IT MUST BE THE SHOES...

I had my mind set to write about another topic that really deserves focus and I will get to that for sure, but after a noticeable act by Cam Newton, I must extol the virtues of leadership and to what lengths leaders go to make everyone feel valued.

Cam's shoes represent the names of all of his teammates; sole collector.com

Cam Newton has been the ultimate leader gaining the highest measure of respect from his teammates, including those on the defensive side. Typically the tacklers are reluctant to embrace the high profile playmakers as they get too much credit playing one of 22 positions, special teams notwithstanding. But Cam Newton has not only earned their respect but their command. How? By doing everything everyone said he couldn't do; lead men and play the Quarterback position at a high level in a non-traditional fashion. Let me translate it for you: He isn't smart enough to play Quarterback in the NFL. One by one, little by little, they are changing their minds and some are even admitting they were wrong. Quiet confidence against the backdrop of criticism is Cam's specialty for longer than the naysayers would admit. A typical college transgression was turned into a grand theft occurrence and used to justify that drafting him would be a big mistake. You've heard me say it often, the media can really be cruel when they don't want to see a player succeed or have a secret agenda. If you've followed the saga of Cam Newton you know exactly of that which I speak.

Cam Newton is a leader. A role model, an advocate for increasing the future fan base of the league. He is a student of the game and when told what it would take to be an elite player in the league he did what leaders do. He committed full tilt and all out. Spent time with his coaches, stayed in film study and work to make those around him better. But how much of that did the media share with you? Not as much as they could have because it would have been counterproductive to the mudslinging they have spewed since he came into the league. But Cam kept quiet and continued to invest in the team by setting example after example of what it means to be committed.

Cam has unified the offense and defense leading by example; Charlotte Observer

He brought both sides of the ball together for a common cause bigger than any player or any side of the ball. He yielded to his coaches without a murmur of objection, simply falling in line so the other players could follow suit. He galvanized a community with continual acts of kindness during holidays and moments that required immediate support. And to top it off, after the ill advised letter sent by a mom regarding her disdain for his end zone antics while giving Taylor Swift and other entertainment influencers a free pass, he has created a phenomena with kids lining up hoping to get a hand delivered football from Cam allowing them to celebrating touchdowns with him allowing them to feel even more a part of the franchise. The fines for his generosity of donated footballs has exceeded $200,000 and yet he shows no sign of slowing down the end zone act. He does this all the while having fun leading men successfully and consistently.

Think back to the big fracas between Odell Beckham, Jr and Josh Norman and it was Cam who joined in the calming waves of influence to settle the defensive back down and remind him the focus is on football and not bravado. That was vintage Cam and the number of stories are too many to list but rest assured Cam has been leading since high school onto junior college, at Auburn and now in the NFL.

How many kids now have an NFL Football for a pillow thanks to Cam? SB Nation

What motivates players? Leaders know and Cam knew in the biggest game of their current franchise history that focus should be on the team, not the matchup nor their respective positions. How far was he willing to go to make that point? Head to toe. With his brain by being prepared, putting in the work and making sure everyone was on the same page. With his body, sacrificing it for first downs and touchdowns. And with his feet running when a play broke down and before the game started by coming on the field with the name of every teammate on your cleats.

If I'm a teammate of Cam Newton's I immediately recognized that Superman knew he couldn't win it all without the team. And he put it in writing with custom made cleats. No matter what he did this past Sunday the shoes told you everything you need to know about Cam. His message was clear and his method was unmistakable. Leaders leave no doubt, and Cam didn't either as to the value of team.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

COACHING AND CRAYONS

I love the NFL almost as I love basketball but there are a few things that keep me from going all the way in. I think they are the best marketers, currently have the most popular product and cover all bases with respect to media and TV coverage. You can now watch an NFL game on Thursday, Saturday (mostly during the playoffs), Sunday and Monday. The NFL has their own network and the programming they've added in recent years including "A Football Life" and "NFL Timeline" are very good.

