Importance of "Veteran Presence"

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by GoBigBlue88

Veteran presence only really matters if your team is good and has game-changing players, tbh.

Andre Johnson was a veteran presence once. Heh. The list goes on.

I completely disagree with this. Seeing how players take care of their bodies, study tape, etc is the kinds of things guys pickup from vets. Hilton learning tricks of the trade from Reggie is an example of veteran presence. Wilson’s attitude change after being mentored a little by Mitchell is an example of veteran presence. Guys can learn a lot from someone that’s “been there and done that.” I’d agree that a team needs some talent to get the most from it, but if your roster is so shit that there is no one capable of improving then the vets are probably your best players anyway.

[GoBigBlue88]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I completely disagree with this. Seeing how players take care of their bodies, study tape, etc is the kinds of things guys pickup from vets. Hilton learning tricks of the trade from Reggie is an example of veteran presence. Wilson’s attitude change after being mentored a little by Mitchell is an example of veteran presence. Guys can learn a lot from someone that’s “been there and done that.” I’d agree that a team needs some talent to get the most from it, but if your roster is so shit that there is no one capable of improving then the vets are probably your best players anyway.

I mean, Donte Moncrief probably learned from Reggie too. How'd that turn out?

Hilton is good because Hilton is good. Just like Campbell will be good if Campbell is good. The veteran mentorship is totally secondary to that, which was my point.

[Oldcolt]

The place I would like to see a veteran is in the secondary. Eric Berry can still play and would give a veteran presence. I'd like to see us kick those tires.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I completely disagree with this. Seeing how players take care of their bodies, study tape, etc is the kinds of things guys pickup from vets. Hilton learning tricks of the trade from Reggie is an example of veteran presence. Wilson’s attitude change after being mentored a little by Mitchell is an example of veteran presence. Guys can learn a lot from someone that’s “been there and done that.” I’d agree that a team needs some talent to get the most from it, but if your roster is so shit that there is no one capable of improving then the vets are probably your best players anyway.

This isn't football, but it's about veterans and what they know.

There's a young man (compared to me) who left our town and went to the US Coast Guard Academy. He's a Commander now, and has moved through the ranks and posts. I asked him once, who had the biggest impact on his career. He said it was the old senior chief Petty officer who was finishing up his career at the Academy. He knew everything about seamanship, tradtion, and the stuff that keeps young officers from becoming casulties. Institutional knowledge of 35 years in the USCG. My young friend said,"you got the message, that you had better measure up and be worthy to command that man at sea."

Now football isn't nearly as serious, but it's the same thing in many institutions. The old wise minds who can guild the young kids so they have a chance at a successful career.

[omahacolt]

This isn’t football.

But I once talked to a kid that got hired for a job, worked hard at the job, and learned how to excel at his job because that was what he was paid to do.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by omahacolt

This isn’t football.

But I once talked to a kid that got hired for a job, worked hard at the job, and learned how to excel at his job because that was what he was paid to do.

Yeah, you had nothing to offer, nothing new there.

[YDFL Commish]

Omaha and Jaff, I think that you are both wrong.

There are levels of commitment in any job. The NFL is no exception. I can't tell you how many levels that is, but I imagine they can range of from just making a team and getting a paycheck to being the baddest ass MOFO at your position in the NFL.

That level of commitment can come from many different places and change throughout a players career.

I believe that Ballard is trying to draft guys that have the highest level of commitment already instilled in them, that way he doesn't need to hang on to aging veterans who's skills have diminished just for the sake of having veteran leadership.

Remember the Grigson mindset after he got some troubled young players, was to sign solid veteran leaders. How did that work out?

[Racehorse]

I think it all boils down to coaching. Coaches can make an impact with rookies and veterans alike.

[omahacolt]

Originally Posted by YDFL Commish

Omaha and Jaff, I think that you are both wrong.

There are levels of commitment in any job. The NFL is no exception. I can't tell you how many levels that is, but I imagine they can range of from just making a team and getting a paycheck to being the baddest ass MOFO at your position in the NFL.

That level of commitment can come from many different places and change throughout a players career.

I believe that Ballard is trying to draft guys that have the highest level of commitment already instilled in them, that way he doesn't need to hang on to aging veterans who's skills have diminished just for the sake of having veteran leadership.

Remember the Grigson mindset after he got some troubled young players, was to sign solid veteran leaders. How did that work out?

Troubled young players? Who were they?



How am I wrong? They are paid to do a job. They should do it. The nfl is like any industry. Some dudes get hired but don’t have what it takes.

[Pez]

There is a famous Chuck Noll quote, "If I have to motivate you, I am going to fire you..."