Sermon Illustrations
NFL Linebacker Leads by Example
When the subject of locker room leaders is raised among the Tennessee Titans, a few names immediately come up. Names like quarterback Ryan Tannehill, safety Kevin Byard, running back Derrick Henry. One that almost never is mentioned, but should be, is inside linebacker Jayon Brown.
Inside linebackers coach Jim Haslett said, “Jayon kind of takes over. He’s a natural leader.” Even though Brown leads, he doesn't "lord" it over his teammates. In a recent interview, he said he's not much of a "yeller" and tries not to embarrass people. Then Brown (now in his fifth year in the NFL) gave some wise advice for leaders:
I just lead by example. I just try to be a guy that can be counted on, hold my teammates [accountable], and they hold me accountable as well . . . It’s just nothing personal. We all want the best for each other. We’ve all got the same goals that we want to hit. It’s just keeping everybody accountable at a high level so we get to be the best we can be.