As a person in the sports world, you are a role model, like it or not...you teach all of us lessons.
I've had the opportunity to observe some great sports legends in their worlds off the field. I've learned some surprisingly humble lessons from these people.
On What Is Important
Guess who asked me to decide which was more memorable to him: Being presented a car in front of a home crowd after breaking a record or watching his children grow up?
The answer: watching his children grow up; the player, NFL legend Walter Payton. Admittedly, a lesson lost on a 23 year-old Fleishman-Hillard public relations assistant account executive, but now I understand, and I never will forget his words.
On How To Treat People
NFL QB Kurt Warner came from being an unknown back up QB to turning into Cinderella during the 1999 St. Louis Rams season that began the team's Greatest Show on Turf era. You will not meet a more unassuming person than Kurt. He treated each staff member and all that he met with dignity and respect regardless of their position. For that matter, this is how he treats everyone with whom he interacts. When his time with the Rams was over, he went out of his way to come and say good bye to every single staff member.
Treating all how you would like to be treated, no matter what your station in life. This is a valuable lesson for all of us.
On Being Humble and Quiet
Sometimes leaders feel as if they always have to speak and have the last word. A person who I respect so much for his quiet demeanor on and off the field is WR Isaac Bruce. His style is one to emulate, as he quietly goes about his business and makes plays.
On Kindness and Loyalty
Late Rams owner, Georgia Frontiere loved extending her kindness and hospitality to those she met and all of their friends. Mrs. Frontiere attended Hamilton Elementary School in St. Louis. It was fitting that she moved her team back to St. Louis – and hosted her elementary school classmates at every single home game in a luxury box as long as she was alive. She was kind, fiercely loyal, and always taking care of her "Rams family," of which I was a part. My children will never forget her holiday parties, and I will never forget the opportunity to work with this incredible woman.
I take so many valuable lessons from those I meet along the way... remember these universal truths on what is important, and ways to live your life. They will serve you well in whatever endeavor you tackle!
