11 as 1

This is the defensive mantra of the most successful football program in Division 3, the University Mount Union Purple Raiders. It was used in a statement by Nick Sirianni, the Head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles depicting the culture and intent of their defense during their run to the Superbowl. “11 as 1” is all about culture and teamwork.  Everybody does their job and contributes to team success. The way that this is established as a culture is to continually reward individual hustle that contributes to team play. It is like a tug of war. Getting all 11 pulling in the same direction in unison.  It is rewarding individuals in front of their peers for their contribution to making the team better through their effort, loyalty, and attitude.  It is getting all 11 to play with reckless abandon toward a common goal.  In my later years of coaching, I felt that whenever you have this as your mantra on your team it is very easily recognized and respected. It was like a well-oiled precision machine with all parts working together in coordination. Being able to get this concept established is not easy. It must be coached and rewarded in practice and on the day of competition. My new thought is, “11 as 1 =12”. This mantra refers to the momentum that is established by playing together, doing your job to the best of your ability! It is fun to play on that type of team and even more fun to coach it.