A reporter once asked 3 time batting champion and Hall of Famer George Brett what he wanted to do in his last at-bat before retiring, he gave the following response:
"I want to hit a routine grounder to second and run all out to first base, then get thrown out by a half step. I want to leave an example to the young guys that that's how you play the game: all out.
1.17.2010
LARRY FITZGERALD - ALWAYS STRIVING TO IMPROVE
Arizona Cardinals all-pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald is always brainstorming new ways to chase greatness. He outdid himself this offseason.
It wasn't enough for Fitzgerald, 25, to eclipse San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice with his playoffs-record 30 receptions for 546 yards and seven touchdowns in the Cardinals' 2008 Super Bowl run. He decided this offseason to train with and learn from the former receiver, whom he considers the greatest ever.
So Fitzgerald convened a passing camp this summer at the University of Minnesota, inviting other young talented wideouts such as Green Bay Packers star Greg Jennings, the Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall, the Minnesota Vikings' Sidney Rice and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Clayton. Fitzgerald also invited his longtime mentor, Cris Carter. Then he reached out to Rice, who agreed to join the camp for a week.
The only thing more impressive than Fitzgerald's remarkable postseason ascent was his ambitious offseason agenda. There's little concern about a post-Super Bowl letdown for the sixth-year wideout, who reinvented himself as a respected league-wide leader.
"My goal is to be a better player in every way possible and never let complacency set in," Fitzgerald says. "Don't ever lose sight of being the best, most dominant player. After every year, I evaluate the weaknesses in my game — the mental and physical. I called Cris Carter, who has been like an uncle to me.
"But I wanted the same type relationship with Jerry Rice, one of the greatest players to ever play the game and the greatest receiver ever to play. I wanted to see what made him tick."
And Rice showed Fitzgerald.
"Jerry Rice is 46 years old. Yet he did every single thing we did on that field. He worked like he was in training camp," Fitzgerald says. "His dedication is off the charts. I was thinking, if I had the mental toughness Jerry Rice has at 46 at 25, where would I be in this game?"
"There's certain players who are driven not by money or fame, but who want Super Bowls. We want to be remembered as some of the best players to play this sport in honor of the people who played before us. Larry's one of those guys."
Jennings, who led Green Bay with 80 catches for 1,292 yards and nine touchdowns in 2008, says: "Working at Larry's camp for two weeks really opened my eyes to how to work. As good as he is, there's so much humility in Larry."
It wasn't enough for Fitzgerald, 25, to eclipse San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice with his playoffs-record 30 receptions for 546 yards and seven touchdowns in the Cardinals' 2008 Super Bowl run. He decided this offseason to train with and learn from the former receiver, whom he considers the greatest ever.
So Fitzgerald convened a passing camp this summer at the University of Minnesota, inviting other young talented wideouts such as Green Bay Packers star Greg Jennings, the Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall, the Minnesota Vikings' Sidney Rice and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Clayton. Fitzgerald also invited his longtime mentor, Cris Carter. Then he reached out to Rice, who agreed to join the camp for a week.
The only thing more impressive than Fitzgerald's remarkable postseason ascent was his ambitious offseason agenda. There's little concern about a post-Super Bowl letdown for the sixth-year wideout, who reinvented himself as a respected league-wide leader.
"My goal is to be a better player in every way possible and never let complacency set in," Fitzgerald says. "Don't ever lose sight of being the best, most dominant player. After every year, I evaluate the weaknesses in my game — the mental and physical. I called Cris Carter, who has been like an uncle to me.
"But I wanted the same type relationship with Jerry Rice, one of the greatest players to ever play the game and the greatest receiver ever to play. I wanted to see what made him tick."
And Rice showed Fitzgerald.
"Jerry Rice is 46 years old. Yet he did every single thing we did on that field. He worked like he was in training camp," Fitzgerald says. "His dedication is off the charts. I was thinking, if I had the mental toughness Jerry Rice has at 46 at 25, where would I be in this game?"
"There's certain players who are driven not by money or fame, but who want Super Bowls. We want to be remembered as some of the best players to play this sport in honor of the people who played before us. Larry's one of those guys."
