more money, he needs to get more athletes at the camp. And at the same time, what this coach can do
is invite any player who was named All State, All Conference, or All District the previous season. If one
player shocks everyone and eventually receives a scholarship, it was worth the $300 plus to go to the
camp. If not, the coach still gets paid for the camp by the player. In the majority of cases, the player
leaves camp without a scholarship offer.

Questionnaires - College coaches will send out questionnaires to recruits to learn more about them.
When they originally start their recruiting database with thousands and thousands of athletes, the
questionnaires will help them narrow things down. For example, some schools may send out these to
many athletes in the area. But if it is a Division I school and the player barely saw the field as a junior,
this is likely to be the last piece of mail that they send the player. This is listed above camp invite
because at least the school wants to learn more about you and your skills.

Form Letters - These are the generic letters from college coaches that are typed up and not personal at
all. It can include brief talks about the school, updates on the program, and anything generic that has
nothing personal about you at all. This is another letter that could go to 5,000 different athletes
throughout the country. While these are nice to receive, getting one from a Division I school does not
mean that you are a Division I player.

Emails - While there has been software developed recently that allows coaches to send out mass emails
to prospective recruits, emails are a step above the form letter when it becomes a personal thing. If
they are just email blasts with no substance included, these would actually rank below form letters. But
if it is personal and to just you, then it is a step above. Getting an email from a college coach is a good
thing but do realize that they send a lot of mass emails out about their program.

School Visits - While it is great to say hello to a college coach visiting your school, many of these coaches
go through the same schools every year. They may or may not be interested in you. The college coaches
might just be doing this to cultivate a relationship with the head coach for use on a future prospect.

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Hand Written Letters - Receiving hand written letters from college coaches means that they are serious
enough about you to spend enough attention to write out what should be a personalized note. While it
is unknown how many of these they write, and if they actually do write them (graduate assistants are
often used for this), this is a step up the recruiting importance chain.

Junior Day Visits – Junior Days really depend on the school. Some programs keep their Junior Day
numbers very low and all of the players there eventually go on to a scholarship somewhere. On the
other hands, some schools bring in as many kids will come. The bigger the numbers, the less prestigious
it is

Phone Calls - When receiving a phone call from a coach, you know that it is something that they are
doing and it is impossible for them to fake. This gives you, as a player, a chance to learn more about the
coach and their program. This gives the coach a chance to learn more about you, as a person, and not
just an athlete. Athletes that are being seriously recruited by a school will receive a call during the open
periods. If you are naturally quiet, make sure to ask the coach questions about the program and show
them they you are interested. While they would not stop recruiting you from this, coaches dread calling
kids who are quiet and tough to talk to. Official Visits - Official visits are not necessarily, sure-fire offers
because some of the players on these visits do end up walking on. However, if a school is going to pay
for you to visit campus, that says a lot about what they think of you as a player. My guess is that if you
are brought on an official visit, unless you get in trouble while there, the least they will offer you is a
walk on spot.

Verbal Scholarship Offers – Don’t believe that you have an official offer until the paperwork comes in
the mail. Some coaches will verbally offer a player or hint around about it. Really, this is a big step in the
recruiting process. The coach could tell you over the phone that there is an offer for you or while on a
visit. It is something to get excited about and few coaches will go back on their word. But some may and
that is why the official paperwork is what seals the deal.

Written Scholarship Offer - This may come after talking to the coaching staff or even randomly in the
mail. Some schools have been known not to say anything before and the paperwork shows up at an
athlete’s house. This basically means that you are in a great situation and you will likely not have to pay
for college. It is the dream of any athlete and shows that the time and effort you have put in over the
past years of your life has paid off. But it is important to realize that the hard work is only beginning if
you are planning to play sports at the scholarship level.

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Recruit Plan

Set your goals and make the commitment. As a football player, you study tape, build
camaraderie with your teammates, lift weights to build strength, and perfect your skills.
It’s all to prepare to be the best on game day. It’s a process. Just like with success on game
day, working toward reaching the goal of a roster spot in a college football program is a
process that requires commitment and dedication. Any process starts with putting
together a plan. Below is your football recruiting timeline, broken down by year.
Depending on your ability, we may need to supplement or change this timeline as needed.

Freshman Year

 Build a strong academic foundation by earning at least a “B” in every class. Seek out help when
needed. Your academic success as a freshman sets the stage for being eligible as a senior.

 Devote yourself to physical improvement through a strong dedication to the weight room and
nutrition.

