Part 11/12:

Ultimately, the discussion converged on the notion that leadership—specifically the owner, general manager, and head coach—is primarily responsible for setting the tone and creating a stable environment. Handing a player a $50 million contract only to draft a successor immediately afterward is seen as a corporate misstep that breeds chaos and division.

The failure to provide consistent support, guidance, and a clear pathway for development fosters instability. As former players like Steve DeBerg and others have demonstrated, backup quarterbacks who serve as mentors can be invaluable. When franchises neglect these roles or create divisions, it impacts not just individual careers but the entire team’s morale and success.