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What isn't very good is the hiring of Minority Coaches. With the latest coaching carousel that's taken place we once again see the lack of fairness in elevating Black Coaches and the subsequent hiring of Head Black Coaches. We've seen Lovie Smith unceremoniously shuttled from Tampa Bay after getting Jameis Winston settled into becoming a professional quarterback revealing his potential many thought was an illusion. The Buccaneers was admonished in and around the league as being unfair in the process having never proven they have a true plan in place for long term success again. With the hiring of Lovie many thought he was part of their long term plan, which we now see was an illusion. Pep Hamilton who was the play caller for the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck was let go in the middle of the season as if his previous double digit win seasons with Luck never existed. Add to that his Pro-Bowl QB Luck had a season ending injury missing more than half the games, and it begs to questions what is fair and equitable when it comes to Black Coaches.

Cleveland.com

And now the current hirings are coming in like poll results and the returns aren't favorable for Coaches of Color, Hue Jackson notwithstanding. Hue got hired and deservedly so. But why was Hue ever fired in Oakland in the first place with an 8-8 record and eliminating their penchant for losing seasons. Why wasn't that enough without using the last four games as a catalyst for a need to change? You tell me because the same thing happened to Lovie in Chicago and what have they done since he left playoff wise? And now Chip Kelly who imploded the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization gets hired again by the San Francisco 49ers having entered the league as a head coach without any coaching experience in the NFL nor a national championship at the collegiate level. And it was announced this past weekend that Mike Mularkey, who hast won anywhere he's been a Head Coach in the NFL, gets yet another chance to succeed when others haven't been given their first. Meanwhile qualified Coaches of Color still watch and wait going through the Rooney Rule process which is more akin to an exercise in futility at times. Former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards called the Rooney Rule dangerous in some respects saying the effects of the mandated interviewing of minority coaches makes some owner say "He's been interviewed 3 years in a row and no one else has hired him so why should we." And we wonder did they interview him to consider him a head coach or to say we're being compliant? Statistics would say the latter. What happens when the Rooney Rule works? You get Mike Tomlin, Marvin Lewis and you also get success. Say what you want about the Cincinnati Bengals, but they can be proud of what they've done with Marvin, Leslie Frazier, Hue Jackson, Van Joseph, Jay and John Hayes and the Minority Coaches Internship. Three of their Black head coaches have left to become coordinators or Head Coaches.

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I wish the owners of the NFL looked at hiring coaches like a box of crayons. The more colors you have the more versatility you have in creating a masterpiece. Judging by some the poor performances shown year in and and year out by some teams (with losing records) you would think they'd open up their minds to hiring someone who doesn't look like them, think like them and exclusively relate to them. Even the uniforms in the league are an assortment of colors from the bland Chicago Bears uniforms of yesteryear to the mustard color uniforms of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a wide array of colors are everywhere in the NFL with the exception of the Head Coaching ranks. I will add one side note: I'm proud to be in a division where 3 of the 4 Head Coaches are now black with Tomlin, Lewis and Jackson. Too bad the league can't follow the AFC North. I mean after all that's where the best football is played and programs are made. Hue Jackson will confirm this in 2-3 years without a doubt. There are 8 Super Bowl Championships in the division and many more Super Bowl appearances in the AFC North, not bad huh?

So how do we cure the current dilemma for Coaches of Color? Look at your Coaches specifically Head Coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and put them in a crayon box. How many colors do you have? Can't color a masterpiece with one color crayon. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

PORTER POTTY

I have read; and listened; and yes I have even debated and dialogued about one of the the most talked about playoff games in Bengal history. And arguably in recent NFL history but probably less about the game itself and more about everything surrounding the game. I've always thought to keep my blogs readable to the average person that may border on ADD like me but I have to admit this one may be a tad bit longer as I aim to teach the City of Cincinnati how to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers,  apologies notwithstanding to my Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Brother Mike Tomlin'.