 Create a list of 30 – 40 prospective schools. Each week research 2 – 3 schools.

Sophomore Year

 Continue to reinforce and build your academic success. Seek out extra help in subjects where
you struggle.

 Fill out any questionnaires received in the mail and send back right away
 Hone in on the 10 – 15 schools that you are most interested in.

 Take a practice ACT to begin the process of identifying weaknesses to address.

 Continue to develop your physical traits to maximize success in your junior year.

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Junior Year

 Continue to develop your academic skills. Seek help when needed.
 Develop a 5-5-5 List: 5 programs that are slightly above your reach, 5 programs that are a good

fit, and 5 back up schools.
 If you haven’t heard from DI schools, reach out to DII, DIII and/or NAIA programs.
 Follow up with coaches with phone calls, emails, letters and ask where you stand on their list of

recruits.
 In the spring, make a few unofficial visits to colleges that have been in contact with you
 Attend camps and one-day college-sponsored camps.
 Make highlight film.
 Submit information to the NCAA Clearinghouse.
 Take the ACT.
 Enroll in an ACT prep class if needed.




Senior Year

 Continue to build academic success.
 Retake ACT if needed.
 DI coaches can start calling on a weekly basis on September 1, most cases they have already

made offers.
 DII, DIII, and NAIA schools do most of their recruiting and make offers during the spring of the

senior year.
 Follow up with coaches who have made contact and schedule official visits; only 5 total official

visits to DI and DII schools.
 Start your financial aid planning. Register for FAFSA (www.fafsa.edu) as soon as January 1.
 Officially commit to a program. Signing Day is the first Wednesday in February through April 1.
 Find out when you are expected to report to camp.

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Timelines

Game Day Time Lines

TIME HOME GAMES LOCATION
3:00 Team Meeting
3:25 Invocation/Transition to dining Gym Annex
3:30 Team Meal Main Field
3:55 Game Prep Meet under goal post

4:50 Walk Thru Main Field
5:40 Kickers, Snappers, QBs report
5:50 All other specials report Locker Room/Field
6:00 Lineman report Main Field
6:10 Team Stretch
6:22 Individual defense LOCATION
6:27 Team Water
6:30 Defense pursuit drill
6:31 Individual Offense
6:36 Team Offense
6:40 Team exits
6:50 Team Huddle
6:53 Captains lead team to battle
7:00 Kick off!

TIME AWAY GAMES Locker Room, Training Room
3:00 Team Meeting Parking Lot
3:25 Invocation/Transition to dining Main Field
3:30 Team Meal
3:55 Game Prep Meet under goal post

4:20 Depart Main Field
5:40 Kickers, Snappers, QBs report
5:50 All other specials report Locker Room
6:00 Lineman report Locker Room
6:10 Team Stretch Locker Room/Field
6:22 Individual defense
6:27 Team Water
6:30 Defense pursuit drill
6:31 Individual Offense
6:36 Team Offense
6:40 Team return to locker room
6:50 Team Huddle
6:53 Captains lead team to battle

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7:00 Kick off! Main Field
LOCATION
TIME SENIOR NIGHT TASK Faculty Cafeteria
3:00 Team Meeting Locker Room, Training Room
3:30 Invocation/Transition to dining Main Field
3:35 Team Meal Meet under goal post
4:00 Game Prep Main Field

5:30 Kickers, Snappers, QBs report Football Field
5:40 All other specials report Main Field
5:50 Lineman report
6:00 Team Stretch
6:12 Individual defense
6:17 Team Water
6:19 Defense pursuit drill
6:20 Individual Offense
6:25 Team Offense
6:27 Team exits field (except Seniors)
6:30 Senior Night Recognitions
6:52 Team Huddle
6:54 Captains lead team to battle
7:00 Kick off!

