There is no denying the influence coaches have on the lives of young players. One kind word of encouragement or harsh word of criticism can have a lifetime effect.
Coaches take instruction beyond the playing field and have the unique opportunity to provide players with lifetime skills. This is the truly irreplaceable role coaches, as teachers, play in the development of young players.
A good football coach will teach players lessons that go far beyond tackling, throwing, blocking, and catching. They teach life lessons that include dealing with adversity, developing a strong work ethic, learning the value of teamwork, and character building.
"Football has taught me about the value of having a positive attitude, tenacity, and a strong work ethic," says U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige.
According to Paige, a former college football head coach (read America's Coach), surveys of parents reveal that teachers and coaches have the most impact in their child's life.
He explained, "A good coach can get into the child's being. Coaches can get kids to do anything. Coaches can hear inside a kid's heart and use what they hear to motivate them. To teach kids you have to be in deeper than just the content. As a coach you deeply care about the kids. It is as close as you can get to a family - Maybe it is."
Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and former Detroit Lion Lem Barney, who played for Coach Paige at Jackson State, agrees with his former coach.
"Coaches are really an extension of the family; they are a substitute mom and dad," Barney said. "Growing up with my parents it was always education first and then extracurricular second. Once I finished high school, I was fortunate to play at Jackson State under current Education Secretary Rod Paige. Coach Paige stressed the importance of education over athletics."
Paige took his message of education a step further, according to Barney. He set an example for his players by continuing his education while coaching at Jackson State.
Andre Ford, a youth football coach, uses the sport as a vehicle to reach kids in his community. He is the president of the Marshall Heights Youth Development Program in Southeast D.C. Ford's goal is to help kids succeed in life through the lessons they learn from being part of a team.
"I know it's my calling. It's what I'm here to do," Ford said. "To look at these kids and see them have some victory in their lives is what keeps me going."
Boston College Head Football Coach Tom O'Brien also takes the community aspects of football seriously when leading his players.
"I tell my players that I want them to be champions in the classroom, champions in the community, and champions on the football field. Sending someone back as a contributing member of society is the greatest reward as a football coach," said O'Brien. "I do believe that if you aren't a champion in the classroom and in the community, you won't see the football field at many institutions. Being a champion on the field is really only the third part of the equation."
Tony DeMatteo, who currently coaches Somers High School in New York and is the winningest football coach in New York's Section 1, believes coaches must play the role of teacher and family in order to really educate young players.
"Kids don't care what you know until they know you care," explained Coach DeMatteo. "As a teacher, you have to have more involvement in their lives. There are so many broken homes. It's our job to be a father figure or big brother. They need someone to lean on."
A man of his words, it was DeMatteo's belief in St. Louis Rams 2003 first round draft pick Jimmy Kennedy years ago that led Kennedy from being a tough kid hanging out with street gangs to excelling both on the field and in the classroom. Kennedy was reading at the fifth-grade level when Coach DeMatteo had him reassigned from special education to a regular classroom and arranged extra tutoring support. Not only did the tough boy from Yonkers catch up, he went onto Penn State where he graduated with a respectable 3.2 GPA.