I enjoy keeping up with any professional sports’ draft. One reason is that I enjoy sports overall, but also because I see the draft being very similar to leadership principles. It is interesting how many number one picks turned out to be a bust (no disrespect to JaMarcus Russell from LSU)… and many lower picks turned out to be the real thing.
One person that comes to mind is Tom Brady (QB for New England) who came out of the University of Michigan. He was drafted by the Patriots in the 6th round in 2000 (he was the No. 199 pick overall). Who would have ever imagined?
He appeared in the Pro Bowl 3 times (2001, 2004, 2005). He led the Patriots to victory in 3 Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX). He was named Super bowl MVP in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII. He is the only QB in the history of the NFL to start and win three Super Bowls before the age of 28. He was also the youngest QB to win a Super Bowl. He also set a league record for the most consecutive passes without an interception to start a career.
The reason why the draft is very similar to leadership is because there are people that we “believe” will do well, but at the end they end up being a bust. Then there are people that get overlooked and picked in the 6th round but they end up being one of the best leaders in an organization.
We are praying for a championship year this year at HMCC, but only time will tell.