The Greatness Newsletter

Dale Brown

Written on April 24, 2024.

When Everyone is Watching… They embrace the idea of being a role model It is officially called the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship Tournament. But for most of us, it’s simply known as March Madness. And what puts the madness into March? It is the opportunity for teams no one expects to win to suddenly go on a tear and challenge for the national title. Only twice in the history of this...

Michael Jordan

Written on February 1, 2009.

When All Else Fails They know how – and when – to adjust their game plan It was June 14, 1998. The Chicago Bulls trailed the Utah Jazz 86-83 with 40 seconds remaining in what was game six of the NBA Finals. The Bulls held a 3-2 series advantage. Michael Jordan took the inbounds pass, went straight to the basket and hit a lay-up over Utah defenders, cutting the deficit to one. The Jazz took the ball down...

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...