First, let’s go “old school.” Julius Erving (Dr. J). In the 1975/76 season, the ABA was going bankrupt. The following season, four of its teams were absorbed into the NBA. The NBA’s dirty little secret was that it, too, was experiencing financial hardships that threatened its existence. Four ABA teams merging into the NBA gave the new look league a slight boost. But the real boost came when the NBA made the former ABA legend the face of the league. Julius Erving, who became a member of the 76ers, understood why, when his team traveled to Cleveland, Detroit, and other cities that typically drew five thousand a game, the house was packed. He understood that, within those crowds sat many who scrimped and saved to afford a ticket to watch the incredible Dr. J play basketball. So, Julius Erving, unlike Lebron James and many of today’s NBAers, wouldn’t dare sit out a game. He was the face of a sport, an honor that he wore with grace and dignity.
Now for a little “new school.” Tom Brady. I can’t help but to admire someone whose commitment to his team, personal improvement, and winning, borders on psychopathy. Brady understood the concept that most games are lost, and that if you play all sixty minutes with unmatched ferocity and apply enough pressure, there will come a point when you force the mistake that tips the scale in your favor. It may not have always produced the desired result, but the effort was never absent. Brady brought linebacker intensity to a position known more for poise and intelligence. His superpower was that he had both: crazed intensity and intelligence.
Michael's Corner 
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