NFL Football Revealed on Squib Kick

Detroit Lions Ernie Sims, numbers or heart?

by James on July 16th, 2006

Numbers, numbers, numbers. We love our numbers. One big difference about the pros is how much they evaluate by the numbers. The NFL loves to weigh you, measure you, time you, and see how many metal plates you can lift up and set back down in the same place.

Case in point, is Ernie Sims the 9th pick in the 2006 NFL draft. He was chosen by the Detroit Lions. Even though he is considered a little short to be a linebacker at 6′ 0″ (measure numbers), his workouts showed great speed (timed numbers).

Hmm, his write up mentions the speed, quickness, acceleration, natural strength (what is that?), etc. All of these are the numbers. No mention of his heart. No mention that when he lines up he wants to destroy the opposing player.

Wait, it says he is aggressive, but not always aggressive? Huh? Sounds like plays when he wants to, not plays his heart out. Oh, did the heart word get used again.

Quote From one of my favorite quotable coaches, Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.
–Vince Lombardi

Remember a Chicago Bear by the name of Mike Singletary? All he did was make the Hall of Fame. He loved to hit so much he broke 16 helmets in college. 16 of his own helmets! He carried that over to the pros by playing for Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan, two very intense guys.

How about a guy named Chris Spielman from Ohio State? He was considered too small and too slow. All he did was lead the Detroit Lions in tackles for 8 straight years and make 4 pro bowls. Then he shuffled off to the Buffalo Bills and set their team record for tackles in one year of 206.

He did it with preparation, leadership skills, and always giving of himself for his team to win.

Special Note Stephanie Spielman was diagnosed with Cancer in 1998. Chris and Stephanie went on to raise millions of dollars for cancer research.

There are countless references of NFL players that played above and beyond their numbers. It is just too bad there is no way to measure or time a player’s heart.

Lists Mike Singletary is listed by College Football News as the #55 (of the top 100) college player of all time.

Fan Challenge Give me a player that you know with great heart.

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