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Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh enjoys the camaraderie of player involvement. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Rashawn Slater surely didn’t become an offensive lineman to speak in public. The thought of addressing a large group makes the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Chargers left tackle shrink away. But he knows resistance is futile when Jim Harbaugh is looking for his next target.
The Chargers coach’s daily ritual of inviting one player or coach at random to address the team after practice was first met with confusion and stress. Now the unified locker room considers each day’s “wise words” speeches a galvanizing force as the Chargers push toward the playoffs.
“No one’s too small to have a voice,” Slater said. “It keeps us all on the same page.”
There is no predictable rotation for who might hear their name called each day. There are no rules for what to say, other than something has to be said.
Since Harbaugh began the routine during organized team activities, almost everyone — from the team’s stars to the soft-spoken rookies — has been called to stand in front of the team at least once and share a message.
By now, players have learned to keep ideas in the back of their minds in case they get the call. Some share their journeys that led them to the NFL. Others pass on nuggets they’ve recently read or heard from friends.
Read more: Justin Herbert avoiding interceptions at record rate as Chargers target Buccaneers
In one of many impromptu speeches, quarterback Justin Herbert shared the four main lessons he received from his father, who coached him in youth football: Give it your very best, get better, treat others as you would want to be treated and never give up.
Harbaugh, so moved by Herbert’s simple message, jotted it down to repeat later.
“I like hearing all the players talk, hearing their perspective,” Harbaugh said. “It’s inspiring.”
Safety Derwin James Jr. said he’s never been around a coach such as Harbaugh, who cedes the huddle to players…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wise-words-ritual-unifies-revitalized-110059390.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-12-13 11:00:00
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