Jennings, who led Green Bay with 80 catches for 1,292 yards and nine touchdowns in 2008, says: "Working at Larry's camp for two weeks really opened my eyes to how to work. As good as he is, there's so much humility in Larry."
KEVIN EASTMAN - BOSTON CELTICS
Boston Celtics assistant coach Kevin Eastman talks about some common characteristics every great leader has. These are the special people who only need a coach to teach them what and how to do something; then they take that and run with it. They understand that a major part of their job is to be self sufficient and personally accountable for their improvement and productivity.
• They don't blame others first; instead, they look first for what they contributed (or did not contribute) to the situation
• They don't complain; instead, they look for ways to correct things that aren't working
• They don't procrastinate; instead, get things done now
• They always give more than they ask of others
• They always look to take on as much as they can handle, rather than look to pass things on to others all the time
• They are constantly trying to improve their game so they can bring more to the team and consistently fulfill their role
• They are self starters and study the game (and themselves) enough to know what needs to be done; then go about doing it
• They do the unrequired work, knowing that it simply needs to get done -- extra shots, extra weight training, extra film watching, etc. – without constantly needing a coach to tell them to work
• They hold others accountable for their jobs and roles because they know the importance of accountability as it relates to winning; this creates a collective responsibility
• They always be among of the most trusted players on the team, by coaches and players
• They don't blame others first; instead, they look first for what they contributed (or did not contribute) to the situation
• They don't complain; instead, they look for ways to correct things that aren't working
• They don't procrastinate; instead, get things done now
• They always give more than they ask of others
• They always look to take on as much as they can handle, rather than look to pass things on to others all the time
• They are constantly trying to improve their game so they can bring more to the team and consistently fulfill their role
• They are self starters and study the game (and themselves) enough to know what needs to be done; then go about doing it
• They do the unrequired work, knowing that it simply needs to get done -- extra shots, extra weight training, extra film watching, etc. – without constantly needing a coach to tell them to work
• They hold others accountable for their jobs and roles because they know the importance of accountability as it relates to winning; this creates a collective responsibility
• They always be among of the most trusted players on the team, by coaches and players
PEYTON MANNING - PREPARATION
Good article in the USA Today on Peyton Manning & they way he prepares his young receivers to be great:
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy gives a glimpse of Peyton Manning's singular drive that distinguishs the three-time league MVP.
Manning made the regular three-hour commute from Indianapolis to Columbus, Ohio through May and June 2007 to get then-rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez oriented to the Colts offense.
Many expected the 4-0 Colts to take a step back without Dungy and veteran receiver Marvin Harrison and with Gonzalez sidelined by a sprained knee since Week 1.
"Peyton has tons of ability, but really his preparation is why Peyton's great," Dungy said. "I remember Anthony Gonzalez's rookie year, he couldn't come over to practice with us until June.
"Peyton drove over twice a week to Columbus to throw with Anthony. That's the type of preparation people can't really appreciate, the extra time he spends bringing those young guys along as quick as he has."
When the Colts won Super Bowl XLI, Manning broke down every regular-season and playoff game of the Chicago Bears' defense.
"He digested 22 games in two weeks to get ready for one game," Dungy said of the Super Bowl MVP.
"He makes everyone around him better."
Manning, 33, leads the league with a 114.5 passer rating, 1,336 yards, has nine touchdowns and has thrown for 300 or more yards in his first four games for the first time.
Said Dungy: "I appreciate what he's doing even more now because in 2004 he threw 49 touchdowns with Marvin, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokely, Dallas Clark, familiar weapons," Dungy said.
"He's hotter and doing it with Collie, Pierre Garcon and Donald Brown. He makes it look ho hum.
The other things that makes Peyton special is he's never satisfied.
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy gives a glimpse of Peyton Manning's singular drive that distinguishs the three-time league MVP.
Manning made the regular three-hour commute from Indianapolis to Columbus, Ohio through May and June 2007 to get then-rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez oriented to the Colts offense.
Many expected the 4-0 Colts to take a step back without Dungy and veteran receiver Marvin Harrison and with Gonzalez sidelined by a sprained knee since Week 1.
"Peyton has tons of ability, but really his preparation is why Peyton's great," Dungy said. "I remember Anthony Gonzalez's rookie year, he couldn't come over to practice with us until June.
