Inspired by Irvin at NFL Rookie Symposium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NFL Hall of Fame Ceremony and Game are less than 30 days away.  These events signal the beginning of the NFL season for me—HOOZAH!  Meanwhile, we have the Rookie Symposium.  The 250 very special men who were recently drafted into the NFL gather to hear veteran coaches and players “mentor” them about balancing their lives with their new jobs, and all that new money . . .

Herm Edwards, at last year’s Rookie Symposium, was so memorable in my mind, that I can still quote him.  He challenged the rookies, asking them what are their priorities?  He told them to understand their finances:  “In life, all you need is ONE of everything:  one car, one house, one piece of jewelry –not a Mr. T Starter Set—one girlfriend OR one wife—you can’t have both—don’t screw that up—you’ve been told—one of everything.”  Good advice.  Wish I would have limited my jewelry intake . . .might own one house if I had . . .

This year, retired player Michael Irvin was the featured speaker.  Irvin was a “bad boy” in the day, and had multiple run-ins with the law.  He inspired the players by telling them he wished HE had had a symposium when he was a rookie.  The 41-year old Irvin “could tell a 21-year old Irvin how to handle this opportunity.”  First, he said, “Your gifts—your talents—took you here.  Is your person ready?”  Then, he inspired them by pointing out the responsibility they have.  He said, “I know what it took to get into this room.  We are the elite.  We do have a responsibility beyond US.  People look at you every day.  You give them the greatest thing that people have:  you give them HOPE.  Without hope, they perish.  When they lose hope, they think there’s nothing in front of them better than what’s behind them.  You give them hope.  It takes serious hope to be in this room.  It takes serious determination.  It takes serious will power.  And everybody doesn’t have it.  So, the 250 that are drafted here—the rest of the world looks on, and says, ‘I’m garnering strength from you.’”

I love the Rookie Symposium because I love mentoring.  Mentors can help mentees shortcut the school of hard knocks.  That’s what Edwards and Irvin were trying to do.  I wrote about Mentoring in my book, making it one of my 6 M’s in my Hall of Fame for successful business people.  And I love what Irvin said about players inspiring people.  They do.  That’s why I watch sports.  All women can appreciate the sheer physicality of the game, I wrote in my book.  Nelson Mandela united a country with a rugby match.  He knew that “sports can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.”  President Obama said, “When you watch sports, the concerns of everyday life disappear.”  That was true for me yesterday, watching Federer and Murray battle at Wimbledon for the Championship.  I must say, my girl gene kicked in, watching Federer win—he was unable to stop his tears from flowing, and the cameras kept cutting to his wife and mom, holding his 3-year old twin girls, clapping their little hands for Dad.  He said he was grateful they were there, to see “Dad at the office.”  HAW!  Gotta love it!  Less than 8 weeks till the first NFL game.  Sigh . . .can’t wait!