Who's This Guy?

#52 - Ray Lewis

Too many times I sit and watch football or basketball games and I say to myself, “Who let this this guy on the field or the court?  He’s just playing for a paycheck.”  Every one has asked this question at some point in time while watching a game, so I know it's not me.

I will ask any person who loves sports this single question...

What is the difference between the superstar athletes of their respective professional sports and the other players?

The answer…..superstars study their craft.  Other guys, study your craft!

How many people do you know at your job, who actually do their work? 

Are people at your job always complaining about doing their work? 

Do your coworkers ever state they know their bosses job better than their boss?

All of these questions are relevant because we all know people or current coworkers like this.  Whether these are office employees, construction workers, etc. it’s all the same and athletes are no different.

Who's this guy?

Think of your favorite athlete on a team sport and why he is your favorite athlete?  Now think about the other players on the team?  There is a reason why we remember the star players and not the other guys?  Role players are other guys who play a specific role.  The player labeled, “who’s this guy?” is probably the guy who has the talent only, but just wants to make money and meet women and forgets to study the film.

Talented players with heart and desire study their craft to no end.  Just take a look at current offensive football players like Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers, Adrian Peterson, Jason Whitten and others.  Then take a look at current defensive football players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Clay Matthews and others.

These are football players who study the film and know where they are supposed to be on the field at all times.  These players also know where their teammates are supposed to be.  The sad part is, “who’s this guy?” does not know where he’s supposed to be 75% of the time.  He is so focused on the women and the party after the game that he cannot concentrate on his job.  If “who’s this guy?” studied the film, imagine how much better all football games would be.  Amazing!

Say what you want about basketball players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are the best at what they do due their preparation and hard work. 

#24 - Kobe Bryant

Kobe: Many people do not like Kobe for whatever reason.  Maybe he’s been accused of being is too conceded or maybe he tries to be too much like Michael Jordan.  Whatever the case, ask any NBA head coach and ask if they want Kobe on their team?  Kobe is a leader by his preparation and teammates follow.  Kobe has a strong will to do whatever it takes to win.

#23 - LeBron James

LeBron: Many people also do not like LeBron for whatever reason.  Maybe it’s because he left Cleveland for Miami or maybe it’s because he disappeared in 4^th quarter postseason games until the 2012 finals.  Either way, LeBron is a leader and makes other players better by his preparation, play and attitude on the court.

Please remember, there are role players who play their role and then there are other guys labeled, “who’s this guy?” This is probably the guy who wants to make money and meet women and FORGETS to study the film.

It’s a shame.  A crying shame.  Athletes…..please study the film!

Thanks!