http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview06/columns/story?columnist=smith_michael&id=2564252
Every team in the NFL, even the ones at the bottom, has great leaders. In fact, it was impossible to identify just one leader on each team. After talking to players around the league, team personnel and reporters who regularly cover the teams, I narrowed it down to the two or three leaders on each of the 32 NFL teams.
Also, in addition to identifying the leaders on each team, I also found one "glue" player. The glue guy might not be the most vocal or visible leader on the team. But he's the player who holds everything together. People outside the organization might not always recognize it, but the guys in the locker room know how important he is.
Here are the leaders and glue players for each NFC team:
NFC West
The Leaders
Edgerrin James: Brings his winning ways to the desert. Has a confidence, swagger and résumé that teammates respect.
Adrian Wilson: One of the longest-tenured Cardinals, showed his loyalty by signing a five-year extension two years ago rather than explore free agency.
Bertrand Berry: Self-made star made the Pro Bowl by collecting 14½ sacks in 2005, his first season in Arizona.
The Glue
Gerald Hayes: Tough, physical middle linebacker is respected throughout organization for his no-nonsense attitude and approach.
The Leaders
Bryant Young: Six-time winner of the Len Eshmont Award, the team's most prestigious honor, given to the player who best exemplifies courage and leadership.
Derek Smith: Linebacker is classic leader by example.
The Glue
Tony Parrish: Streak of 121 straight starts ended last season. Glue on defense from the safety spot.
The Leaders
Torry Holt: One of game's best receivers, a vocal leader who backs up his words with spectacular play.
Corey Chavous: Film junkie is like a coach on the field.
The Glue
La'Roi Glover: Picked up from Dallas in the offseason, already the leader of the defensive line. Teammates love him.
The Leaders
Matt Hasselbeck: Pro Bowl quarterback understands how to engage all his teammates. Vocal guy who also leads by example.
Lofa Tatupu: As a rookie stepped in at middle linebacker last year and took command of the defense.
The Glue
Robbie Tobeck: Center leads the offensive line.
..for the rest of the NFC check out the link.
Every team in the NFL, even the ones at the bottom, has great leaders. In fact, it was impossible to identify just one leader on each team. After talking to players around the league, team personnel and reporters who regularly cover the teams, I narrowed it down to the two or three leaders on each of the 32 NFL teams.
Also, in addition to identifying the leaders on each team, I also found one "glue" player. The glue guy might not be the most vocal or visible leader on the team. But he's the player who holds everything together. People outside the organization might not always recognize it, but the guys in the locker room know how important he is.
Here are the leaders and glue players for each NFC team:
NFC West
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The Leaders
Edgerrin James: Brings his winning ways to the desert. Has a confidence, swagger and résumé that teammates respect.
Adrian Wilson: One of the longest-tenured Cardinals, showed his loyalty by signing a five-year extension two years ago rather than explore free agency.
Bertrand Berry: Self-made star made the Pro Bowl by collecting 14½ sacks in 2005, his first season in Arizona.
The Glue
Gerald Hayes: Tough, physical middle linebacker is respected throughout organization for his no-nonsense attitude and approach.
You must be registered for see images attach
The Leaders
Bryant Young: Six-time winner of the Len Eshmont Award, the team's most prestigious honor, given to the player who best exemplifies courage and leadership.
Derek Smith: Linebacker is classic leader by example.
The Glue
Tony Parrish: Streak of 121 straight starts ended last season. Glue on defense from the safety spot.
You must be registered for see images attach
The Leaders
Torry Holt: One of game's best receivers, a vocal leader who backs up his words with spectacular play.
Corey Chavous: Film junkie is like a coach on the field.
The Glue
La'Roi Glover: Picked up from Dallas in the offseason, already the leader of the defensive line. Teammates love him.
You must be registered for see images attach
The Leaders
Matt Hasselbeck: Pro Bowl quarterback understands how to engage all his teammates. Vocal guy who also leads by example.
Lofa Tatupu: As a rookie stepped in at middle linebacker last year and took command of the defense.
The Glue
Robbie Tobeck: Center leads the offensive line.
..for the rest of the NFC check out the link.