Steelersgab.com

Keep my name out yo' mouth! He has been vilified yet he's not the villain. People were clamoring for his ouster saying the league should consider his behavior exigent. He has caused Cincinnatians to feel repugnant for all things Pittsburgh, yet Joey Porter never played a down this past Saturday or two Sundays ago. In my youth growing up in Avondale and seeing the street game unfiltered on Rockdale and Burnet, Rockdale and Reading and several other local intersections, it always lead with the basic premise, he who controls the mind controls the action. If you don't like what I'm doing step off; if you're not down with me, later. If you're not on board, no biggie. But, Keep my name out yo' mouth! Translation: Do you; mind your own business; focus on what you want.

For all the alleged talent, coaching and knowledgeable people I know in and around football in this town, I am amazed at how effective Joey Porter was over a 3 week period in riling up Bengal Nation. For me it was embarrassing to watch such an obvious street strategy permeate the Jungle and beyond to the point of continued loss of focus. We previously fell for the banana in the tailpipe in week 14 and the players said post game the days after we realize we fell into the trap and got away from playing football. If we play them again we know what to do. But you didn't do it...

"If you can keep your head when all around you, are losing theirs and blaming it on Joey Porter, err you..." my apologies to Rudyard Kipling but I hope the point is starting to come into focus. You showed disdain for his supporting role in the touchdown dance at the expense of A.J. McCarron the last time we played, confirming that his actions rankle yours; and as if you were running low on hate for Porter he gives you enough fuel this past Saturday to ensure it will be there for their first encounter next season.

Don't hate the player, hate the game. For those that don't know, the rules were in place before Joey Porter arrived on the scene on how to manipulate the mind. So while he leveraged it beautifully, you didn't have to dance when the music was played. Several years ago I modified the quote to say "Don't hate the player, don't hate the game; hate that you got in it." Because when you get in the head game and can't control your emotions you lose. You'll always lose plain and simple.

"I can't control what you say but I can control how I respond", is a quote used in a training I do called Connecting With Others by Ralph Brandt based on treatment and response. It simply shines the light on how we, once we're engaged, have to take responsibility for our own actions and not those of others. Our actions were without control throughout the game especially at the end of the game when Joey Porter, aka Dark Vader, Potty Mouth P, Captain Piss Me Off or whatever colorful name you gave him stepped on the field minus his Pimp Cup (Translation: Diamond encrusted Chalis) but with mental game in tow. And he needed some victims. Some weak mind-in-the-moment players to drop game on and ruffle their feathers. He found a couple and they found didn't find the yellow brick road but the yellow flag allowing Joey Porter in his Bishop Don Juan voice to say "Give me them 15 yards beee-yatch!" Now let me get back over here and kick it with my fellas.

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I've heard the media, coaches, fans and players spew Joey Porter's name across every available blog, TV, paper, social media thread and bar over the last three days causing us to perhaps miss some great events  in the process. Media; I get it because ratings are driven by controversy most times. Fans certainly have shown that football is life with their hatred and ill feelings toward the Black and Yellow and Porter. But players and coaches? That is not supposed to happen. Stay focused, laugh at Joey and say "No way Jose'." We all remember that quote and life lesson at some point which is "You can't argue by yourself." But when you get an audience...

When I heard a coaches comments about Porter being an embarrassment to the coaching profession I realized the effects of his strategy went further than I thought possible. Win, lose or draw I would never let his name role off my tongue giving credence to the fact he's being thought of if at all. Thank goodness Coach Lewis knows that simple fact. I remember when people made me mad, upset and my mentor would say you know you're the only one upset because they're all somewhere enjoying life while you're upset and out of sorts. Yep; I changed that and the Bengals have to as well. While we're raising hell, starting petitions, blaming the refs and cursing Joey Porter and the Steelers, they're sitting back eating a nice meal, having a beer and preparing to play the Broncos. It doesn't matter if they lose because they weren't supposed to be in the playoffs and have now advanced to the second round. We were not only supposed to be in the playoffs but potentially get to the Super Bowl.

So Cincinnati Bengals; Bengal Fans; Bengal media, may I offer one last piece of advice? Joey Porter is not our problem, we are. We fumbled 5 times and lost 3, one late in the game. We were accused of targeting a defenseless receiver with a player who will never get the benefit of the doubt; we run into the tunnel after an interception with time still left on the clock as if we had already won the game (fortunately we got no excessive celebration penalty) showing our immaturity. We had 8 penalties for 79 yards 30 of them at the end of the game which ultimately sealed our fate and elevated our acrimonious feelings toward Joey Porter and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the process.