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Monthly Calendars

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Season Checklists □ Recruit Junior High
□ Solicit Boosters for Funds
Offseason (Spring) □ Solicit Businesses for Donations
□ Spring Team Meetings
□ Run Academic Program □ Spring Football
□ Recruit the Hallways □ Fundraiser: Bike Ride
□ Run Strength Program □ Attend Coaching Clinics
□ Run Conditioning Program □ Recruiting Information on Athletes
□ Plan Fundraisers □ Meet with College Coaches
□ Register for Passing Leagues □ Design Coaching Attire
□ Program Newsletter
□ Program Promotion □ Preseason Schedules
□ Scheme Development □ Feeder Program Coaching Clinic
□ Playbook Development □ Weekly Coaches Meetings
□ Summer Team Meeting
Preseason (Summer) □ Inventory New Equipment
□ Spirit Packs and Coaching Attire
□ Summer Newsletter □ Organize In-Season Responsibilities
□ Revisions to Calendar
□ Fundraiser: Passing League □ Ground Crew Gear
□ Fundraiser: Coaching Clinic □ Promotional Materials
□ Fundraiser: Youth Camp □ Scrimmage
□ Summer Strength Program □ Letter to Faculty
□ Summer Conditioning □ Student Progress Reports
□ Summer Passing Leagues □ School Issues
□ Parent Issues
In Season (Fall) □ Player Issues
□ Media Issues
□ Final Newsletter □ Game Issues
□ Coaches Meeting
□ Strength Program □ Order New Equipment
□ Conditioning Program □ Playbook/Scheme Review
□ Academic Program □ Hire New Coaches
□ Individual Fundraisers □ Work with AD on Budget
□ Spirit Packs □ Booster Changes
□ Locker & Gear Issue □ Thank You Letters
□ Parent Meeting □ Academic Support for Finals
□ Two-a-Days □ Recruit the Hallways
□ Plan Strength Program
Postseason (Winter) □ Plan Conditioning Program
□ Plan Academic Program
□ Collect Equipment □ Yearly Calend
□ Inventory Equipment
□ Equipment Maintenance
□ Determine Awards
□ All League/State Meetings
□ Team Banquet & Awards
□ Meet with AD
□ Coach Evaluations
□ Player Evaluations
□ Support Staff Evaluations
□ Academic Support Evaluation
□ End of Season Meetings

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Varsity Club

1. Offense Earns passes the 12% Test
2. Intercepted pass
3. Interception, fumble, kickoff or punt return for a TD (1 plus bonus of 1)
4. Causing fumble and Mesa Recovery
5. Recovered fumble
6. Blocked punt, extra point or field goal
7. Tackle for a safety
8. Tackle opponent for a 5 yard loss (run or pass)
9. Tackling the QB while attempting to pass
10. 5 unassisted tackles in a game
11. 10 assisted tackles in a game
12. Defensive lineman causing a pass breakup or interception
13. Exceptional extra effort on any offensive, defensive or special team play
14. 2 or more good blocks on one play
15. Interior lineman scoring a TD (1 plus bonus of 2)
16. Key downfield block on a TD run, pass or return
17. Lineman blocking with 75% effectiveness (at least 15 plays)
18. Making 2 pancake blocks in one game (Pancake block-def. player to his back)
19. Running back rush for 100 yards, QB throwing for 150 yards or receiving yards of 75 or more
20. Running back rush for 35 yards or more on one carry
21. Quarterback completing 50% of passes (throw at least 6 passes)
22. A pass for 35 yards or more (QB and receiver)
23. Receiver catching 4 or more passes
24. On punt coverage, holding returner to under a 5 yard return
25. Punt return of 20 yards or more
26. Punt of 45 yards or more
27. Field goal of 25 yards or more
28. 5 consecutive extra points (kicker/snapper/holder)
29. Kickoff return of 30 yards or more
30. Tackle inside 25 yard line on the kickoff
31. Kickoff kicked into the end zone
32. Scout offensive and defense player of the week.
33. WIN

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What It Takes To Be Number One

Winning is not a sometime thing; It’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t

do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is

losing.

There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place. I

have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay, and don’t ever want to finish second again. There is

a second place bowl game, but it is a game for losers played by losers. It is and always has been an American

zeal to be the first in anything we do, and to win, and to win.

Every time a football player goes to apply his trade he’s got to play from the ground up – from the

soles of his feet right up to his head. Every inch of him has to play. Some guys play with their heads. That’s

O.K. you’ve got to be smart to be number on in any business, but more importantly, you’ve got to play with

your heart and with every fiber of your body. If you’re lucky enough to find a guy with a lot of head and a

lot of heart, he’s never going to come off the field second.

Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization – an army, a

political party, or a business. The principles are the same. The object is to win – to beat the other guy.

Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don’t think it is.

It is a reality of life that men are competitive and the most competitive games draw the most

competitive men. That’s why they are there – to compete and to know the rules and objectives when they

get in the game. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules – but to win.

And in truth, I’ve never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart,

didn’t appreciate the grind… the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline

and the harsh reality of head to head combat.

I don’t say these things because I believe in the “brute” nature of man or that man must be

brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency.

I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that

moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle –

victorious.

– Vince Lombardi

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