Sports can be a valuable tool for teaching life lessons, and few recent athletes have lived a more remarkable life than former NFL quarterback Tom Brady.
Key Details
- Brady announced earlier this month that he’s “retiring for good” after returning to football to play for an additional few seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- He is currently signed to become a sports commentator with NFL On Fox, starting in 2024.
- Gary Moritz, a writer with the Baptist Churches of New England newsletter, asks what leadership lessons we can take from Brady’s second retirement and drastic career transitions.
- As he says, the four lessons we take away from Brady’s life are that transitions are challenging, don’t stay too long in the game, don’t end on the wrong note, and leave while you’re ahead
Why It’s Important
Mortiz, who is mainly writing in the context of religious leadership, says that leadership roles are important for building communities and groups. Timing can be everything: knowing when to stay, when to leave, and what is best for everyone. If you aren’t careful, poor decisions can negatively impact yourself and your team.
Tom Brady is 45 years old, and the average age of retirement in the NFL is 28. He has put in one of the most notable careers in the history of the sport and earned his chance to step away after nearly 22 years of success. It is best to know when to step away and use your talents to help others, coaching and mentoring the next generation.
Notable Quotes
“Even Brady struggled with letting go of the game he loved and had been so good at for years. Staying on the field or in a particular role for too long can cost you in the long run. It can cost you and your church from going to the next level, it can affect your legacy, and it can even affect your family and personal life,” says Mortiz.
“An important part of leadership is training up leaders to take on the roles and responsibilities to lead the Church into the future. It is a joy to mentor younger leaders and make them successful in what they do. Use your talents and skills to help others get better. End with a win. While transitions are difficult, they are a natural part of life,” he continues.
