Generally, football players receive a certain amount of respect because they participate in a violent sport. Fortunately, very few let this go to their heads and most behave appropriately off the field. The majority of players develop a respect for their coaches and one another that translates into a productive environment. In every instance, leadership qualities are born within team unity.
Earning Respect
Football demands commitment and resilience on the part of the players. As the team becomes familiar with the talents and skills of certain players, those players' begin to gain respect. The coach often selects one of the more respected players as a liaison to communicate the importance of hard work and dedication to learning individual assignments. Respect might allow the liaison's voice among the ranks, but this does not necessary mean the liaison is a leader on or off the field.
Team Leaders
In most instances, the signal callers on a team are the leaders. The quarterback's responsibilities begin with understanding the roles of each player on his offense and calling plays in the huddle. A quarterback with natural leadership abilities and knowledge of the offense commands respect in the huddle. In turn, an exceptional quarterback, such as Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, respects the efforts and abilities of his teammates and awards praise for a job well done.
The middle linebacker calls defensive signals and is responsible for making sure his teammates are in the right position at the snap of the ball. Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is typical of a defensive signal caller who receives respect from his teammates. Lewis is soft-spoken off the field and intense during games. As a result, his teammates strive to match his excellence. Every team has leaders and their effect often encourages similar qualities in other players.
Trickle-Down Effect
Players who respect and admire team leaders often exhibit similar traits off the field. A player might handle an uncomfortable situation or diffuse an argument between two people that has the potential of becoming physical. Through actions like these, players who respond to team leaders become leaders in their own regard.
Observations
At some point, players who respond to team leadership understand the value of respect for their fellow man and society. Players who don't accept and respect team leaders often are viewed as unfavorable by the coach or teammates. The football environment encourages respect. In many cases, this respect is displayed off the field as well. The nature of football encourages a select few to step up as leaders. Whether team leaders are capable leaders off the field is secondary. The football environment encourages players to respect strength, authority and their fellow man.
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