People love sports because of the drama. Sometimes watching a league like the NFL or NBA can feel more like following a soap opera than viewing an athletic competition. The rise and fall of a single game is enough to convert the most casual fans into the most ardent. But it’s not always about the score. Sometimes interest comes from the participants, themselves—there’s a reason stage actors are often referred to as players. One day a guy could be on the scrap heap, but the next he could be the main event. Oh, the intrigue!
For evidence of this, take these three names: Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and Mac Jones. Each of these quarterbacks were drafted high in the first round and each flamed out almost immediately on their teams. While he was a Pro Bowler last year, Darnold is currently on his fifth NFL squad. Mayfield, who was let go by the Cleveland Browns, has now played for four teams. But the biggest surprise this year is Jones. The former Tom Brady replacement in New England was quickly let go by the Pats before playing a forgettable season in Jacksonville.
But now, Jones, like Darnold and Mayfield, is rejuvenated. He’s the current starter for the San Francisco 49ers, keeping the team afloat in the wake of first-string QB Brock Purdy’s latest injury. Jones, who had been a punchline both as a Patriot and as a Jaguar, is now the talk of the NFL. A season or two ago all three of these quarterbacks were considered done. You could practically see the forks sticking out of their backs. But now? They’re all leading men on the biggest stage. How did this happen?
There are myriad factors that contributed, but one thing is sure: as they made their walk of shame through several teams they finally stumbled upon an environment that was clearly able to elevate each of the quarterbacks. Instead of leaning on them as saviors, their new teams were able to work with the players on a common goal. Altered expectations are a crucial distinction when it comes to performance. One day a guy can look like he belongs selling used cars, the next he can be leading the league in key stats.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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It’s a phenomenon we see regularly in sports. In the NBA, once Shaquille O’Neal left the Orlando Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 90s, he started to win rings. In the 80s, before he was a multi-time champion with the Boston Celtics, Robert Parish was called a “bust” on the Golden State Warriors. Now, he’s an all-timer. But when looking at both O’Neal and Parish, what do we see? We see talented guys in shaky situations early on with mediocre support. Then when they switched teams, they found stability, development and real success.
That’s just what happened to our three leading men QBs. Darnold left the sad-sack New York Jets and found a home in Minnesota with rising coach Kevin O’Connell. Now he’s with the Seahawks, another perennial contender, with another good coach in Mike Macdonald. Mayfield left the woeful Cleveland Browns and eventually landed with the Buccaneers and Coach Todd Bowles. Jones has now found a place for himself in San Francisco with accomplished play caller Kyle Shanahan.
We can find important lessons in these stories when it comes to business. It can be easy to write an employee off who doesn’t meet expectations. But instead of pointing the finger at the other person, those at the top should perhaps look at themselves? Writing in Forbes, contributor Joanna Knight agrees. “Leadership begins and ends with you,” Knight writes. “It is about your purpose and values. We often talk about what it takes to be a great leader…yet before we can even begin to develop our leadership styles, we need to have a good look at ourselves.”
Knight argues that leaders should develop self-awareness, curiosity and empathy when it comes to their overall strategy. And while that might sound difficult or arduous, consider the alternative. Just for a moment, think about how the Jets, Browns, Jaguars (and other teams) must feel right now looking at how Darnold, Mayfield and Jones are succeeding on their new rosters. Or mull over how management must have felt watching O’Neal and Parish dominate in their second stops, garnering jewelry annually.
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers holds the MVP trophy and the Larry O'Brien Trophy for winning the NBA Championship 19 June, 2000, after game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game against the Indiana Pacers 116-111 to take the NBA title 4-2 in the best-of-seven series. O'Neal scored 41 points and was named the Most Valuble Player for the championship series. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/Vince BUCCI (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
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Leaders have to lead. Players have to perform. But when the wins aren’t coming and progress is slow, instead of cutting names from your ranks or admonishing one of your team members, think first about the environment you’re creating. Speaking on October 2 after his team beat the rival Rams in overtime, 26-23, Jones radiated about his new 49ers home. “We talked about how tough we had to be for four quarters,” said the QB, after throwing for 342 yards and two scores in the game. “It came down to who was going to be the toughest team, and I think it was us.”