With the draft just hours away, it's worth mentioning one more time the dangers of taking a high-profile celebrity-athlete in the first round. Think of the money at stake, tens of millions of dollars of guaranteed money for the high first-rounders. Then think of the complete high-profile celebrity-athlete busts. Think of Todd Marinovich, Ryan Leaf, Vince Young, Matt Leinert, and JaMarcus Russell.
What do they have in common? Yes, they are all quarterbacks. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs are most susceptible to the prima donna syndrome. More importantly, they were all stars at high-profile programs in high-profile conferences. Recruited heavily, they were pampered and worshiped while in high school. In college, they were pampered and worshiped because they delivered. Once they signed an NFL contract and received their guaranteed millions, they had achieved material victory. For them, that was enough. They didn't have the discipline to continue an improvement curve; they didn't have the discipline to work more than party; they didn't have the discipline to persevere. They didn't have the maturity to listen to others. They became exaggerated versions of their former selves: arrogant "superstars."
Now think of Terry Bradshaw and Brett Favre. Okay, they did become arrogant superstars, too. The big difference? They were from smaller, less prestigious colleges and had something to prove to those major universities that overlooked them. They had something to prove to everybody. Therefore, they never lost their work ethic. They had the discipline to improve, persevere, work, and listen to others. They had long careers, some would say too long. Well, that's better than too short.
One last thought. The same principle applies to other high-profile businesses. Think of the film industry. Who are the most successful directors working today? Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. What do they have in common besides a strong work ethic, the discipline to improve and persevere, and the ability to listen to others? They came from modest academic backgrounds. Spielberg is from Long Beach State; Cameron is from Cal State Fullerton. They had something to prove. They are still proving it.
Teams picking in the first round should keep that in mind. It's not where somebody is from, it's how grounded with a will to succeed they are.
Maybe that quarterback from Nevada is a better choice than that quarterback from Auburn.
We'll talk about all those superstars in the NFL who came from big-time illustrious college programs at another time. Enjoy the draft!
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