Everyone has a blind side. This has made the left offensive tackle one of the highest paid positions in the National Football League (NFL).
Sometimes, what we most need is to take a critical look at ourselves.
In his book, The Blind Side, Michael Lewis (2007) examines how offensive football strategy has evolved in large part due to the arrival of linebacker Lawrence Taylor in the NFL. While playing football, my son so respected Taylor that he wore the number “56” jersey in honor of LT.
The LT Factor
Every serious football fan has seen video of the LT sack of Joe Theismann that resulted in a career-ending injury for the Washington Redskin’s quarterback. Taylor’s explosive speed and power, and this hit specifically, changed how football was played, placing a greater importance on the role of the offensive left tackle.
Like Theismann, most quarterbacks are right-handed. While preparing to throw the football, a right-handed quarterback stands with his left shoulders facing down field. This means his back to the defenders, specifically the outside linebacker, pass rushing from the left side. This creates a vulnerable or “blind side” that must be protected. This job falls to the left tackle. Thanks to Taylor, outside linebacker has become a more attacking, aggressive position. This, in turn, created the desire by NFL teams for faster, more agile left tackles to protect their most important investment, the quarterback.
Take a Critical Look
In his book, Lewis also features the story of Michael Oher, the former left tackle for the Ole Miss Rebels college football team. In 2009, the Baltimore Ravens drafted Oher in the first round (NBC Sports). Baltimore signed Oher to a five-year, $13.8 million contract. He later went on to play for the Carolina Panthers. Lewis’ book became the basis for the blockbuster film, The Blind Side (2009). For her role in this film, Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress. The storyline follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing to one of the most highly coveted college prospects in football.
My blind side is that I am a very logical person. This is generally a good personality trait for a principal. But, it can mean that I don’t naturally set aside the time required to deal with the emotions of a situation. Because of the volume of challenges one faces on a daily basis as a principal, one has to have strong logical reasoning skills to quickly analyze problems and make good decisions. However, the emotions of the people entering my office are equally important.
We all have a blind side. It is easy to be critical of others, but, sometimes, what we most need is to take a critical look at ourselves.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:3
Also, see Brain Development.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear