After the first week of organized team activities, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone sat down with ‘Pardon My Take’. He discussed topics relating to his football life, which includes his unmatched love of bologna, his favorite Kyle Orton story, and if Myles Jack was down or not.
Although all of these things were very interesting, some things Marrone mentioned were more notable than others. When asked to define grit, Marrone attributed it as being relentless, determined, and tough.
When asked how he identifies grit in free agents and rookies on the field, here is what he had to say:
“Are they guys that finish [plays], are they playing to the echo of the whistle. A lot of [identifying grit] is what I hear. Meaning I can hear grit without actually having to see it,” Marrone said. “Sometimes when we are in our 9-on-7 drills and the real physicality of this game, there will be a time which I can’t do during the season, where I’ll just close my eyes and listen.”
His process of having players that exemplify grit has helped Marrone be successful when taking over a new program. Marrone has helped Syracuse University, the Buffalo Bills, and the Jacksonville Jaguars all to winning seasons. Here’s his mindset on how he changed the culture at these franchises:
“My philosophy has always been to develop the person first before you develop the player,” Marrone said. “I want to be able to help them grow in any way I possibly can off the football field, whether it’s what they do in the community what they do in their family.”
“Because I do feel that that is a responsibility for us as coaches, not just wins and losses. Is that what were judged on? Absolutely, I get that part of it.”
Check out the rest of his interview, here.
