For every showboater like Joe Namath or screamer like Tom Brady, there are twice as many quarterbacks who won the big game by remaining calm and humble.
In fact, Joe Montana was known as "Joe Cool" for his steady hand under pressure. Legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach exuded empathy on and off the field. Terry Bradshaw's leadership in the huddle helped tune out off-the-field friction with coach Chuck Knoll and carried Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl wins.
There's something to this, says Kyle Emich, assistant professor of management at the University of Delaware. "Introverted and humble leaders are actually better for their teams despite stereotypes about dominant leaders," Emich says.
Excluding Brady – who has toned down the yelling – recent Super Bowls have beared this out. Nick Foles, quarterback of last year's Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, constantly gave his teammates credit and provided a silent swagger on the field by going about his business and refusing to get rattled.
Jared Goff, who will be behind center for the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, is cut from the same cloth, Emich says.
Emich can discuss the leadership abilities and styles of both Rams and Patriots quarterbacks and coaches and analyze the teams based on several less-often considered unobservables, including team structure and organizational makeup.
Emich is currently available for in-person interviews or via phone or email. Contact [email protected].
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