Practicing Leadership: Lessons from the NFL’s Oldest Quarterbacks
Oct 16, 2025
Tonight, the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL — Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco — face off in what’s being called the “Icy Hot Bowl.” On paper, this looks like an “old guys” matchup. In reality, it’s a masterclass in leadership habits, resilience, and communication under pressure.
At over 40 years old, Rodgers and Flacco are defying the odds in a league where:
- The average player is just 26.8 years old
- The average career lasts less than four years
- Only one other pair of 40+ quarterbacks (Tom Brady and Drew Brees) has ever started against each other
Their success isn’t a fluke — it’s the result of leadership principles that apply on and off the field.
Physical Commitment and Energy Management. The best ability is availability. Leaders can’t show up for others if they don’t take care of themselves first. Physical well-being supports sharper decision-making, better communication, and stronger performance.
Mental Toughness and Resilience. Every leader faces losses and setbacks. What sets great leaders apart is how they recover, reset, and refocus.
Consistency in Habits and Communication. Whether it’s training, nutrition, or preparation, consistency builds trust. The same is true for leadership — showing up the same way every day creates stability and confidence in teams.
Leadership isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about daily habits.
Start with one small, consistent action. Then build from there.
If you want an example of how small actions add up, take a look at what I call The Bubble Gum Effect.
