Mike Freeman’s 10-Point Stance, Draft Edition: Jerry Rice’s Advice to Rookies

1. Jerry Rice to draftees: Find a mentor

Jerry Rice was drafted in the first round of the 1985 draft. He did something almost immediately after joining the team. 

“I watched certain teammates to see how they approached the game,” he said. “And we had so many guys that were great professionals.”

Names like Joe Montana, Dwight Clark and Ronnie Lott. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Those players ultimately provided an already-born-to-overachieve Rice with a blueprint that helped him become the greatest wide receiver of all time.

Which brings us to this year’s draft. Look at the top two quarterbacks in Jared Goff and Carson Wentz. Or even look at any potential draft pick. While we debate all of the measurables and metrics, one of the keys to those players’ success will be something that’s impossible to categorize.

It’s this: Will Goff or Wentz or any other draft pick find someone to listen to? Will they find a mentor? If so, who will it be?

The quarterback position requires a special kind of mental makeup. The difference between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, in terms of mental strength, might not have actually been so vast. Manning was more open to coaching, and to listening to vets tell him about the real NFL.

I remember after Leaf flamed out, there were Chargers players who spoke about how Leaf didn’t truly listen to veterans. I remember the disappointment some players had in Leaf, how they felt strongly that his career could have been saved had he just listened to a handful of guys in the locker room.

While we all focus on what happens on the field, what will become equally important for Goff and Wentz is who they listen to away from the field.

“It’s one of the biggest parts of being a professional,” said Rice, who was speaking as part of an endorsement campaign for Kay Jewelers. “Listen to the guys who came before you. It’ll help you go a long way.”

 

2. A.J. Hawk: ‘There’s no secret pill’ for NFL success

I asked A.J. Hawk, the veteran linebacker, the same question I asked Rice: What would he tell draft prospects coming into football now? His answers were brilliant.

“The biggest thing is there’s no secret pill,” he said. “No secret potion or guru who can get you to where you want to be. Also, you have to be accountable.”

Hawk would be a good man for draft picks and future rookies to listen to. After being picked fifth overall in 2006, he led the Packers in tackles in his rookie year and was third in voting for Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. He won a Super Bowl and has led his team in tackles four times in 10 seasons. He’s got, as the kids used to say, major street cred, even if he is currently a free agent.

Hawk also runs a successful podcast-turned-showcast called The HawkCast, which is a must-watch.

Hawk had two other pieces of advice:

• “Keep your inner circle small. You need people around you who will tell you the truth.”

• “I try not to look at football as something that’s so deep. I try to never forget it’s a game. It’s a game that I love. I don’t take it for granted, but it’s still a game.”

 

3. Smart OBJ

Odell Beckham Jr. didn’t have much to say about the …

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