Role Model

It seems fitting that Eddie Robinson’s book was titled, “Never Before, Never Again” because he was a “gift to humanity,” co-author Richard Lapchick wrote in a piece for ESPN.com.

Robinson was the head football coach at Grambling State University for 56 years. During much of the time, Black players were not allowed to play for southern colleges. Yet his impact was deep and profound.

“There are some things he’s instilled in you,” Harris told Andscape, “tools that you carry with you in football and in life that he instilled in all of us.”

“He opened the door for thousands of Black players,” Finebaum said, “and inspired many Black coaches who had no other role model.”

Communicator

He certainly isn’t the most talked about coach or perhaps the most popular, but Gregg Popovich is the NBA’s longest-tenured head coach preparing for his 26th season. A three-time NBA Coach of the Year, he’s led the Spurs to five NBA titles. He’s also helped develop several Hall of Fame players, including Tim Duncan.

One thing that players have consistently said about “Coach Pop” is that he’s an excellent communicator, known for his authenticity and his clarity. Though some of his players make more money than him, Popovich clearly has ownership’s support, and he cultivates the team’s culture and values.

“No one is bigger than the team,” he once said. “If you can’t do things our way, you’re not getting time here, and we don’t care who you are.”

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