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Michael Brookers played defensive line in the NFL for 11 seasons, mostly for the Rams, from 2012 to 2022. These are his three best leaders.
Sean McVay, Rams head coach
He had the ability to go down on our level.
A lot of coaches have egos with them, but I felt like he was able to meet us where we were. It wasn’t a power trip for him. It was more: What can we all do together to be successful?
I thought it was a good trait to have as a coach.
Many great coaches have this audacity about them. My way or the highway. But Coach McVay’s emphasis was on accountability. He wanted to create a stand-alone culture so he wouldn’t work alone.
In his system, he wanted all the leaders in the group to be able to hold themselves accountable. That’s what he did with the Rams.
He blamed himself. We played a game where the offense didn’t work. He shows up at a team meeting and the first thing he does is screw things up.
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a coach hold himself accountable. Great leaders always refer their leaders to themselves.
This NFL player believes ownership is critical to leadership.
Ellis Devlin
Aaron Donald, Rams defense
He didn’t even try to lead. It was all about his own work ethic and his motivation.
He led by example, and that’s what I love about AD.
I haven’t told many men. Come follow me.. He just went and did it. I guess he made everyone feel bad. It was like this. How the best defense in the world lowers itself and does more work and I go homely?
That made everyone better.
This was the moment that hit me personally. We played in the 2018 Super Bowl and lost to the New England Patriots. I called him two weeks after the game. Usually guys take a month off after the season and get right back into it.
But I called him and he was like this. Hey man, I gotta get off the phone. I have exercise.
I like: What are you doing bro?!
He is like: No, I have to improve. When it’s time to chill, I feel like there’s someone better than me. I have to do something to get better.
That really resonated with me.
Chris Long, Rams defensive end
He was the leader of the boys.
He was the one clearing the table for beer pong. He was the one who eased the pressure.
Everything in the NFL is based on performance. But when you walk into the defensive line’s meeting room, you know it’s going to be fun and games because of him.
We weren’t the best team during those years in St. Louis, but I still love to work because of him.
– As told to Jason Jenck.