To young Offensive Linemen:
You play a unique position. You don’t need me to tell you that. But it is unlike any other position in any other sport. In fact, OL is the only position in sports where your sole responsibility is to protect another position – what an honor that is. Take pride in it!
OL is not for everybody. It requires a unique set of physical skills that other positions don’t necessitate. But it requires an even more unique set of mental skills that other positions can’t fathom.
Let me put it in a different way.
You must want to play OL.
You must train to play OL.
You are not an offensive lineman by default.
You only become a true offensive lineman when you dedicate yourself to the position.
If you only play OL because your coach put you there or because your coach said you are too big or too slow for other positions, then you will fail.
If OL is the only position in sports where your sole responsibility is to protect another position, then you need a different mindset than everybody else. You have the privilege and honor to serve and protect. Never ever doubt how important that is.
Nothing frustrates me more than seeing an offensive lineman who feels “stuck at OL.” Nothing fires me up more than seeing an offensive lineman who freaking owns it.
Own what you do. Take pride in what you do. Serve and protect.
Sincerely,
Coaches everywhere
