"C"

I kinda like the NFL's adoption of the NHL's "C" patch signifying the team captains. Trotting out six captains for the coin toss, as the Vikings have done, seems a bit much. I also think that the captains should be decided by the players and not the coaches. Coaches tend to want to see the QB and middle linebacker as the captains. You can't force a player into the role of a captain. They are either a leader or they aren't, and the players know best who it is that leads them.

The Sporting News recently had a little column about leadership in their print edition. It's a sign of our times that you have to specify the print edition of a magazine. Anyway, they picked a player from each of the professional sports leagues that defines leadership. In football, Ray Lewis is the man. He's perfect. Players throughout the league look to him for leadership. He leads the Ravens. He leads the league. Watching Lewis play football is a treat to this generation as Dick Butkus, John Unitas, Sammy Baugh and Don Hutson were to previous generations. I hope that people realize his impact on the game. It's amazing that he is still playing linebacker at this level into his mid-30s. A special player that is made better by his preparation and leadership. With Ed Reed, the Ravens play defense with about 13 players.

Players lead in so many different ways. Some lead through words. Some lead through their play. Some lead through their preparation. Adrian Peterson is one of the Vikings leaders. His unbelievable talent draws his teammates respect and awe. He has become more vocal. His work ethic brings out his natural talent even more. I'm not sure if he will ever wear the "C". I'm sure that everyone around the Vikings want Christian Ponder to grab it and never let go. He has to earn it. Then his teammates will follow.