Part I of IV : Trustworthiness and Respect

In the National Football League there are many expectations of the players and they do vary from team to team, however the league itself does control many expectations that must be consistent across the board from team to team. Trustworthiness and respect are two of the values that the NFL expects from its players. The vast majority if not all of the teams expect this as well. When a player doesn’t display one or both of these values each teams management is left to decide how to handle the situation. In most cases they will rely on a mental game coach for assistance.

When we speak of these two values what goes into play often is that players need to have football minds as well as football confidence. When a player has a mind for the game and the confidence in his abilities then usually they deem themselves to be trustworthy and respectful in their behavior. On the flip side if they lack these qualities then they may not be.

Football psychology is a difficult issue to address in just a simple way. It involves not only a mind that is confident and knows the game but it also contains values such as trustworthiness and respect. Unfortunately in the NFL as we know it now, many times players do not exhibit these values. They may not respect their own bodies and use illegal substances or they may not respect their teammates or players on other teams.

We see many stories of NFL players that trash talk or disrespect players on their own teams as well as the opposing team. There are additionally incidences of players giving the middle finger to fans. As far as trustworthiness goes, often times we here of players breaking curfew or showing up late for practice and as a result having to sit out a quarter or be issued a fine. Psychology in football can be used and is used to give players football mental stability that will alleviate these types of behaviors.

Football psychology involves taking a player, talking and working with him in ways that will build his football mental toughness and character. This will bring about a respect and trustworthiness for himself as well as towards others. It’s a phenomenon that is used regularly with players whose confidence is shaky or who might be having behavioral problems.

Most of the times the players themselves will ask for help to assist them because they understand the importance of having good character. The vast majority do not want to cause problems that come along with a lack of trustworthiness or respect, but find it difficult to deal with it on their own. If the player does not ask for help then the coaches may need to direct them to it. It is a proven field that works and that changes players into confident and valuable members of a team and community.

Take Inventory of your Character:

Trustworthy
Are you a honest person?
Do you do what you say you are going to do?
Do you do what is right?

Respect
Do you treat other as you want to be treated?
Are you polite and courteous?
Do you solve disagreement peacefully?

Remember – Your Character really counts!