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Bears Coach Leverages Kobe Bryant's Legacy to Inspire His Team

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Vince Carbonneau
July 20, 2023  (11:42)
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Motivating players is one of the most crucial tasks for a coach in any sport. It's about fostering a culture of "winning" habits, a feat that's easier said than done. Players, being human, are susceptible to distraction and complacency. And despite their adulthood, self-policing within the team rarely leads to the desired outcomes. Recognizing this, Chicago Bears linebackers coach, Dave Borgonzi, understands that it's his responsibility to maintain his players' focus. Sometimes, letting a sports legend convey an impactful message can do wonders. This was exactly Borgonzi's strategy when he gathered his linebackers for a film session, featuring none other than Kobe Bryant.

What Borgonzi showed his players wasn't a flashy highlight reel of Bryant's career with the Los Angeles Lakers, but a press conference clip from 2011 where Bryant discussed his work ethic. Known for his intense commitment to improvement, Bryant was revered not just for his talent, but for his relentless pursuit of mastery. In the clip, Bryant candidly articulated this philosophy.

Bryant's message was simple, yet profound. Talent alone won't make an athlete great. The cream of the crop set themselves apart through relentless effort and an unparalleled commitment to their craft. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices required for greatness? The makings of a champion involve good players who aren't afraid to embrace the grind. Physical fitness and endurance are crucial in any professional sport. Borgonzi wanted his players to grasp why their practices were so intense. It wasn't some sort of punishment, but a strategy to ensure they were still performing at peak levels in the 4th quarter.

This was the core philosophy that Kobe Bryant embodied. His relentless practice wasn't out of sheer enjoyment, but a conscious choice to reach his objective: becoming one of the best to ever play the game. This mentality was also embodied by Michael Jordan, a man known for his athletic prowess and remarkable ability to perform under pressure. Often overlooked, however, is Jordan's tireless dedication to practice and physical conditioning. Drawing from these legends, Borgonzi hopes to instill a similar mindset in his players, driving them towards their full potential.

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Bears Coach Leverages Kobe Bryant's Legacy to Inspire His Team

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