Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes emphasizes that talent alone is not enough to make a great NFL player. In a recent interview with Local 4 News in Detroit, Holmes reiterated that it’s the intangible qualities of a player that truly set them apart.
“Talent is easy to identify, it’s easy to find,” Holmes said. “This guy’s big and he’s strong. Okay, I get that, all these other hundreds and thousands are big and strong too. But who has the makeup and drive and determination and competitiveness and passion for the game that we’re looking for?”
Holmes stressed that it’s not just about physical ability, but about a player’s mental toughness, determination, and passion for the game. He believes that these intangible qualities are what separate great players from average ones.
“It’s not just about how much talent you have, it’s about how much determination, how you’re gonna face adversity,” Holmes said. “Are you gonna sink down in a hole? Are you gonna just rise to the occasion? And do you have the mental toughness and mental fortitude to do that?”
The Lions have made it a priority to find players who fit their specific template, which includes these intangible qualities. Holmes believes that this approach has been key to the team’s progress and success.
