The 2024 BYU Football season has been remarkable for BYU football. For fans and spectators alike, the excitement of watching the team play—the last-minute touchdown that leaves everyone on the edge of their seats or a hard-fought game filled with strategic plays—has been an exhilarating experience.
However, beyond the game-winning touchdowns and stellar performances, BYU football has offered many lessons beyond the gridiron. The team’s leadership, ethos, and culture have exemplified qualities that we can all incorporate into our personal and professional lives. Read on as we explore many of these lessons.
Table of Contents
- 8 Lessons On Leadership And Life From BYU Football
- BYU Football And Lessons To Embrace
- Related Content
8 Lessons On Leadership And Life From BYU Football
I am a huge fan of the 2024 BYU Football team. I love how they play and the lessons I learn about leadership and life from them.
Here, I’ll share the key lessons on leadership and life that I’ve learned from following BYU football this season.
1. Humility Is Essential
One of the most compelling aspects of BYU football’s leadership is the emphasis on humility, mainly embodied by head coach Kalani Sitake. Post-game interviews provide a window into Sitake’s philosophy and the culture he nurtures within the team.
Win or lose, Sitake’s comments often center on acknowledging both the achievements and the areas for growth. “We played well, but we made some mistakes. We need to go back to work on Monday,” is a common refrain.
This message underscores that success should not lead to complacency, and failure should not result in despair. Instead, there is always room for growth.
The Power of Staying Grounded
Humility is not just a feel-good trait; it’s essential for sustained success and effective leadership. When leaders adopt a humble approach, they inspire those around them to be honest about their strengths and weaknesses, fostering an environment of mutual respect and continuous improvement.
Coach Sitake’s emphasis on humility reminds us that no matter how successful we become, there is always more to learn and areas in which we can improve. In life and leadership, humility ensures that we remain teachable and adaptable.
2. Hard Work Is Non-Negotiable
A defining characteristic of BYU football is its relentless work ethic. Even after a significant win, the team returns to work, focusing on preparing for the next challenge.
The players and coaching staff do not allow themselves to rest on their laurels. Instead, they approach each new week as an opportunity to push their limits, improve their game, and strive for excellence.
The Principle of Continuous Effort
In life and leadership, resting on past successes can be a trap that leads to stagnation. True leaders understand that the journey to greatness is a continuous process. The BYU football team exemplifies this mindset, demonstrating that hard work is non-negotiable for consistent performance.
Whether in the workplace, personal endeavors, or any aspect of life, adopting a mindset that prioritizes hard work ensures that we stay sharp, motivated, and ready for new challenges.
Overcoming Challenges Through Persistence
The team’s work ethic also emphasizes resilience. Challenges are inevitable, but the willingness to work—day after day, game after game—makes the difference. This mindset can be applied to any leadership situation: success is built on consistent effort, not momentary triumphs.
3. Two Minutes Is Enough To Make A Difference
One of the most memorable moments of this season came during the game against Oklahoma State. With under two minutes left to play, the game seemed lost.
Even ESPN commentators had resigned to the fact that BYU was on the brink of defeat. However, BYU demonstrated that there is an opportunity to change the outcome as long as time is on the clock.
In an impressive turn of events, they scored and pushed for a game-winning touchdown that surprised everyone watching.
Power in Preparation
The great thing about this 2-minute touchdown is that the BYU team practiced this play many times. They practiced and prepared on how they would score a touchdown if they only had 2 minutes left in the game to play or win the game.
The BYU team shows us there is great power in preparation.
The Lesson of Never Giving Up
This game powerfully illustrates the importance of perseverance and the mindset of never giving up, no matter how dire the situation. Whether in the final minutes of a football game or a project nearing its deadline, maintaining focus and pushing through challenges can yield incredible results.
Leaders who believe every moment counts are better equipped to inspire their teams to keep striving, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Concentration and Forward Momentum
In that critical game, BYU’s players demonstrated that success in high-pressure situations comes from focusing on what can be controlled. Instead of worrying about the scoreboard or how little time was left, the team maintained their concentration, executed their plays, and kept moving forward.
This is an invaluable lesson for life: focusing on the present task and maintaining forward momentum is critical to overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities.
4. Credit Where Credit Is Due
One of the standout qualities of the BYU football team is their culture of camaraderie and mutual respect. Players and coaches quickly acknowledge their teammates ‘ contributions after a game, whether they’ve secured a win or endured a loss.
The spirit of teamwork is palpable, and it’s evident that individual accolades are secondary to the team’s success as a whole.
The Importance of Shared Success
In leadership, giving credit where credit is due is crucial for fostering trust and unity. Leaders who highlight the achievements of their team members help create an environment where people feel valued and motivated. BYU’s focus on collective success over individual glory reminds us that real achievements are rarely the result of a single person’s efforts.
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of others is essential for effective leadership and strong relationships.
Building a Supportive Culture
This attitude extends beyond the locker room. When leaders prioritize acknowledging their teams’ efforts, it sets a standard for everyone to appreciate and support one another. It reinforces the idea that success is a shared journey, strengthening and team cohesiveness.
5. Getting Back To Work: The Power of Resilience
Even after a significant win, the BYU team’s focus immediately shifts to the next game. This approach reflects a deep understanding of resilience: celebrating victories without losing sight of the broader goals.
While acknowledging successes is essential, true leaders know it’s equally important to refocus, recalibrate, and return to work.
Celebrating and Moving Forward
In leadership and life, celebrating milestones is essential for maintaining morale. However, the BYU team shows that resting too long on achievements can hinder progress. Their ability to celebrate briefly and then pivot back to preparation and hard work is a testament to their resilience and dedication to growth.
The Importance of Adaptability
Getting back to work after a win or loss also demonstrates adaptability. Life challenges are rarely predictable, and leaders who adapt quickly are better positioned to face whatever comes next. BYU’s approach to continuous preparation ensures that they remain adaptable and ready to meet new challenges with the same level of effort and determination.
6. Embrace All
One of the most exciting aspects of this season for BYU football is that their quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, is Jewish. While he is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like many of his teammates, Jake has not only embraced his faith but has shown respect and understanding for the beliefs of those around him.
This mutual respect has made him a unique and beloved figure among the team and the fans.
Be Dedicated In All You Do and Believe
Beyond his background, Jake exemplifies dedication and hard work. Steve Young, a former BYU and NFL quarterback, once remarked that being a quarterback demands immense time and effort, comparing the mental challenge of memorizing plays In football as being more demanding than some rigors of law school.
Jake Retzlaff embodies this commitment, working countless hours to master the playbook and effectively lead the team. Last year, he was rated as the lowest-ranked quarterback of the Big 12 schools; this year, he is at the top.
One thing that has made a difference is undoubtedly the countless hours he has spent memorizing and understanding football plays.
Win or Lose – Love All
Also, win or lose, the unity and support Jake Retzlaff receives from BYU fans and teammates, crossing religious and ideological lines, is an inspiring reminder of the power of embracing and respecting our differences while working together.
7. The Fans: Lessons In Grace And Sportsmanship
Another remarkable aspect of BYU football is the behavior of its fanbase. BYU fans are known for their graciousness, whether in victory or defeat. They set an example of sportsmanship that stands out in the highly competitive world of college football.
In the B -12 conference they are becoming famous for giving out free ice cream to the fans of opposing team.
Graceful Winning and Losing
Winning with grace and losing with dignity are invaluable lessons in leadership and life. The BYU fanbase embodies this by celebrating their team’s victories without arrogance and accepting defeats without bitterness.
This attitude reflects an understanding that sports—and life—are about more than just the final score. It’s about how you conduct yourself, whether winning or facing challenges.
Supporting the Team and Each Other
The loyalty and support of BYU’s fans illustrate the importance of community. Strong leadership isn’t just about guiding a team but building a supportive network that uplifts everyone involved.
Leaders who foster a culture of mutual support, like BYU’s fanbase, inspire loyalty and resilience within their organizations.
Generosity in Giving To Another Team
A heartwarming story from this season involves Avery Johnston, the quarterback for Kansas State, whose team faced a tough loss against BYU earlier in the year. Despite the rivalry on the field, a powerful act of unity emerged off the field when Johnston organized a fundraiser for his high school principal, Chris Botts, who was battling cancer.
Avery Johnston pledged to raise money by asking people to donate each time he scored a touchdown. During this game with BYU, he could not score one touchdown.
When BYU fans learned about this fundraiser, they stepped up incredibly. Though they did not know the principal personally, and knew Avery was the Quarterback on the opposing team, the BYU community donated generously, helping Johnston surpass his fundraising goal within 24 hours.
In hearing of this, Chris Botts, Avery’s High School Principle said this:
“Thank you for walking the walk to truly to love one another and make the world a better place. You have made my world a better place,”
Chris Botts – Deseret News
This act of kindness and solidarity highlights the core values of compassion and generosity, demonstrating that sports can be a bridge that brings people together to support one another, even across teams and rivalries.
8. Becoming “BYU”: Lessons In Identity And Values
The phrase “Becoming BYU” represents more than just a rallying cry for the football team; it embodies a commitment to upholding values such as humility, perseverance, and teamwork. The culture around BYU football emphasizes that being part of the team means striving to live up to these ideals, both on and off the field.
Living Your Values
Understanding and embodying your core values is crucial for leaders and individuals alike. The BYU team’s commitment to their values reminds them that actions speak louder than words. A leader who embodies their values inspires others to do the same, creating an environment where integrity and authenticity thrive.
Carrying Lessons Beyond the Game
The lessons learned from BYU football apply to leadership roles and daily life. Whether practicing humility, working hard, giving credit, or supporting those around us, these principles help us navigate successes and challenges with grace and determination.
BYU Football And Lessons To Embrace
The BYU football team’s exceptional season has provided more than just thrilling moments on the field; it has offered valuable lessons on leadership and life. From Coach Kalani Sitake’s humble leadership to the team’s relentless work ethic and the unwavering support of their fans, BYU football embodies values that resonate far beyond sports.
Embracing humility, understanding the importance of hard work, never giving up regardless of the odds, giving credit where it’s due, and getting back to work after both victories and setbacks are lessons that can guide us in our personal and professional lives. Perhaps most importantly, becoming part of a supportive community that values grace and sportsmanship enriches the game and life.
By internalizing these lessons from BYU football, we can all strive to be better leaders, teammates, and individuals, facing life’s challenges with resilience and humility and celebrating its victories with grace.
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