Do You Compensate?

Successful NFL quarterbacks have been getting taller and taller over the years. The average height is roughly 6’4″ or 6’5″ tall. Why is this important? So they can see over their offensive linemen, who are also taller, and go through a check down to figure out the best place to pass the ball. The ball needs to be out of the quarterback’s hands within three seconds of when it’s hiked to him. During that time, he mentally goes through 2-3 scenarios before deciding on the one right for the play. The pass flies and the play moves to its end. If this happens well, the play is a good one. The quarterback and his team are on the move toward the goal. They are unstuck.

Having played in the NFL since 2001, Drew Brees is quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. And he is 6’0″ tall, shorter than the norm. But he has not let that get in his way. He was the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2004. In the 2009 season, he was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLIV. He has passed for over 5,000 yards in a season 5 times. No other quarterback has achieved that level more than once.

How can he do that? He developed leadership qualities long ago when playing football at Purdue University. And has continued to expand that ability throughout his career. Another drill he works at with his receivers: he has them catch that oblong ball coming in from all sides. He lobs them in to the right. To the left. Over their heads. Lower down where they have to almost scoop it up from the ground. He compensates for his lack of height by an exact pass, one that can’t be anticipated by the defense. And he stands on his tiptoes to see over the line. He found a way. He’s living unstuck.

His teammates are loyal to Brees beyond belief. The offensive line blocks the other team as long as they can to allow him time for his count down and that exact pass. The receivers have practiced extensively with Drew. Their muscle memory serves them well for they can catch just about any pass he throws their way. In spite of having depleted lines due to player injury, Brees and the Saints advanced in the playoffs this last weekend. As a team, they are living unstuck.

Do you have a part of your life you compensate for? How’s it going? Are you living unstuck? #Unstuck Living

The difference between who you are and what you want to be is what you do.

—Anonymous