Chiefs Chiefs’ Haley is fond of the motivational game

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-06-2011, 03:15 AM

Chiefs’ Haley is fond of the motivational game
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star

Walk around the Chiefs indoor practice facility for a bit, and you’ll undoubtedly come across little pieces of coach Todd Haley’s past.

His favorite motivational quotes and mottos, cobbled together from all his years of coaching, are all over the place. For his players, there’s no escaping it. Whenever they enter and exit the locker room, they are greeted by two gigantic signs in the hallway. One sign is infamous: “Losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players.” The other simply reads: “Never confuse routine with commitment.”

Heady stuff, indeed. But this is really just the tip of the iceberg, because Haley knows no bounds when it comes to motivating players through catchy quotes and mottos.

Just ask veteran center Casey Wiegmann. A few stalls down from Wiegmann’s is the locker of rookie safety Eric Berry, which features a prominently displayed paper sign that reads: “Casey says, ‘Don’t Believe the Hype.’ ” Wiegmann’s mugshot is underneath it followed by the words: “Just get a little better every day of practice this week.”

It was something Wiegmann insists he had nothing to do with. But he sure as heck knew where it came from.

“That’s a Haley thing,” Wiegmann, the 15-year veteran, said with a sly grin. “They were on everybody’s locker after we were 3-0. … And he put those up in everybody’s locker with a quote I didn’t say.”

And why would he do that?

“I don’t know,” said Wiegmann, who, being a shy guy and all, fights the urge to tear down the sign in Berry’s locker everyday. “It’s just one of his things.”

Welcome to Haleyisms 101. But while this course may appear to feature a demanding teacher, players say it all just comes with the territory of playing football, an incredibly macho sport that naturally lends itself to quotes that speak to teamwork, courage and hard work — even if the themes become repetitive.

“It’s almost like there’s a (quote) handbook you get when you’re a coach,” joked center Rudy Niswanger, who is in his fifth NFL season. “Every one of them has their favorite stuff (to say).”

Which leads to the obvious question: Can this stuff really hit home with grown men, all of whom have their own ideas about how to live life both on the football field and off?

For the answer, let’s start with boisterous defensive tackle Shaun Smith, a six-year veteran who can often be heard three counties away.

“It depends on who you talk to — I’m going to keep it honest with you,” Smith said. “But for the most part, it does help because it lets your team know what you stand for.”

Receiver Terrance Copper, a seven-year veteran, agreed. And he proved it, because when asked for his favorite Haleyism, he didn’t miss a beat.

“The one on the board over there, about reputation and your character and stuff,” Copper said, pointing to his left. “It just reminds you it’s not about what people think you are. It’s what you are. That’s more than just something to live by, footballwise. That’s something to remember in your life.”

But for all the positive things Copper and Smith — and other Chiefs, too — said about the subject, when asked if his favorite quotes were getting through to his players, Haley admitted Wednesday he wasn’t sure. The only thing to suggest they were is the team’s success this year, something Haley would like see to continue into the playoffs.

And, as a few players were quick to point out, motivational quotes and mottos may be able to help you make it through the grind of the regular season, but they’ll only take you so far in January.

“He’s not talking out the side of his mouth — what he’s saying and trying to get through to us, it all makes sense,” said running back Jackie Battle. “But we’ve accomplished our goal of winning the AFC West and now we’re in the playoffs, so that’s enough motivation as it is.”

01-06-2011, 03:30 AM

Good grief. Really? Signs?

Chief Pote · 01-06-2011, 05:08 AM

All leaders in the world(of whatever they are in charge of leading) try to find the right way. It's his way right now. Running that football team doesn't allow him to build trust in his methods over the "long" haul. He better win fast and show results or he'll be in the unemployment line soon. Ask Mike Singletary.

**dannybcaitlyn** · 01-06-2011, 06:36 AM

"Here's your Sign"

01-06-2011, 06:44 AM

To be clear, I don't have a problem with signs or motivational sayings....

I have a problem with newspaper articles about signs.

Kerberos · 01-06-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

Good grief. Really? Signs?

Signs, signs .. everywhere there's signs.

Do This, DON'T DO THAT.....

CAN'T YOU READ THE SIGN?

Marcellus · 01-06-2011, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefPote

All leaders in the world(of whatever they are in charge of leading) try to find the right way. It's his way right now. Running that football team doesn't allow him to build trust in his methods over the "long" haul. He better win fast and show results or he'll be in the unemployment line soon. Ask Mike Singletary.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 01-06-2011, 07:19 AM

It's because he's insecure, a fraud and he'll soon face failure/ JW

**the Talking Can** · 01-06-2011, 07:19 AM

i'd just put posters of naked chicks on trans ams everywhere....we'd probably finish last like Denver...

**TinyEvel** · 01-06-2011, 09:54 AM

"If morale doesn't improve, the beatings will resume."

