2006 Offseason - Lovie Smith Leadership Seminar

On monday I got to see Lovie Smith speak at a motivational seminar. It was AWESOME.

I thought he was going to talk about professionalism/business and other bullshit, but instead he talked the whole time about da bears, and football. It was really cool. He got the whole arena so pumped up. People were screaming and going crazy over this guy. He was pimpin with 8 bodyguards.

He talked breifly about the draft and how excited he is about the athletes he obtained, and promises the people of chicago that this year will be an incredible one.

He didn't go into too much detail...but it seems they have some sort of scheme or group of schemes to utilize many of their draft picks (and other players) in new and surprising ways.

I'm not going to lie...I was pretty damn excited when he came out and got up on stage. So much so that I basically remember every damn word he said cause I was almost embarassingly focused on what he was saying.

So...I have a message that I think should be passed along to those of you that are, like me, die hard bears fans. Just because you werent there to hear it from the mouth of Lovie, doesnt make it less important to hear.

Below is (almost) an exact quote from Lovie...enjoy.

After talking about all of this years goals and strategies and specific games and players....He said "This may seem cliche and something that any coach would say when speaking in his home town, even just to get a reaction, but I'm telling you that when I say it right now, it is one of the most significant and true statements I can make: and happens to also be THE most valuable asset that the bears have.

There is something ABSOLUTELY special about Chicago Bears fans. It is incredible! (huge applause) There is something happening here that is unbeleivable. In all my years as a coach and all my experiences in football with other teams, I have not ever experienced what I experience here on a day to day basis. (applause...slowly dies down, one person screams "LOVIE I LOVE YOU") Lovie says, "you see what I mean...hehe... Fans do not understand the impact that their attitude has on a team. You people, the FANS, were what got us all the way to the superbowl last year. (massive applause) There is no doubt about that. And we know we let you down. ("Its ok LOVIE" someone yells)

But we have grown...we are better, much better...and I think that everyone can feel that. ("screaming") There is a lot of excitement at camp right now. This year, with your help, we cannot be diverted from our goal. We WILL be back at the superbowl...(cheering) and we will keep on going there until we bring home the lombardi trophy...bring it home to Chicago. (standing O) All the talk about the team that loses the superbowl not even making the playoffs the following year...let me tell you...the bears are not a team that will fall in that category. The bears will be mentioned with those teams that lost a superbowl and then came back the next year and won it...without question...deserved it. (screaming) And the fans will be the reason why. (standing O) On behalf of all of the players, the coaching staff, the organization, and most of all myself...I want to thank you for showing more than just your support, for showing your passion for this team and for this game. It transcends to everyone that is a part of it...it makes us all rise to a level we could have never reached without it. I am so proud to be a part of this city and a part of this team. You, the fans, drive us to work our hardest everyday, and with your support...its so easy to be successful...your an intangible weapon that has no defense. I have such confidence in our team's capability...the players are strong, the coaches are amazing...but with the fans...that confidence turns into conviction...certainty...an undeniable faith that this team CANNOT fail. Thank you all so much."

dudes...it was awesome. I cant tell you how exciting it was to hear how excited HE was. This year...at the very least...will be interesting. I think with Smith at the helm, that is something we can definitly count on. Any thoughts?

DLP