MVN - Most Valuable Network

Old pro’s advice goes deeper than football

One of the most popular quarterbacks in Falcon history (no, not the one in federal prison) took some time last week to give some advice to new quarterback Matt Ryan.  Steve Bartkowski a first overall pick from the 1975 draft spent 11 seasons with the Falcons and holds numerous team records.

The advice Bart gives the new Falcon gunslinger is not only fitting in this case but could apply to any pro football player.  Matter of fact, his advice translates past football and could actually be a piece of a motivational speakers seminar.

 “Stay level and don’t forget the game is fun. Remember, you never are as good as they say you are, and conversely, you’re never as bad as they say you are. Focus on what you can do to be the best you can be and then set about to do it.

“Simply tune out both fans and critics. And if at any time you are tempted to listen, remember this: The ones talking, or writing, usually have little clue as to what it takes for you to do your job.”

 

“Comport yourself like a ‘long-shot, free-agent reach’ among the boys. Humility will always win friends, and you can do nothing at that position without friends.”

Take the football euphemisms out of his quotes and Bart’s advice could just as easily be applied to anyone’s job and almost anyone’s life.  Focus, fun, humility.  How can you go wrong with that advice?  I realize that Bart was trying to prepare young Matt for the rigors of the NFL but he very well may be preparing him for more than just handling the life of a pro football player.

I urge all of you to take a look at the article and the advice given by Bartkowski.  I for one found it as appetizing food for thought and applicable to much more than just a game.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 12:09 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.