Extra Point · 01-06-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

i'd just put posters of naked chicks on trans ams everywhere....we'd probably finish last like Denver...

Next season, under a pic of Elway:

"...and the horse you rode in on"

01-06-2011, 03:15 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3077187	Chiefs’ Haley is fond of the motivational game Chiefs’ Haley is fond of the motivational game By TEREZ A. PAYLOR The Kansas City Star Walk around the Chiefs indoor practice facility for a bit, and you’ll undoubtedly come across little pieces of coach Todd Haley’s past. His favorite motivational quotes and mottos, cobbled together from all his years of coaching, are all over the place. For his players, there’s no escaping it. Whenever they enter and exit the locker room, they are greeted by two gigantic signs in the hallway. One sign is infamous: “Losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players.” The other simply reads: “Never confuse routine with commitment.” Heady stuff, indeed. But this is really just the tip of the iceberg, because Haley knows no bounds when it comes to motivating players through catchy quotes and mottos. Just ask veteran center Casey Wiegmann. A few stalls down from Wiegmann’s is the locker of rookie safety Eric Berry, which features a prominently displayed paper sign that reads: “Casey says, ‘Don’t Believe the Hype.’ ” Wiegmann’s mugshot is underneath it followed by the words: “Just get a little better every day of practice this week.” It was something Wiegmann insists he had nothing to do with. But he sure as heck knew where it came from. “That’s a Haley thing,” Wiegmann, the 15-year veteran, said with a sly grin. “They were on everybody’s locker after we were 3-0. … And he put those up in everybody’s locker with a quote I didn’t say.” And why would he do that? “I don’t know,” said Wiegmann, who, being a shy guy and all, fights the urge to tear down the sign in Berry’s locker everyday. “It’s just one of his things.” Welcome to Haleyisms 101. But while this course may appear to feature a demanding teacher, players say it all just comes with the territory of playing football, an incredibly macho sport that naturally lends itself to quotes that speak to teamwork, courage and hard work — even if the themes become repetitive. “It’s almost like there’s a (quote) handbook you get when you’re a coach,” joked center Rudy Niswanger, who is in his fifth NFL season. “Every one of them has their favorite stuff (to say).” Which leads to the obvious question: Can this stuff really hit home with grown men, all of whom have their own ideas about how to live life both on the football field and off? For the answer, let’s start with boisterous defensive tackle Shaun Smith, a six-year veteran who can often be heard three counties away. “It depends on who you talk to — I’m going to keep it honest with you,” Smith said. “But for the most part, it does help because it lets your team know what you stand for.” Receiver Terrance Copper, a seven-year veteran, agreed. And he proved it, because when asked for his favorite Haleyism, he didn’t miss a beat. “The one on the board over there, about reputation and your character and stuff,” Copper said, pointing to his left. “It just reminds you it’s not about what people think you are. It’s what you are. That’s more than just something to live by, footballwise. That’s something to remember in your life.” But for all the positive things Copper and Smith — and other Chiefs, too — said about the subject, when asked if his favorite quotes were getting through to his players, Haley admitted Wednesday he wasn’t sure. The only thing to suggest they were is the team’s success this year, something Haley would like see to continue into the playoffs. And, as a few players were quick to point out, motivational quotes and mottos may be able to help you make it through the grind of the regular season, but they’ll only take you so far in January. “He’s not talking out the side of his mouth — what he’s saying and trying to get through to us, it all makes sense,” said running back Jackie Battle. “But we’ve accomplished our goal of winning the AFC West and now we’re in the playoffs, so that’s enough motivation as it is.”
Posts: 43,463

01-06-2011, 03:30 AM	#2
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	Good grief. Really? Signs?
Posts: n/a

01-06-2011, 05:08 AM	#3
Chief Pote Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Undercover..... Casino cash: $6852638	All leaders in the world(of whatever they are in charge of leading) try to find the right way. It's his way right now. Running that football team doesn't allow him to build trust in his methods over the "long" haul. He better win fast and show results or he'll be in the unemployment line soon. Ask Mike Singletary.
Posts: 3,649

01-06-2011, 06:36 AM	#4
dannybcaitlyn Supporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Casino cash: $3184000	"Here's your Sign"
Posts: 7,713

01-06-2011, 06:44 AM	#5
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	To be clear, I don't have a problem with signs or motivational sayings.... I have a problem with newspaper articles about signs.
Posts: n/a

01-06-2011, 07:19 AM	#8
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1579523	It's because he's insecure, a fraud and he'll soon face failure/ JW
Posts: 40,649

01-06-2011, 07:19 AM	#9
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9092208	i'd just put posters of naked chicks on trans ams everywhere....we'd probably finish last like Denver... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

01-06-2011, 09:54 AM	#10
TinyEvel Just a li'l Evel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bald. Goatee. Jorts. Casino cash: $2219601	"If morale doesn't improve, the beatings will resume."
Posts: 12,325