Tag: The Greatness Newsletter

Walter Payton

Written on December 1, 2008.

Do Unto Others… They know character is defined by the way they treat those who cannot help them In the fall of 1993, a prominent Chicago personality decided to host a Thanksgiving dinner benefiting 650 underprivileged children. As part of the program, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the Easter Bunny were invited to join the kids that night. As he was waiting in line, one little boy began to cry....

Warrick Dunn

Written on November 1, 2008.

Inner Fire… The truly great use adversity as fuel. Nearly a year ago, this newsletter covered the story of NFL great Warrick Dunn. Response then to Warrick’s amazing story was extraordinary, leading me to want to share another characteristic that Warrick embodies, especially since his autobiography – which recreates his journey to Greatness – was released Tuesday by Harper Collins. Warrick...

Mike Flynt

Written on October 1, 2008.

When All Else Fails… The truly great know how – and when – to adjust their game plan. Mike Flynt was one of the toughest linebackers in the Lone Star Conference when he was playing for Sul Ross State University, and as that team’s senior captain, he had the Lobos ready for a breakout year in 1970. Flynt’s toughness, often displayed by his willingness to scrap at the drop of a hat, became...

Michael Phelps

Written on August 1, 2008.

Ultimate Teammate… The truly great will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win… He was the star of the Olympic Games – a young man about whom so many words were written, that coming up with a new superlative to describe him is practically impossible. And his legacy will live on even after his world records are surpassed, because one thing I’ve noticed while watching Michael...

Dot Richardson

Written on July 1, 2008.

Contagious Enthusiasm… They are positive thinkers… They are enthusiastic… and that enthusiasm rubs off. Twice during the 1996 Summer Olympics, Dot Richardson and her teammates on the US softball team had faced the powerhouse team from China. Twice, in key situations, Dot had struck out. So with the Gold Medal on the line, it was high drama when the captain of the American team stepped to the plate...

Shaquille O’Neal

Written on June 1, 2008.

Visualize Victory… The truly great see victory before the game begins Given all the changes that have occurred recently it may seem like it happened forever ago, but in reality only two years have passed since this scene played out at the NBA finals. As his 7-foot-1, 325-pound frame would suggest, Shaquille O’Neal is as dominant a player as the NBA has ever seen. In 2006, four years after O’Neal...

Brett Favre

Written on May 1, 2008.

Ice In Their Veins… They are risk-takers and don’t fear making a mistake. It was third and seven. Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers were on the Minnesota 16-yard line and threatening to score. As the play clock wound down, the veteran quarterback read the defense and changed the call on the field at the last possible second. Then came the snap. Farve dropped back and, ever the gunslinger, fired cleanly...

Pat Summitt

Written on April 1, 2008.

What off-season… The truly great are always working towards the next game… The goal is what’s ahead, and there’s always something ahead. Tennessee’s Pat Summitt is no stranger to hard work. In fact, it’s the only kind of work the legendary head coach has known over her 34-year career. Growing up on a farm with three older brothers and a father who didn’t take no for an answer,...

Swen Nater

Written on December 1, 2007.

Rubbing Elbows… The truly great understand the value of association. A community college basketball coach was getting his car fixed by a local mechanic. As he walked into the garage he noticed the guy under his car had his head sticking out one side of the car and his feet hanging out the other. That moment led to a life-changing discussion and a powerful lesson in Greatness. As I sat with legendary UCLA basketball...