Tap Out Tony
This is part one of two blogs I will write about Anthony Richardson.
I work with an incredible number of 16-25-year-olds for my job, and it's a blast. While I am only 30, I certainly grew up in a different generation because there are significant differences between them and me, and I love it. We talk, act, and lead differently. But when I look at them, I see that they are so creative, talented, and have all of the potential in the world.
And sometimes, they make questionable decisions.
Guess what? So do I. But when I did, even more so? When I was 22 years old.
Anthony Richardson tapped out of the game, and it was a horrible decision. You can't do that as a leader. You can't give up on your guys. You can't lead people that don't want to follow you. He put all that influence into a difficult position. You cannot make those decisions in a locker room filled with grown men. It will absolutely affect your leadership.
It was third and goal in a massive division game. These are the moments that the season is based on. You give everything you have at this moment. To back out is a quitter's mentality and displays a lack of maturity.
It was obvious that the football community thought the same thing.
Simply put, you cannot do it.
We can't let the moment win, though. Anthony Richardson has a real opportunity to learn and grow from this. It might be the best thing that happens to his career.
I mentioned that I work with many 16- 25-year-olds for a reason. They can do great things. However, there are times when they make mistakes. When those moments come, there are two courses of action.
They can let the mistake beat them.
They can let the mistake be a turning moment.
With the proper coaching—and I'm talking leadership coaching here—I have found that mistakes create momentum.
Anthony Richardson can use this moment to propel the rest of his career. A big setback can lead to a maturity that develops out of nowhere. I know this because I have seen it in my life and the people I have led. The crucible forges a better leader.
This mistake SHOULD lead to Richardson growing as a young man. Will the locker room accept him as their leader? Who knows? But if he scraps and claws his way back to respect, that crucible in itself could be the turning point in his career.
In fact, based on what I have seen in others, I wouldn't be surprised if, in 5 years, we look at this "Tap out Tony" moment, and it was the moment that he went from a player to a leader. Sure, he will have to earn the respect of his team again, but through a consistent effort over time, growth is possible.
There is no way around it; it was the wrong decision, but Richardson is 22. Mistakes happen at that age; the important thing is how he responds to the error.
He is in control of his destiny right now. I have no doubt he is hearing what people are saying, and I have no doubt that his team has shared the same thing with him.
It’s up to him to own the moment and grow from it.
But isn’t that the case with all mistakes?