Why Character and Leadership Matters in the NFL

Every year we see the same players act out and play the diva. Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, Brett Favre (recently to an extent), Jay Cutler, Plaxico Burress, and many other smaller names are the usual suspects. These are the players who take the "me first" attitude: no matter what happens, it has to benefit them. Or they take the "I'm better than you" attitude. We also see the troublemakers. No one knows why they can't stay out of trouble. Notable players are Brandon Marshall, Tank Johnson, Adam "Pacman" Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Jones, Chris Henry, Leon Hall, and many others. Of course, who could forget the morons like Michael Vick, Donte Stallworth, and Plaxico Burress, who lack basic decision-making skills, and have paid the price? Likewise, we see players who lead their team and are prime examples for leadership and character. Players like Ray Lewis, Ben Roethlisberger, Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, Kurt Warner, and James Farrior, just to name a few. Now look at ... (link)