"Peyton drove over twice a week to Columbus to throw with Anthony. That's the type of preparation people can't really appreciate, the extra time he spends bringing those young guys along as quick as he has."
When the Colts won Super Bowl XLI, Manning broke down every regular-season and playoff game of the Chicago Bears' defense.
"He digested 22 games in two weeks to get ready for one game," Dungy said of the Super Bowl MVP.
"He makes everyone around him better."
Manning, 33, leads the league with a 114.5 passer rating, 1,336 yards, has nine touchdowns and has thrown for 300 or more yards in his first four games for the first time.
Said Dungy: "I appreciate what he's doing even more now because in 2004 he threw 49 touchdowns with Marvin, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokely, Dallas Clark, familiar weapons," Dungy said.
"He's hotter and doing it with Collie, Pierre Garcon and Donald Brown. He makes it look ho hum.
The other things that makes Peyton special is he's never satisfied.
BRANDON ROY - 1ST TEAM ALL DEFENSE
Brandon Roy has received a challenge that he likes from his head coach Nate McMillan, to be 1st team All-NBA:
"You should make a goal to defend on a high level every night," Roy said McMillan told him. "Not only would it take us as a team to the next level, but it would take me to that next level as a player that I want to be at. This is just the next natural progression in my game. A lot of people may say I got my contract because of scoring. But I think I got my contract because I am all-around, I'm versatile, and I'm always looking for ways to improve my game."
Said coach Nate McMillan:
"All the good players who win big -- All-Stars who are not only All-Stars, but who win at a high level -- they all do that. We know that this was what he needed to do. He can do it. And he knows he can do it."
"You should make a goal to defend on a high level every night," Roy said McMillan told him. "Not only would it take us as a team to the next level, but it would take me to that next level as a player that I want to be at. This is just the next natural progression in my game. A lot of people may say I got my contract because of scoring. But I think I got my contract because I am all-around, I'm versatile, and I'm always looking for ways to improve my game."
Said coach Nate McMillan:
"All the good players who win big -- All-Stars who are not only All-Stars, but who win at a high level -- they all do that. We know that this was what he needed to do. He can do it. And he knows he can do it."
BOSTON CELTICS - EGOLESS
Quote from Kevin Garnett after the Celtics beat the Cavs last night in Cleveland. KG was asked how the Celtics gelled together so well two years ago when they won the championship and how Cleveland can get there:
"The secret is that we came in with no egos, no agendas. One goal and we stuck to that. There wasn't something for your guys' morning papers, there wasn't something for headline news. That was what we was living. I think that's been the onus since we've been here. You've got to leave the ego at the door. Whatever swagger you've got, you bring it in here and you make sure it ain't cockiness. You do your job, you get the shooters open, you play defense, you talk, you give yourself up to get better as a team. ... That's the reason we work. I don't know what they have over here in Cleveland and what their beliefs are and what their studies are. But that's the formula for the Boston Celtics and why we were so successful our first year.''
"The secret is that we came in with no egos, no agendas. One goal and we stuck to that. There wasn't something for your guys' morning papers, there wasn't something for headline news. That was what we was living. I think that's been the onus since we've been here. You've got to leave the ego at the door. Whatever swagger you've got, you bring it in here and you make sure it ain't cockiness. You do your job, you get the shooters open, you play defense, you talk, you give yourself up to get better as a team. ... That's the reason we work. I don't know what they have over here in Cleveland and what their beliefs are and what their studies are. But that's the formula for the Boston Celtics and why we were so successful our first year.''
BOSTON CELTICS - '85 BEARS
"I think night in and night out, we want to come in and defend more than anything," said Perkins. "Obviously, you've got to put points up to win the game, but I just think we want to defend."
But coach Doc Rivers identified something special in this year's team and challenged them to be remembered like the 1985 Bears: one of the greatest defenses of all time.
"Doc brought it to our attention in the preseason," said Perkins. "We just kind of built from there. Doc asked if we wanted to be the best defensive team in history, like the '85 Bears. I think we've bought into it. We're playing intimate team defense and we just need to continue to do that."
"It's one thing to talk about it and another thing to actually do it," said Williams. "We're striving to be the best defense, but we've got work to do. That's the mindset we have to have day in and day out. We're stressing defense every single play, ever single minute."
