Bryant Young was a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers from 1994-2007 after being selected 7th overall out of Notre Dame.
During his career, he won a Super Bowl, was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler, was a member of the All-Decade team, and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. This past weekend, Young was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Today, I want to unpack something I heard him say to NBC’s Melissa Stark during an interview at the Hall of Fame game last Thursday night.
In response to her question, “To what do you attribute your success as a player?” Young responded with this unique answer: “You know for me, it’s really just being open to coaching. Always not having the answer to everything. Remaining softened and teachable in moments where you know you need to get better.”
Young also made these comments, revealing his humility:
“…being opened minded, being teachable and moldable.”
“How could I get better as a player to be better for my teammates and the organization, that meant a lot to me.”
Young’s interview points to a key difference between good and great athletes. Great athletes have a willingness to be coached…a desire for improvement…and an openness to learn from others.
This principle is not only crucial in sports but valuable in our own lives, as well. Whether receiving instruction or constructive criticism from a boss, teacher, mentor, coach, pastor, parent, or friend, we can learn, grow, and improve if we’re “coachable.”
On the other hand, it’s detrimental when we think we have all of the answers, have everything figured out, and aren’t willing to submit to the wisdom and knowledge of others. Like Bryant Young, we have to be “moldable” as we remain “softened and teachable” instead of prideful and stubborn.
Most importantly if we desire to grow in our faith, we should be extremely passionate about having a “coachable” spirit and teachable heart as we learn from the best teacher there is.
Jesus says in Mark 4:23-25 (AMP), “‘If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words.’ Then He said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides.
“For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.’”
Jesus teaches us so much in scripture, but we have to be “open to coaching” and listen to what He says, even when He challenges us and pushes us out of our comfort zone.
God has also placed people in our lives to teach us His Word and has given us mentors and coaches to help us along our journey in life. So in humility, let’s acknowledge we don’t know everything, and let’s be hungry and open to teaching and coaching.
Proverbs 4:5 (AMP) encourages us to “Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.”
Today, let’s ask, how can I get better and in what ways do I need to grow? Then, let’s actually listen to the answers as we seek wisdom.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
*During Young’s enshrinement speech, he gave a moving and honoring tribute to his son Colby who died from pediatric brain cancer in 2016. (You can watch the heartfelt video HERE)
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me a humble and coachable spirit so that I can continue to grow as a follower of Jesus, spouse, parent, and friend. Please give me a heart that desires knowledge and wisdom rooted in You, and listen to leaders who You speak through. Help me to hear You clearly, and thank you for being my ultimate coach. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
- Who are the “coaches” throughout your life that have poured into you and have helped you grow?
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How would you describe your level of willingness to be coached?
