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Lessons from Legends: Ricky Hunley, Letter to my younger self – Part 1

By Shereen Rayan

Jul 28, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans walk behind the Pat Bowlen training facility during before the start of camp drills held at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans walk behind the Pat Bowlen training facility during before the start of camp drills held at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lesson No. 2 – Don’t make your problem my problem, embrace coaching.

“Stupid is as stupid does” -Forrest Gump

For 18 years, the requirements from your coaches will pretty much be the same; your coaches will be demanding you to do all the things that are in your control. You won’t realize the benefits of being humble enough to listen and learn at some critical times. Having a good attitude, playing with great effort and knowing what to do are vital ingredients to getting along and having success.

Attitude

Quitting is easy. Don’t do it! FOCUS and finish what you start.

You must embrace the process of coaching. These mentors will teach you to be more demanding of yourself because they recognize that you have so much more to give.

Quitting is easy. Don’t do it! FOCUS and finish what you start.

Don’t confuse the message from the messenger. The message will be clear, but the messengers delivery will feel like a personal attack on you. It won’t be, so take a deep breath and exhale. On occasion, this is just a practical lesson of tough love.

You will have some coaches that are very competent, confident and some just damn right in your face and LOUD. Understand that confidence speaks with volume, and your self-discipline must be lasting and meaningful.

The words that come out of your mouth you will own forever.

Be very careful with your words.

As Forrest Gump would say, “That’s all I have to say about that.”

https://twitter.com/rickyhunley/status/774715798061363200

Effort

Football coaches will tell you ‘Give me everything you got for 60 minutes.’ Compliant players buy into what coaches are preaching. So yes, you’ll believe the hype about going full speed for a 60-minute game.

So here is a quick lesson from Ricky to Younger Self Ricky:

There’s nothing you can do full speed for 60 minutes straight. Don’t believe the hype! Football is a game played in series of seconds. On average each play in football only last 3-5 seconds, play it like your hair’s on fire! Play like it is the last time you will ever get to play again.

Playing the game and not watching the game will separate you from everyone else. Have a single focus and a sole purpose. Finally, never, ever let your ‘Effort’ be in question.

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