Asked what he prefers, shutting the opposition down or shining on the offensive end, Garnett didn't hesitate. "Shutting people down," he said. "Because we work so hard in practice, man. Y'all have no idea what our drills are like. Every day, it's the same thing, same repetitive stuff, if not more. You know, when you shut a team down, that's hard work and effort."
But coach Doc Rivers identified something special in this year's team and challenged them to be remembered like the 1985 Bears: one of the greatest defenses of all time.
"Doc brought it to our attention in the preseason," said Perkins. "We just kind of built from there. Doc asked if we wanted to be the best defensive team in history, like the '85 Bears. I think we've bought into it. We're playing intimate team defense and we just need to continue to do that."
"It's one thing to talk about it and another thing to actually do it," said Williams. "We're striving to be the best defense, but we've got work to do. That's the mindset we have to have day in and day out. We're stressing defense every single play, ever single minute."
Asked what he prefers, shutting the opposition down or shining on the offensive end, Garnett didn't hesitate. "Shutting people down," he said. "Because we work so hard in practice, man. Y'all have no idea what our drills are like. Every day, it's the same thing, same repetitive stuff, if not more. You know, when you shut a team down, that's hard work and effort."
HOUTSON ROCKETS - NO EXCUSES
The Houston Rockets are off to a 2-1 start after beating Portland last night. With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady out with injuries and former Rocket Ron Artest departing for the Lakers, Houston is picked as a long shot to make the playoffs. However, guys like Shane Battier keep plugging away and fight through adversity:
"That's a testament to the guys in this locker room," Battier said. "We have guys who don't make a lot of excuses, who play to win, regardless of the situation. People take that for granted, but it's rare in sports over a long period of time. This is the third year we've faced pretty significant adversity and not once have we made an excuse, 'Well, Yao's not here, Tracy's not here.' We plug in the next guy and play harder.
"It's been pretty impressive. It's as impressive a three-year span that I've ever experienced, at least in terms of team attitude. The attitude sometimes can last for a year and then it crumbles the next time you face adversity. But we've always had a good attitude here in this locker room."
"That's a testament to the guys in this locker room," Battier said. "We have guys who don't make a lot of excuses, who play to win, regardless of the situation. People take that for granted, but it's rare in sports over a long period of time. This is the third year we've faced pretty significant adversity and not once have we made an excuse, 'Well, Yao's not here, Tracy's not here.' We plug in the next guy and play harder.
"It's been pretty impressive. It's as impressive a three-year span that I've ever experienced, at least in terms of team attitude. The attitude sometimes can last for a year and then it crumbles the next time you face adversity. But we've always had a good attitude here in this locker room."
BRANDON ROY - GETTING TO THE FT LINE
Good thoughts from Portland all-star Brandon Roy on getting to the rim when his legs are tired. Portland played their 1st back to back games the other night which is very tough to do in the NBA. Said Roy:
"I'm maturing and learning the game and saying when you get leads you've got to try to build on them by getting to the free throw line. You don't have to always shoot jumpers."
"I was a little tired and I noticed it on my jump shot. I said, 'I've got to be aggressive to get to the basket.'
"They did a good job of trapping me in those pick and rolls and not leaving me, so I just started trying to get early breaks -- when we're bringing it up, just try to attack right away and try to get to the cup and try to draw some fouls and try to put some pressure on them."
"I'm maturing and learning the game and saying when you get leads you've got to try to build on them by getting to the free throw line. You don't have to always shoot jumpers."
"I was a little tired and I noticed it on my jump shot. I said, 'I've got to be aggressive to get to the basket.'
"They did a good job of trapping me in those pick and rolls and not leaving me, so I just started trying to get early breaks -- when we're bringing it up, just try to attack right away and try to get to the cup and try to draw some fouls and try to put some pressure on them."
DEFENSE
“That’s all that defense comes down to: it’s heart,” Ollie said. “ It’s some technique but it’s heart and trying to stop your man because a lot of guys don’t want to play defense, they don’t want to challenge themselves because it’s not a glamorous spot where you’re going to be on SportsCenter or do anything like that. It’s just a man-on-man desire to stop your man and have that self fortitude and I think he has all of those characteristics.”
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