Readjack.wordpress.com

No Pittsburgh didn't do any of the aforementioned egregious acts, honestly we did and that's a shame. We are the better team but the Steelers played the better game. Like the Detroit Pistons bullied Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, we have been bullied by a team that has a PhD in bullying and we tried to mimic that. We aren't bullies; we are a highly talented, athletic, deep at every position team, with the best roster in the NFL according to most pundits and we didn't remember that at the end of the game. The only way the bully can beat you, knowing he doesn't have the talent, is to lure you into a fight. It starts happening around grade school and once you figure it out the bully becomes your servant.

Cincinnati today we should have a funeral for the antics of Joey Porter and give birth to a renewed focus on all things Cincinnati Bengals. One thing I love about Coach Lewis is he only talks about the Bengals and Bengal players in the moment. He knows you don't give the opponent the time of day, but your best effort. I am very confident next year the Steelers will not only get our best effort but one that doesn't involve mentioning...what's his name? I forgot already. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

NFL COACH SPEAK

The end of the season always brings anticipation, surprises and disbelief in the coaching ranks. Probably the most under appreciated job in America is that of being a coach. Fans clamor for change irrespective of the circumstances; owners in haste to build faster slow down the process with coaching changes and rebuilding; players revolt and blame lack of professionalism on the head coach and in the end those who should take responsibility rarely do.

Mike Pettine CBSSports

I offer several points of reference in Cleveland and Philadelphia. The Browns have had more coaches than Cleveland native Halle Berry has had men in the same time period, too many (Laugh a little this year). I thought Mike Pettine was a solid and tough coach dealing with a makeshift team, beset by injuries to some of their key players including Pro-Bowl Corner Joe Haden and no real quarterback as evidenced by the unreliability of Johnny Football aka Johnny Manziel. Was there ever a clear strategy or picture as to who the Browns were becoming or wanted to be? That wasn't the head coaches job and clearly the owner hasn't identified that and begun the execution portion of the plan. A man who has built up a successful enterprise should know growth is fueled by time, patience and evaluation. Patience is sorely lacking in this case as the Browns are starting over again and to the Browns Fans I say salute! You are the most loyal fans I think I've ever seen.

Jeffrey Lurie Philly.com

Jeffrey Lurie the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles did the unthinkable and gave the store, bank account and employees to an unexperienced leader. Can you imagine walking into your job telling the CEO I need to be promoted and given the entire budget and final say on our department effective immediately. Yeah you would be packing your personal items shortly thereafter. Whatever Chip Kelly told Lurie upon his arrival and subsequently the following year to gain complete control should be published in book form and titled, "How to gain power without earning it." Congrats to Kelly because If I ever run for office I have my hype man.

And just when you thought the media was 100% accurate I'm sorry to disappoint you and say Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano, rumored to be on his coaching death bed signed a four year deal last night meaning he's not going anywhere. The old "sources say" mantra the media uses when they don't know for sure slapped them in the face last night as they were already talking about his replacement, blah blah blah. Please know, no one in the media knows for sure even if they have a good idea. Things can change and they don't have to be informed.

YouTube

And then coaches that stay have some fans calling foul when the reality is there are only so many good coaches and quarterback combinations that will ever exist at one time. But the mere thought of enjoying your team's success has been overridden by the fact your team isn't doing enough to win, when in reality they are. You ca't buy a title although some say the Redskins finally brought a playoff spot, but at what cost? The Cowboys have spent money repeatedly and haven't come close to a Super Bowl appearance. My point is when you look at the big picture and the opportunities that are available in the NFL, if your team is winning and competing enjoy it. Yes expect more; always expect more. But remember it could be worse, much worse. Like Jacksonville worse; 49ers worse; Chicago Bears Worse. Yeah you say so what! We still should fire our coach. And to that I say remember firing one coach and bringing in another doesn't guarantee improvement, just change.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller